166. Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail You

Why practice is the key to success.

If there’s anyone who knows about performing under pressure, it’s former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck. Whether playing in front of thousands or presenting to ten, his key to success is practice.

"There's a romantic notion that you rise to the occasion," says Luck, a Stanford graduate and four-time Pro Bowl selection. "But I think you settle to the level of your training. We practiced those high-pressure situations all the time.” From calling critical game-winning plays to navigating communication off the field, our performance in high-stakes situations, Luck maintains, is determined by our level of preparation.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Luck and host Matt Abrahams explore how deliberate practice can help us hone our performance across all domains of our lives. From managing high-pressure situations to building psychological safety in homes and workplaces, Luck shares insights gained from both sides of the field — as a player and now as a coach.

Episode Reference Links:

• Andrew Luck
• Ep.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication

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Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:09) - Communication in High-Stress Situations
• (03:19) - Staying Calm Under Pressure
• (05:49) - Earning Leadership Through Respect
• (07:12) - Overcoming Conflict Aversion
• (08:19) - Decision to Retire from the NFL
• (10:26) - Returning to Education
• (12:04) - Life Lessons Through Coaching
• (14:25) - The Final Three Questions
• (17:33) - Conclusion