How Positivity Fueled Trea Turner's Success

How a City Built a Player Up and Saw Everyone Win

If you, like me, are watching the 2023 MLB Playoffs, you might see a perennial star, Trea Turner, shining yet again as the Phillies look to continue to advance toward their goal of winning the World Series. Trea Turner scorched the Braves in the 2023 NLDS going 8 for 17 (.471 avg) helping lead the Phillies to a series win and a trip to the NLCS against the Diamondbacks.

It is unbelievable to think that just a few months ago, Trea Turner was on the verge of being one of the biggest bust signings for the Phillies this season, getting booed in a city that is known for its fans making their voices heard.

Up through August 4th of this year, Trea was having one of his worst seasons as a professional, hitting .236 with just 10 home runs through the teams first 108 games. After a particularly bad outing against Miami, one Philadelphia radio host had a radical idea: instead of bringing him down, why don't we root as hard as we possibly can for Trea and show him that Philadelphia has his back?

Heading into the following series against the Kansas City Royals, Trea received a standing ovation before every at bat. Almost immediately, the results began to appear. On August 5th, Trea hit a massive 3-run home run that sent Philly fans wild, and he hasn't looked back since.

Since that fateful shift in mindset and positive uproar of support, Trea has hit .337 in 47 games with 16 regular season home runs, and has Philadelphia knocking on the door of another World Series opportunity.

So, what changed here?

The Power of Positivity to Fuel Success

Turner himself attributes this resurrection to the power of positivity - both from fans uplifting him and his own renewed mindset. Sports psychology backs this up. When harnessed right, positivity transforms performance.

“Playing better, feeling better, it's been more normal and it definitely translated on the field,” Turner said. “And you know, [the ovations] kickstarted it so, good month, keep it rolling and just keep that same feeling that I had for the 26-or-so days and making those adjustments and competing and having fun.”

Research shows positivity affects success through multiple mechanisms:

• Happy people see more possibilities and think more creatively to solve problems. Negative moods narrow focus.
• Optimism boosts motivation and perseverance. Pessimism drains effort and increases doubt.
• Positive teams cooperate and communicate better. Negative groups breed conflict and isolation.
• Confidence from past wins improves performance on future challenges. Early failures sap confidence.
• Emotions are contagious. The positive energy of leaders and teammates lifts everyone up.

In high-pressure fields like professional sports, positivity gives a proven edge. By having a positive outpouring of support, Trea was able to overcome some of the past challenges and focus on the future. The city not only lifted his spirits, but his teammates got in on the action as well!

Collective Belief Can Change Everything

The power of collective belief isn't new. According to the Pygmalion Effect, a psychological principle, elevated expectations from others can dramatically improve individual performance. Neurologically, the crowd's enthusiasm for Trea released a flood of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and adrenaline, known for enhancing focus, determination, and performance. While I am sure that there were other factors from his coaches at play, studies show that collective belief and support can go a long way in changing our mindset and how we approach a situation, knowing that we have the support, love, and respect of our peers, teammates, or fans behind us.

How Belief Fuels Professional Success

The transformative power of collective belief isn't limited to sports. Trea's experience is a teaching moment for every fabric of human endeavor. Organizations, for instance, have witnessed massive turnarounds when employees feel trusted and believed in by their leadership. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management, 67% of employees who feel valued at their workplace hold a positive view about their job or professional situation.

So when we have challenges in work or at home, remember that a shift in approach and a change in mindset can be the difference for everyone.

Be Someone's Standing Ovation

We all have the power to be someone's standing ovation, the catalyst that sparks their miraculous turnaround. The next time you see someone struggling—be it in sports, work, or life—stand up, both literally and metaphorically, and believe in them. Because your belief could be the boost they've been waiting for, the difference between their continued struggle and newfound success.