Why the “winner effect” is fascinating
The concept of the winner effect refers to the finding that when we experience wins and success, it actually physiologically primes us to achieve more success. It’s a fascinating phenomenon that plays out across various domains of life.
How it applies in various areas of life
We can see evidence of the winner effect virtually everywhere – in competitive sports, business, wealth accumulation, dating and relationships. Winning triggers elevated testosterone, dopamine and confidence, which makes continued winning more likely.
The Science Behind the Winner Effect
The mouse experiment
There was a study conducted on mice in which Mouse A was pitted against Mouse B in fights over territory. Mouse B was drugged so Mouse A easily won. In subsequent fights without drugs, Mouse A continued to beat Mouse B despite not having an obvious physical advantage.
What happens to winners physiologically
Winners experience a biochemical change – increased testosterone, confidence chemicals like dopamine and changes in cognitive faculties actually make continued winning more likely long after initial victories.
Why it creates a vicious cycle
Success builds on itself. The more wins, the more confidence is built, and the more likely winning becomes, triggering an upward spiral. This works in reverse as well – losses accumulate into a downward spiral.
Seeing the Winner Effect in Various Domains
In wealth and business
We see evidence of the winner effect in wealth accumulation – the richer tend to get richer, as more opportunities, connections and confidence build on itself. Entrepreneurs experience the same – early wins beget attracting talent, funding and more wins.
In sports and competition
Even fans experience a testosterone boost when their team wins. And athletes demonstrate continued competitive dominance after early victories in their careers compound over time.
In dating and relationships
The winner effect plays out in dating – the more interest and options someone has, the more attractive they tend to become. Pre-selection builds on itself and can create an upward spiral.
It’s All About Perception
Our interpretation drives the impact
What determines whether we experience something as a win or a loss is ultimately subjective. Our interpretation of results is what drives the impact it has. Two people can have the same experience but internalize it differently.
Recognizing our cognitive biases
Humans tend to discount our own wins and accomplishments. Being aware of this tendency, as well as confirmation bias and negativity bias, allows us to interpret events more objectively.
Tapping Into the Upward Spiral
Celebrating wins (even small ones)
Intentionally acknowledging and celebrating achievements – even tiny ones – can begin to build momentum. Tracking progress and giving effort-based praise is preferable to empty praise about talent.
Developing grit and tenacity
Over long time horizons, those who stick it out reap compounding returns. Grit and tenacity separate those who enjoy long-term success from early quitters.
Trusting in your word
Trusting your word and keeping commitments builds self-efficacy. Discipline creates confidence. Do hard things and stick to your goals.
Adjusting expectations
Often our interpretation of results being “good” or “bad” comes down to unreasonable expectations. Adjusting those allows more accurate assessment.
Visualization and mental rehearsal
Visualizing future success builds neural pathways in the brain, creating real certainty and confidence. This allows us to see possibility and opportunity that enables real-world results.
Key Takeaways
The critical importance of mindset
How we interpret events and results is crucial – mindset drives the impact of real-world outcomes more than the outcomes themselves.
How to shape your own reality
We can tap into virtuous cycles and the winner effect deliberately with visualization, celebrating wins, doing hard things and more.
Getting on the upward spiral
It comes down to momentum – are you feeding an upward or downward spiral? Regardless of past results, you can get on the upward track starting now.