Every day should be started with two simple words – “Curtain up!” Not because we’re being less than genuine or sincere, but because if we approach life as a daily performance we’ll work harder at being effective. Here’s an example – since I started working on this website and the upcoming CorpLite TV workshops, I realized that while my work performance has done well, I’ve not physically positioned myself to succeed. I eat a lot of junk food, and drink a lot of soda, and spend way too much time sitting while I work. Therefore, I decided to learn to eat healthier foods, drink less soda, and exercise three times a week. Not crazy goals, but something realistic that will make me feel better and help me hone my performance. Three things that, I think, will make a big difference.
What about you? What are you doing to create peak performance? If you need some motivation to perform at a higher level, here are a few thoughts:
1) Assess your key performance needs. Too often we spend a lot of time helping others around us and neglect our own performance. Take an honest look at yourself. Whether it’s about weight or work, ask yourself “Is this who I always hoped I would be?” Determine 1-3 reasonable things you can do to improve, and begin. Example: If you want to improve presentation skills, work on hooking your audience’s interest immediately with new techniques. Then research some possible techniques that you can apply.
2) Starting acting “as if.” Acting “as if” means you mentally begin with the assumption that your goal will be completed. If you want to finish college, get pictures of a graduate and put them on your refrigerator. If you want to become the greatest trainer in your company, then schedule time to meet with a possible mentor – tomorrow! Build psychological momentum by doing something immediately. Delay is not a postponement — it’s avoidance.
3) Make it doable. Always make performance goals doable. I don’t have time to run for two hours every day, but I can do aerobics thirty minutes a day. Your goal must fit into your life or you’ll stop before you get any momentum. Even if it’s one thing at a time, celebrate that one small difference. Then build on it!
Initiating performance is like starting a car. No matter how long you sit in that seat and learn about the gears – you’re not going anywhere until the car is started! Make it happen today ☺.