Elite sports men and women work on their minds as a much as their bodies.
They are well aware that when they get their minds right, superior performance usually follows.
So why don't business people do the same?
Is it not highly likely that if we also used the tools of sport psychologists in the business environment that we could enhance our performance?
You bet it is.
Here's a list of the main techniques used by sport psychologists. Peruse them and pick three that you would feel would help you work faster, smarter and better.
1. Smart Goal Setting
Make sure you set clear, achievable goals that stretch you to perform at your best, then articulate a step by step plan for achieving each of them.
2. Mental Imagery
Take a few minutes day to mentally 'see' moving pictures of you performing superbly. As noted sports performance shrink Dr Jim Afremow has shown, personal performance can dramatically improve when we consistently rehearse mentally.
3. Breath Control
When you breath slowly and deeply, your mood never fails to calm down. Breath control is a rarely discussed secret to high performance, yet it's a critical component of top best sports psychologist Dr Michael Gervais.
4. Champion’s Body Language
How you move greatly affects your mood. Carry yourself like a champion and you'll begin to think like a champion. (For more on this check out Neuro Linguistic Programming).
5. Correct Intensity
Monitor your intensity level, making sure it's just right for the situation. Not too tight, not too relaxed.
6. Internal Talk
Always speak to yourself in a positive, can do, encouraging manner. It pays to talk to be your own best supporter. Constantly be uplifting and supporting yourself through your internal dialogue.
7. Enjoyment
Business is a long game, if we don't enjoy each day then our performance will eventually suffer. Interestingly, as British positive psychology expert Dr Robert Holden often emphasizes, enjoyment is largely a choice, it's not purely determined by our circumstances. Top performers choose to enjoy every day.
Okay, these techniques in my view are The Magnificent Seven of elite sports performance.
Which ones could help you perform more effectively in business?
Pick three and focus on them over the next week. Then watch your business performance soar.
