When you have momentum, it is easy to perform well. When you are in “the zone,” it is easy to perform well. Anyone can perform well when things are going right, but it’s the great ones that succeed even when things aren’t going so well.
How do they do this?
Easily.
They just push through.
“If there is no wind, row.”
-Latin proverb
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What is the first thing you do in the morning?
What is the last thing you do at night?
I would bet a large amount of money that it is almost always the same thing. We are habit-forming creatures. Most of what we do is automatic – unconscious.
When we are just going through the motions, we take things for granted, limit our improvement, and experience less satisfaction. How often do you have the same practice sessions?
I see people train the same way every single day. They can probably do it in their sleep.
This is not good.
What can you do?
Do one new or different thing in every activity you do, whether it’s practicing your sport of instrument, studying, working, or spending time with friends/family.
Put the fork in your left hand when eating (if you are right-handed) or when someone asks how you are doing, tell them honestly, instead of the normal, “Good.”
In other words…
STAY CONSCIOUS!
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Motivation
Fear is negative-desire is positive
Your mind is your brain-it is better than a computer
Attitude is a frame of mind
Simulation-put yourself into a situation when you last did it
Visualize-dream and know you can do it
Believe-confidence breeds success/winning
Self-esteem-know your own worth/ability/value
Goals, aims, targets-be better than the opposition; beat opponents
You must want to do it-power of positive thinking
Control-convert mental into physical actions. I’ll do the testing; I won’t be tested
Enjoyment
Robot-record and replay the good things
Never get tired-just pleasantly weary
Winning is being happy with your performance, even if someone else does it better
This motivation message was written by Sir Richard Hadlee and he carried it pasted on the inside of his “coffin” lid wherever he played. It is now displayed in the Hadlee exhibition at the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Dunedin.
Last night I went to see an illusionist perform on the Diamond Princess. He was pretty good, but towards the beginning of his show, he messed up one of his tricks and the whole crowd noticed. He was clearly embarrassed and was not his usual self for the rest of the show.
What is the message here?
It’s okay to make mistakes, but don’t let it affect the rest of your performance. Pick yourself back up. You don’t drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there. Shake it off and go on with the show. Then, after the show, think about how you can improve and get to work.
I have seen many tennis players make a mistake early in a match and continue to dwell on that mistake for the rest of the match. How do you think those players performed?
Poorly!
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
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Most of the people in the world are like Pringles.
You know, the potato chip that comes in a can? They are all the same.
We, as humans, all do the same thing. We are mindless.
If you do what everyone else does, you will get what everyone else gets.
Just because your father is a doctor doesn’t mean you have to be. Just because you’re at the age that most people get married doesn’t mean you need to get married. Just because all your friends play golf doesn’t mean you have to.
Live the life you want. Create the life you want. Don’t be one of the flock.
Most of us just do enough to get by, but the great ones differentiate themselves…
What will you do?
Not every-thing is for every-one.
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“A hero is no braver than anyone else; he is only brave five minutes longer.”
-RALPH WALDO EMERSON
“Show me a thoroughly satisfied man-and I will show you a failure.”
-THOMAS ALVA EDISON
At the end of every day, which of the following do you say to yourself?
I’m glad I did…
or
I wish I had.
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Many people go through life looking through the rear view mirror. They are always looking in the past. The key to reaching peak performance is staying in the present. Instead of thinking about past failures, think about how your actions today will help you improve your performance, relieve stress and make you happier.
You can think about the past, but don’t live there…
Tomorrow’s blog message from Tasmania.
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The ship will be docking in Melbourne within the hour. We are supposed to go snorkeling with sea dragons, but the sky is overcast. Many people would complain that it should be sunny, but I’m going to have a great time regardless. It’s all perception.
Last night the seas were rough and our 8:15 show was cancelled. I didn’t mind because we saw a pretty good comedian.
You can take any situation and turn it into a positive, but it’s up to you.
Make good mental choices today…
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