How Peak Performers Win In Business

Research indicates that the state of mind one achieves impacts the outcomes one can expect. A case in point: Jane S desperately wanted to land a contract with the Federal Government. When her company was out-bid by a competitor, she made an effort to subcontract her services to the other firm but was rejected. When the competition went out of business leaving the contract up for grabs, she again made an effort to secure the bid but lost to another firm.

At this point she could have given up, focusing her energy elsewhere…but she didn’t. As a counter strategy, Jane created and kept re-playing a short movie in her mind. She saw herself with the government steering committee. She saw them discussing the details of the contract, signing the agreement and shaking hands to close the deal. She made the movie so realistic that she could hear the dialogue and sense the energy in the room- creating every detail right down to the closing signatures on the contract.

Fast forward to reality – the second firm was not doing a good job, only to find the contract terminated by the government agency. Jane made one last effort to secure the contract. This time she was living the mental movie she had created. She was in the room with the steering committee, answering the questions she imagined, signing the contract and closing the deal with a handshake just as she pictured.

Is this a coincidence? Sceptics would argue yes. However, evidence has been forming to suggest otherwise. Researchers from Stanford, Princeton, and York University have demonstrated the power of the mind as it relates to influencing behaviour and performance. Athletes have known this for decades. Smart business executives have known this for years but have not shared their secrets for fear of increased competition.

The reality of the situation is this: If you can create a picture of your end goal, you will likely recreate it in real life. But it takes persistence and real commitment. Think about this from the perspective of the building a strong leadership team. Some organizations can achieve this both quickly and easily, almost effortlessly in fact. Others seem to struggle, having difficulty articulating what their real goal is. They remain unfocused, divided. So what are some differences? Industry opportunity? It helps. Luck? Maybe. Timing? That sure helps.

What we have seen as one of the key the differences is the ability of the individual(s) to create a crystal clear image of what it is they want to be achieving next. Once that image has been created, every call, meeting, networking opportunity and marketing campaign is filtered through that lens. The result…. each activity brings them a little closer to the stated goal. So how is it done?

Creating Mental Movies
1) Set specific and realistic goals. Clearly define your most relevant goal(s). Write out what you want to achieve and set an accomplishment date. Give it to a respected colleague for feedback. Make sure it’s something you want. Keep in mind you need to write this out!
2) Create and design a mental movie which brings your goal to life. Identify every detail and aspect of the goal. Use all your senses – seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, touching. Repeatedly visualize all the details of the goal while in a relaxed state. Mentally re-live the benefits you expect from achieving that goal.
3) Trust in the process. You need to reaffirm that your mental movies will come to fruition. Become immersed in repeating the movies several times per day. Read your goal out loud each and every day. Replay your movie as many times as you can. Relax and enjoy the feeling of small successes, knowing you will reach your target.
4) Make a real commitment to the process. If you are not willing to make imagery and mental rehearsal part of your daily routine, you won’t get the full benefits of setting goals.

Mental movies can be used in all facets of your business and personal life, from improving your managerial style to becoming a more effective leader, to being more patient with kids, to being a more aware person, to finding that great job.

One final comment to remember, your mind is like a TV set: if you don’t like the program, change the channel!