Author’s Note: To get the most out of this article, don’t just read it. Ask yourself, “How can I apply this to my life and work?” Motivation is great. Action is greater. René Vidal
In working with corporate athletes and championship teams, I’ve learned that excellence is more repeatable than most people think.
The best rely on specific mindsets and routines that sharpen focus and accelerate growth. These 13 strategies form the core of how they keep getting better.
1) Make decisions, not suggestions.
You can make a choice or talk intentions, but you can’t do both. The Latin root of the word decision means to cut off all possibilities. Leaders are decisive. Don’t dilly-dally.
2) Demand to be the best.
The capacity of your training informs the quality of your results. Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic said, “To be #1 is what drives me.” Is it time to light your own fire?
3) Control your own destiny.
The sports metaphor is that of “wanting the ball.” Not only in crunch moments, but all the time. It’s much less about ego and much more about trusting yourself under pressure.
4) Don’t think.
Peak performance occurs in flow state, where you feel your best and execute your finest work. The time for analysis is before you need your A game. Life is not a dress rehearsal.
5) Focus on the majors.
One of the biggest mistakes leaders can make is to major in minor things. What are your key goals and non-negotiables? Focus is the #1 skill of master performers.
6) Let experience inform instinct.
We should never underestimate the power of being in the trenches. Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.” There’s no success without evaluated action.
7) Have a plan and execute.
Ideation without implementation is bananas. Peak performance doesn’t happen by accident. Being the best and staying there is intentionally designed and relentlessly pursued.
8) Surround yourself with the best people.
Everyone needs a support system. Even in an individual sport like professional tennis, you’ll find the best of the best have an entourage: coaches, physical therapists, loved ones, etc.
9) Know your assets and liabilities.
Self-awareness is the beginning of greatness. It’s tough to improve a blind spot. Understanding where you excel and where you don’t require the ultimate growth mindset.
10) Be excellent at one thing.
Tennis fans never witnessed Serena Williams serve-and-volley on match point. Because it wasn’t her strength. Tom Brady’s job was to throw the football, not block and tackle.
11) Outwork and outlast everyone else.
The harder you work, the luckier you get. There are no shortcuts. Winners pay the price and they do it daily. When you combine sweat equity and stamina, you’ve got the winning edge.
12) Trust others to do what they do best.
It’s not enough to simply build a superior team. You must unlock their potential. I believe that it is greater to be trusted than it is to be loved. How can you show more confidence today?
13) Sweat the details.
It’s the little things that make the big things happen. Don’t be one of those “players’ that show up to the game half-baked. If you don’t strive for perfection, you can never reach excellence.
René Vidal