Developing a performance mindset is a skill we often think only relates to athletes and sports. It can however be a real boost to the health and wellbeing of us “normal” folks too. Whether you work with a coach and or are your own coach there are some simple practices that can augment a performance mindset.
What is a performance mindset?
Simply said a performance mindset is about the long game. The eye is on the future, never sacrificing a short-term pleasure that interferes with the bigger goal. From a wellness perspective, think preventative health practices vs. only mind your health when it goes wrong.
Consider how a coach prepares an athlete or team for competition and apply that framework to your personal wellness plan. Here’s four key components geared to enhancing a performance mindset.
- Practice Focus
- Utilize Physical Renewal
- Delegate/Outsource
- Remember ‘The Why”
Practice focus
To keep your eye on your long-term wellness goal being strategic in what you focus on is key. This means for most of us, scheduling fewer appointments. Look at your calendar and prioritize the pieces that will keep you moving towards your goal. If overrun with too many non-essential commitments, you can easily be pulled off track.
In addition to scheduling activities, practicing focus means practicing being quiet. Give your brain and your body a chance to be still, let the mind calm down and have more energy for the tasks geared toward your ultimate goal.
Performance mindset means focus on the solution not the problem. Especially in our post-pandemic lives stepping away from the negativity and fear towards, how can I solve this problem pro-actively is a more efficient and focused use of your time.
Physical Renewal
Beyond having a regular exercise and fitness regime, short intervals of physical renewal enhance a performance mindset. These are routines or actions in short duration, from 1 to 5 minutes done throughout the day.
A simple example is get up out of your chair and do one or two moves that change your body position and reactivate dormant muscles. Another is having a 5-minute walk outside. Change of body position, clears the mind, and re-energizes the body.
Another favorite of mine is lying down on the floor for just a couple minutes and putting my feet up on the wall or sofa. The fact of allowing the floor to support my spine is a quick and dirty way to reboot and restore.
Delegate More
A performance mindset is deepening your commitment to your overall health and wellness on a regular maintenance program. It is impossible to do this completely in isolation. Finding a good strong support team is crucial.
Who are your team members? Do you have an accountability partner and does your partner know they are part of your team? All questions to answer when focused on the long game.
If you are forgoing certain pieces because you don’t either have time and or don’t like doing it, could you outsource the work? Example, could you get your groceries delivered if this allows you a chance to get an extra workout in? Is there someone else in your family or house that can do the meal prep for you in order that you can have some minutes for yourself?
Asking for help is a sign of self-respect and creates camaraderie. Building a performance mindset is something that takes time and is best supported when we don’t carry the entire load on our own shoulders.
Remember Your Why
As Stanford University behavioral scientist B.J. Fogg, PhD states in his book Tiny Habits, Small Changes That Change Everything, our small daily habits lead to lasting sustainable change. Clarifying why you are doing something brings it not only closer to home but moves one closer to the finish line.
Finding your own personal “why” you want to invest in your health keeps the focus forward. It might be to stay independent, to be there for loved ones, to do more of what lights your fire, to not be a burden on others or any of a million whys.
Vibrant health is seeing yourself in the future. Grasping what that feels like. Continuing to stay focused on forward movement one step at a time.
“Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.”
Bruce Lee
