Great workers prepare properly before tackling a challenge. They start by clarifying the strategies most likely to achieve success. They may then aim:
To clarify what there is to gain in a challenging situation;
To clarify how to manage any concerns.
Different people do this in different situations. They may do it when playing a sport, climbing a mountain, giving a speech or doing another activity.
One soccer coach took this approach to help players prepare before an important game. They encouraged them to follow the team’s principles and also have a positive mindset. He explained this in the following way.
“People only have some much energy, so it can be useful for them to use this in a positive way. This is vital because some players worry about what my happen if we lose a game.
“Before the next match, I encourage them to focus on what can be gained by winning the game. But then comes the paradox: I ask them to keep follow the team’s principles and forget about the prize.
“The players need to be fully present during the game and do their professional best. They are then more likely to be able to flow rather than fear.”
People who focus on what can be gained need to be aware of the pluses and minuses of this approach. Here are some that may be involved when tackling a challenge.
The potential pluses
can include the following.
They can have a positive mindset, feel motivated and set compelling goals.
They can clarify the strategies they can follow to give themselves the greatest chance of success and also manage any potential challenges.
They can be positively engaged, do superb work and do their professional best to achieve the goals.
The potential minuses
can include the following.
They need to do their due diligence properly and refuse to be starry-eyed optimists.
They need to honestly rate the chance of success – making sure it is at last 7/10 – and do what they can to increase the rating.
They need to then keep staying in the moment, follow their chosen strategies and not declare victory too early.
Let’s return to your own life and work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation where you may want to follow elements of this approach? How can you do this in your own way?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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