- The Power of Visualization
The mind’s ability to replicate real-world practice is an underutilized tool. A tidbit of wisdom imparted by an Olympic Gold Medalist, this technique can significantly bridge the gap between beginner and expert. Every newbie grapples with self-doubt until they demonstrate proficiency in their chosen skill. The solution? Practice relentlessly, even if it means doing it with your eyes shut in your mind’s arena.
Here’s an INSPIRING TALE: Consider the case of a Navy pilot captured during the Vietnam war who kept his golfing skills alive in the harsh confines of a prisoner-of-war camp. He mentally played perfect golf for over four grueling years. When he finally got to swing a real club post-release, he played at par! The spectators were astounded. His response? “I’ve been playing perfect gold in my head all these years.”
- The Scale of Positive and Negative Feedback
Negative Nellies are everywhere – from corporate meetings to classrooms, constantly delighting in puncturing positivity. Do you recall an instance when such gloom-mongers managed to inspire the team? Fear seldom serves as a motivational tool and rarely stokes inspiration (case in point, President Trump’s flailing team. No offense meant).
Let’s compare two directives. Negative vs. Positive. “Don’t bungle the customer presentation!”—your mind obsesses over “bungle”. vs. “Rock that customer presentation!” One demotivates, the other invigorates. This principle also applies to self-talk. Watch out for that inner critic, even Navy SEALs have to!
- Conquering Self-Talk
We all grapple with an inner critic, the primary architect of self-imposed limitations. Recognize, rectify, and set reminders to counteract this undermining self-talk. Negative chatter impedes personal development. Tackle this, and you’re ready to fly high.
Your internal dialogue can be your staunchest ally or your worst adversary (e.g., I’m awful at chess. I struggle with numbers. I’m terrible with names. Public speaking scares me.) If you believe it, you embody it. Alter how you perceive yourself and foster a growth mindset (e.g., I’m getting better at recalling names. I’m honing my public speaking skills.)
This issue is also interwoven with your surroundings. If you’re stuck in a cesspool of negativity, personal growth takes a hit.
Let’s compare two airlines: Jet Blue and United Airlines. Can you guess which one fosters a healthier culture?
Evaluate your social circles. Who among them feed your insecurities, and who encourages you to unfurl your wings and reach for the sky?
To Wrap Up,
I’ve also extensively discussed these concepts in my book, Mastering Fear.
Every book I pen aims to teach something valuable. Alongside my co-author, John Mann, we strive to infuse life lessons into even our thriller series. Our novel, STEEL FEAR (soon to be adapted into a TV series!) could very well serve as a leadership case study.
