Archive for the ‘Peak Performance’ Category

What if I make a wrong move, lose money, blow a deal?

The what if’s will take you out of the game.  Any game.

What are your what-ifs?

Flash, Universe Provides Insight (UPI) press

It was announced today that Superman has replaced Clark Kent, the mild mannered reporter for the Daily Planet.

Superman revealed that he and Clark Kent are one and the same.  Superman confessed that his decision to hide was initially made in order to fit in with the establishment.  Ashamed that he was able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, he created the mild mannered persona of Clark Kent.  “It is no longer possible to hide behind a meek reporter’s image, so that I will be safe from humiliation because I am different.”  The hero went on to acknowledge all the Supermen and Superwomen on Earth who face life fully without hiding behind a mask.

The cape’s out of the bag, so to speak.  Superman, as an advocate for all the hidden supermen and women in the world, announced that the time has come for them to step forward as themselves.  “The Earth needs humans to step into their full potential, without regard to the need for approval, security, or control,” said Superman.

When asked who inspired this revelation, Superman acknowledged it was the actor, Christopher Reeve, who taught him that it is not physical strength, but strength of character, determination, dedication, love, and the willingness to be vulnerable that convinced him to “get real.” Every human has their own “kryptonite” that has the potential to weaken them.  A truly great person learns to overcome their challenges and turn them to strengths.

Superman hopes that his decision will inspire others to live fully and rise to the challenge of becoming powerful heros and heroines in their own lives.  That, concluded comic book hero, “is the way to transform your world.”

Asking for what we want is not always as simple as it seems.

I’ve noticed that women, in particular, don’t ask directly.  Take for example, a conversation I recall with my husband many years ago.  “Honey, we’re out of milk.”  Nice statement, but it didn’t ask him to bring any home!  Challenges, challenges, challenges.  Expecting our spouse to mind read and translate “we’re out of milk” into “bring it home” sets us up for a starring role as a major victim! Not only that, but the only thing we’re likely to get is a good dose of resentment, self administered.

Manipulation or expectations are guaranteed to get us in trouble.  It takes great courage to ask for what we want.  First off, we might not get it.  Secondly, it may come with strings.  Third, what happens if our request doesn’t meet with someone’s approval?  Fourth, we may lose our sense of security of we get a “no” and lastly, we let go of control when we ask someone else for something.

There is a condition prior to effective asking.  To get what we really want, we need to know precisely what we do want and why. Such clarity increases the odds of success.

Knowing what we want, and why frees us from the bondage of manipulation or plain lack of awareness. Awareness of what drives us to behave as we do sets us up for success, and removes us from being at the whim of others.  When that happens, our need for approval, security or control will lesson dramatically.

Here’s a challenge for you:  Start small and begin asking for what you want.  Take the time to know yourself, know your preferences, and know what pushes your buttons!.  If your why is in alignment with your purpose, it’s easy to ask, and ask again.  Make someone’s no a “not yet,”  particularly if it is in business.  Effective asking is also a function of effective timing.

Don’t despair, practice makes asking easy – and you just might get what you want.

Here are just a few additional thoughts about the physical aspects of energy management and sleep.

To sustain a brilliant lifestyle, there are four areas that must be addressed with regard to energy management: the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual quadrants. Each of these are similar to spark plugs in an engine. If any one of them is missing, the entire performance of the vehicle will be off. It’s no different for our bodies than it is for our automobiles. Tonight we will address the physical quadrant with regard to rest and renewal.

Physically, we need to do the obvious: eat well, sleep well, and follow our body’s natural internal rhythms. Studies have shown that our body responds best when it is given alternating times of rest and action throughout the day. Every 90 – 120 minutes our body alternates through a natural rest/action cycle. This is called an ultradian rhythm.

Taking a short break, even if it is just stretching at your desk, or taking a walk around the office (better yet outside!) will improve your performance and allow the body to remain at optimum performance throughout the day. There is such a thing as diminishing returns with your body. You can push it for a long time, but it won’t run as well. Everything suffers in the long run: health, peace of mind, and clarity, etc. I frequently work with health professionals, who confess they have not gone to the bathroom for hours, nor taken the time to eat or drink water during the day. Then they wonder why they burn out! If we don’t take care of ourselves, it is difficult to take care of others!

The majority of people I see in my office are dehydrated. Drinking small amounts of water throughout the day will hydrate our body. This simple action will increase both performance and clarity. Just as the battery needs water, our body needs water. This is particularly true in today’s fast food environment. Vegetables and fruit contain a great deal of water, it’s just that many folks don’t take the time to eat them in their natural form.

Similarly, maintaining a sleep cycle that works for you will also assist you in performing more effectively. Sleep is our body’s natural way of rejuvenating and restoring the natural wear and tear of the day. Looking at the bigger picture, in addition to the 90- 120 minute cycle, there is also the day/night cycle. Lack of sleep or restless sleep will impede both physical and mental performance. Working late at the office, worry, alcohol or even some foods will interrupt our body’s natural ability to sleep.

There are certain common sense approaches to sleeping as a means to promote increased energy. Worry and an overactive mind are two things that inhibit the ability to sleep. If you worry, stop doing the things that make you worry! Make a list of things you need to do the following day before you get ready for bed. This tells your conscious mind that everything is handled. Not capturing the things that are floating around will also create anxiety and cause restlessness. It’s similar to a computer with many open files. Too many, and the system crashes.

You will also tap into your creative mind if you write down a challenge or question prior to sleep. Keep a notebook by your bed for any ideas or solutions that come into your mind as you begin to doze off, or when you wake in the morning.

It’s also wise not to go to bed angry. The old saying “never go to bed angry with your spouse or child” holds lots of truth. Even if you decide to talk it out in the morning, there needs to be some action that will free the mind to let go and rest.

Another common sense approach to helping yourself get a good night’s sleep is something as simple as stretching, taking a bath or shower (let the day go down the drain) or doing something that leaves you feeling good (hormonal bliss …use your imagination!) This will leave you with a good feeling prior to sleep. For example, I keep a gratitude journal. I write down both things I am grateful for and those people I appreciate. It helps me end my day on a positive note.

Depression and anxiety are also causes for poor sleep. If you suspect that you or someone you love might be depressed, then consider a visit to your physician or other health care provider.

Lastly, it takes energy for us to sleep. If you have trouble sleeping, it may be an indication of a health challenge. Taking responsibility for your health, means checking things out with the appropriate health care providers.

If you’d like more, you can listen to the recorded call at 218- 936-1005. The Conference ID is 49675#