Apply Sport Psychology To Business

Even if we are not professional athletes we have much to learn from the advancement of sport psychology in relationship to winning. First athletes set goals, continuously focus on the positive and build in time for relaxation in their busy training schedule. Then they train their imagination to visualise extreme situations, proper techniques and see themselves winning. Isn't that a great training program we all can apply to our life and career?

Trust Is A Must

Trust and respect can only be earned. You earn it by a predicable behaviour when you consistently fulfill on your promises. I like the analogy of the emotional bank account. Some people will not give you credit to withdraw anything from them until you first make a deposit in their emotional bank account. This is equivalent to the 'Ethos' a speaker initially seeks to establish with his audience according to Greek rhetoric. Before Ethos is there (the deposit is made) they will not listen to the message; your 'Pathos' (what you have to say).

Ask For The Deal

Sometimes, because of fear of confrontation and rejection, we are not bold enough to ask the final question to close the deal. Zig Ziglar says: "We miss 100 percent of the sales we don't ask for.” Asking the question doesn't cost anything. Keep refining your questioning and closing techniques and continuously ask for the deal.

What's The Next Action?

If you get overwhelmed by the many different things you need to get done, remember there is only one thing you need to worry about and that is the next step. Even if you have ninety nine things on a long and daunting project to-do list, all you really need to ask is: "What is the next action?". Focus only on the next step and get it done, then move on to next item until the project is completed, one thing at a time.

Think Successful Outcomes

Don't engage in a project or a meeting until you have defined what a successful outcome looks like. Focus on the results rather than just on the activities. You should know what you are trying to accomplish. "Successful-outcome-thinking" provides a greater focus as the goal becomes clearer in your mind. To get alignment, ask the question: "How would you like to define the successful outcome?"

The Four D's Of Incoming E-mail

There are four possible responses to any action you are asked to take and they all begin with the letter 'D'. DO IT! If it is a task that takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately! You may DELEGATE the work to a more appropriate person. Alternatively you can DEFER it to later and schedule it in your calendar for a specific time. If there is no action needed on your part feel free to DELETE it.

Your Habits Determine Your Future

Your habit patterns will determine your future. Tell me what you are doing on a weekly basis and I will pretty much be able to tell you where you will end up (unless you make changes). The point is: your destiny is not decided yet. You influence your future by having clear goals and a determination to work your way toward them. You determine your habits and then your habits determine your destiny.