Prepare for Performance

Have you ever noticed what Youtube and Netflix have done by automatically playing the next video or next episode once you have finished the one you selected? They have made it easier for you continue watching. They've remove all the friction, all the impediments of you starting the next video. When they began this practice, time on their platforms dramatically increased. You can practice the same technique in your personal life. Make it easier to achieve your goals by removing friction, reducing impediments and preparing for performance.

In a previous lesson, I discussed the importance of having a strategy to achieve your goals. While this is a critical step, the best strategy is useless without proper execution of your plan.?You have to be intentional not only in executing the strategy but also intentional about setting the conditions for yourself so that you actually start attempting of your goal(s). Stephen Hawking once said that showing up is half the battle. If you don’t even show up, how do you expect to accomplish anything?

Being intentional is about showing up.

Intentionality is a mindset.

You are purposely removing obstacles and excuses that might get in the way of you working on your goals. To do this, you must prioritize.

A large component of this lesson, was the realization that I couldn’t solely base my behaviors on how I was feeling. I had to ensure that the performance of the steps to achieve my goal were so much a part of my routine that was almost automatic, which takes how I am feeling out of the equation.

If I based my actions on how I felt, then I knew that many, many mornings I would not feel like getting up early, going out before dark, often in the cold, and then, punish myself physically. Seriously, who would? Wouldn’t it feel better to sleep in, to stay snuggled under the covers with my wife before leisurely getting out of bed and having my coffee? Of course, it would, but if I followed my feelings, I wouldn’t accomplish my goals.

So, I did several things to be intentional and remove obstacles that could potentially prevent my getting out every week to do the Incline. I had to make it a priority. How did I do this?

First, I would regularly coordinate with my Incline partner either the day of or the day prior to our hike. This increased my accountability by making sure someone was going to be expecting me that I didn’t want to let down.

Next, I would always check the weather the night before to prepare myself mentally for what I was going to encounter. Was it going to be cold, hot, snow, rain, hail, etc.? What would I be facing the next day in my environment besides the 2700+ steps? Checking the weather may seem like a small detail, but it has had a significant impact on my frame of mind and intentionality.

Then, I always made sure that I set my alarm. As mundane and obvious as setting an alarm may seem, it was a critical part of my nightly routine prior to attacking the Incline.

Next, every night before an Incline morning I would set out my clothes. When getting up at 5 a.m. for a 6 a.m. hike, setting out my clothes not only saved me time in the morning but has also eliminated at least one decision for early in the morning-what to wear. I didn’t have to think about it, I just got dressed.?I would start my day with a clear mind and focus on the tasks at hand.

Lastly, I wanted to be intentional about keeping a record of my attempts and my time. Instead of writing down my time in a notebook after tracking it on my watch or phone, I used the sports tracking app, Strava. This app not only kept a record of each time I did the Incline, but also how fast I completed it, and times for different section. It was also a public record for anyone who wanted to see or check in on me.

This idea of intentionality, prioritizing, and showing up applies to so many situations beyond the Incline. This applies to every goal, project or situation in life in which you are trying to achieve something, do something different or get better.

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own.

Ephesians 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time.

Proverbs 21:5?The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

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Personal Reflection:

In what situations do you need to remove your feelings as a factor in your actions?

In what situations do you need to be more intentional in making sure you show up?

What are some basic steps that you can take to become more intentional and prioritize what is important?

For more Life Lessons like this, check out my book, “Lessons from the Incline” available here:?https://lnkd.in/gwma-ptF