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2008 Preparing for Excellence Series – Issue 8

Now we’re in the midst of the third quarter of our 1 year exercise of Preparing for Excellence, just like the athletes going to the Olympics this summer. By this stage some changes we have made in practice have become daily habits, but this can also be a challenging stage because we’re starting to get tired and our final objective is still far enough away to not give us a sense of respite.

Certainly the market circumstances we’ve been working in over the past couple of months can be wearing. We see that we have made noticeable improvements in our personal practice, so it is easy to justify resting on our laurels and lessening the intensity of our daily focus.

As is true for the Olympian, personal characteristics of self-awareness, self-control, and self-confidence (all ingredients contributing to the poise we talked about last month) are not developed during the final moments before the big event. These mindsets and qualities can only be forged during times of continual pressure, sometimes when it seems there is no end in sight. Now is the time when we must continue training while tired, focusing on the desired outcome while sore, and remaining passionate and engaged while exhausted.

The reality is it IS hard work! These are words many don’t like to hear, but perseverance also brings deepened resolve to reach the goal, stronger belief in the process to get there, and greater confidence in our ability to succeed.

The Olympian must maintain presence of mind during tough, painful seasons, and stay “fixed” on his or her end objective, and so, too, must the advisor. To succeed in this current environment, advisors and leaders must maintain

• Self-control in their tone and perspectives,
• Conviction that their advice and approach is sound, and
• Confidence that they are doing the best for their clients.

Beware of distracting negative headlines and talk which can deplete your emotionally energy and adversely skew your thinking during this time when you need to connect emotionally with your clients, more deeply than ever. To combat this, do what Olympians do during the tougher, extended periods of training when pain and adversity are continual, daily occurrences:

• Stay focused on the original objectives.
• Ensure you’ve deleted all distractions (squawk box, market monitor, etc).
• Surround yourself with self-controlled, focused, self-aware people.
• Make sure you’re getting sufficient rest, both mentally and physically.

Tough people grow in tough times. Ensure that you thrive by doing everything you can to remain objective, self-confident, and inspiring.

Hang in there!
– Paul

Copyright Paul Kingsman 2008
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A coach is vital during times of tough, daily practice! Paul Kingsman – Olympic medalist, professional speaker and executive coach – works with his clients to help them focus productively during times of pressure. To find out more about how he can equip you or your team for Split Second Success® through keynote speaking or executive coaching, contact him at http://www.paulkingsman.com.

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