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2008 Preparing for Excellence Series – Issue 13

The years of preparation are about to be tested: race day is finally here for the athletes who have been prioritizing, practicing, and preparing for the Olympic Games. Even though they have already achieved outstanding feats to get to this point, the pressure is now on like never before. Nerves are tense and a touch of fear can start to creep in.

Maybe you’ve felt that same nervousness and fear the Olympic athlete feels on the eve of your “race day:” that day of the biggest prospect meeting you’ve ever had. Like the Olympic athlete, you’ve done everything well to get to this point, and so you have every reason to expect excellence. But, there are still some nerves. You’ll be “in the arena” in front of your whole team. Your branch manager is eagerly waiting to hear the results of the meeting. You know that if you successfully sign this prospect, you’ll become the biggest producer in your region. But, the performance is still ahead of you, and the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Your feelings of nervousness and even a bit of fear are normal, and they’re OK! How do you deal with them? Welcome them!

Yes, welcome them. They’re signs that you care about what you are about to do, that this day is significant, and that you are mentally and physically ready for action.

There is a difference between nerves and anxiety. Nerves are a good thing, a sign that you’re ready and eager. Anxiety is the negative emotion you feel if you haven’t done the work you know you needed to do to be prepared for this day.

The Olympian who has trained diligently to the best of his or her ability and with complete conviction has earned the right to expect an excellent performance! You have that same right to expect greatness if you’ve done everything conscientiously during your practice and preparation time (as we have been discussing in these newsletters over the past several months).

In the final hours leading up to your biggest prospect appointment ever, the one that could launch your business into the stratosphere, do what the successful Olympian does during the final hours before competition to stay focused and control tense nerves:

• Think of the past successes you’ve had, and remember the great feelings that came from them.
• Don’t be intimidated by the butterflies in your stomach. Remember that nerves are simply a sign that you care and that your body and mind are ready to perform.
• Expect excellence. Visualize clearly the outcome you want, and imagine what it will be like having your dream come true.

And finally, if all else fails. . .

• Be thankful 13,000 people aren’t in a stadium watching you try to close the biggest deal in your life while you’re wearing a skin-tight, itty-bitty Speedo swimsuit!
• And laugh – the sun will rise tomorrow!

– Paul

P.S. Enjoy watching the outstanding athletes strive for their dreams at the Olympics over the next few weeks! Be inspired by them!

Copyright Paul Kingsman 2008
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Earn the right to expect excellent results from your performances! Paul Kingsman – Olympic medalist, professional speaker and executive coach – equips his clients to be best prepared for their “race day” and achieve life-changing results.
To find out more about how he can help equip you or your team to achieve your own Split Second Success® through his keynote presentations or executive coaching, contact him at http://www.paulkingsman.com.

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