Following on from Part 1, let’s jump straight into the second half of the Mindset of High Performance. (for those who missed Part 1, you can find it here – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mindset-high-performance-part-1-matthew-cossens/)
9) Hard Work / Dedication
High performers have one thing in common. An unrivalled work ethic. The Spartans put it this way ‘Sweat more in practice, bleed less in war’. Modern day examples of this can be seen across business and sport.
Kobe Bryant changed his routine to ensure that he fit in 2 more training sessions than the ‘regular’ elite athlete. This created separation between him and his competition. This separation over many years gave him the edge. No matter how hard they worked in an offseason they simply couldn’t catch the hard work he put into his craft.
Floyd Mayweather is another example. If he knew his competition did 10 rounds on the heavy bag, he would do 30. To be the best you need to outwork the person on your left and your right.
Whether it’s in business, sport or life there is no substitute for hardwork, getting the reps in and being dedicated to your craft.
Talent is important but hardwork can beat talent every day of the week – particularly when talent doesn’t work hard. But if you can harness both…….that’s greatness!
Those with a high performance mindset put in! Even when they don’t want to. To be the best you have to work overtime!
10) They Don’t Quit!
High performers don’t quit. They either win or learn.
They don’t believe in failure. They may have setbacks but these are just bumps in the road. The price they need to pay for success.
They have dreams and goals and they chase after them. They don’t let a roadblock be the end of their journey.
These challenges are just scars they earn on the way to success.
They are mentally tough, know how to frame failure and accept responsibility for their life and their choices.
From my personal experience I have learnt so much more from when I have ‘lost’ then when I have won.
11) Coach / Mentors
No high performer has ever gotten where they are on their own. They all have a team that has helped drive them, shape them, correct them and hold them to account.
They seek out coaches and mentors that know the buttons to push to help them level up. They have built a strong circle of influence and understand they are never too good to improve.
They surround themselves with people invested in their growth, who love the process and the journey.
The high performer seeks expert knowledge from others and understands that sometimes a person who is independent or on the sidelines has a different perspective them as they are in the game. They want people who will challenge them and call for adjustments to move them forward.
There is an African proverb that says if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
12) Thrive In Pressure
High performers thrive under pressure. When the game is on the line they want the ball. When the business is struggling they want to put the team on their back. Pressure makes performers.
Diamonds are forged through pressure. This is no different for high performers. This is where they shine.
13) Nutrition & Your Body
A champion understands that they need to fuel and control their body in the right way.
This is the same for both athletes and those in the corporate space. You need to understand nutrition, your energy levels and your body.
To have a high performance mindset and be the best version of yourself then you need to be conscious of your nutrition and how you fuel your body.
You also need to be aware of the need for sleep, how to switch off at the end of the night and how to be ready to tackle the next day.
Routine forms a big part of this but understanding fuel and food is equally as important.
In addition, the true high performer knows what recharges them and schedules this in to stay on top of their energy and game.
14) Passion
Money is a byproduct of success, it isn’t a motivator. The best of the best do what they do for the love of their craft, not for money. Money isn’t a passion, nor does it drive someone to be their best. This has been proven in numerous studies around motivation.
High performance starts with a passion, a love for what you do, an understanding of your why you do what you do and an identity tied to this.
The old saying love what you do and you will never work a day in your life is so true. I see this across the corporate arena all the time.
It’s also seen it in sport. An amazing example of this was Michael Jordan’s ‘Love of the Game Clause’. This clause allowed Michael Jordan to play basketball anytime, any place, regardless of the risk of injury or profit to him or his team. He loved basketball that much and was so competitive that he wanted the option to play whenever he wanted. In a sport that does all it can to stop it’s player from getting injuries he was only one to ever have this written in to his contract.
Passion and love for what you do is a huge part of the mindset of high performance.
15) Surrounded by a winning team
I’ll finish the Mindset of High Performance by talking briefly about a winning team.
High performers want to be surrounded by other high performers. ‘A’ players attract other ‘A’ players.
Surround yourself with those on the same mission as you. Those who want it as bad as you do. Those who expect excellence. Those who hold themselves accountable. Those on the journey to be the best version of themselves.
Find a team that amplifies your strengths, that will support you with your growth areas but most importantly embraces, practices and chases after the Mindsets of High Performance. As iron sharpen irons, the right team will take you to the next level!
And at the end of the day remember that….
What are your thoughts on the mindset and actions of high performers? Share your thoughts and comments below.
#highperformance #performance #mindset #growthmindset #success #growth #personaldevelopment #leadership #morningswithMC
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