This is Part 2 of this series. Check out Part 1 here.
In the first part of this article, we spoke about the concept of control. There are always going to be things that are in and out of your control. It is our responsibility to determine what is in our control and what isn’t, and hence what is worth spending our energy on.
We have a finite pool of energy and we need to learn what to use it effectively on. If we spend it on things outside of our control, it is wasted. We will be running on the spot, without going anywhere. This can lead to stress, disenchantment and failure to achieve what we set out to. However, if we know how to use our energy effectively, by focusing on things within our control, we have a higher chance of achieving our desired result. To do this we must take ownership of the elements within our control.
This is the process.
The process is our behaviour (i.e. consistent actions), our attitude and the energy that we put into it.
For example, if I had a specific weight loss goal in mind, do you think I would achieve this by focusing on the end result? Without establishing the mindset and habits to make this a reality?
Unfortunately, no.
However, if I approach my goal with a positive attitude and set out realistic actions that I can deliver, I can achieve my desired outcome. If I am invested in achieving the result, I will do all that I can to control the process. And, the magical part of this is, the process is where the enjoyment and growth occurs.
Finally, we come to peak performance. Peak performance is having the capacity to influence the end result by focusing on the process. It is the ultimate expression of our ability to do something. It could be athletics, at work, at home, financially, whatever. In all of these pursuits, we can control the process. We have control over how we approach our practice and what we do with our time. Focus on the controllable things that will build toward a favourable outcome. By maximising these things, we can achieve peak performance.
EXERCISE:
Grab a piece of paper. Think of an outcome that you wish to achieve. And write it down. It could be a training and lifestyle goal, a career move or a financial goal. To be honest, it doesn’t matter. This concept applies to everything.
Now draw two columns and write the headings:
1. In my control
2. Out of my control
Now populate these lists with things that are in or out of your control. You’ll find out pretty quickly that there are a tonne of things that are outside of your control. For example, people’s perceptions of you, housing prices, how well your colleagues work and a million other things. Yet, you will also find that there are lots of things that are within your control.
So ignore those things that are outside of your control and focus on these things that are within. Success is never guaranteed but if we place our trust in the process, there is every chance that you may get to where you want to go.
Learn to enjoy the process. Because, ultimately, it is the only thing that we have.
To the process, and to your success.
Simon Cooper
@simoncoooper
P.S. comment below on how you went with this exercise. I’d love to hear from you.