NOVEMBER 2017
It has been a hectic month with trips to Singapore for the WTA Finals and speaking at the Coaches Conference and then onto China speaking and mentoring at the ITF Junior Masters in Chengdu. One of my speeches was all about the little differences that make the BIG difference which is something close to my heart as it is all the little things that really matter and if we do them really well, we can truly be Extraordinary but we tend to look for the latest new thing, the next big change, the next big business idea or method of doing something. Here are just 10 little differences to inspire you to make a BIG difference.
1 EVALUATE
Evaluate all the little details of your performance or your business so you know exactly what has to be improved. For athletes, there are a lot more than just technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects. Musculoskeletal screening, nutritional analysis, environment assessments, medical reviews and even your own personal goals, need to be evaluated and then action plans devised.
What you cannot measure, you cannot improve.
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2 PRIORITISE
What are your top 3 priorities? Focus on them. What are your top priorities for the week and the month? Schedule them. Make it happen.
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The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to SCHEDULE your priorities.
Stephen R. Covey
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3 THINK LIKE A WINNER
Become more aware of your thoughts. Are they bringing you down or building you up? As I say to my clients, there is no such word as “I can’t.” Winners find a way and they do it! They don’t make excuses. They make things happen. They make commitments and they keep them. Believing is what separates the champions from those who want to be champions. It must be a conviction, something so strong that no one can shake it no matter what setbacks and losses you have. Even the Bible teaches us in Mark 9.23
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Everything is possible for him who believes.
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4 SUCCESS ROUTINES
Do you have a pre-match routine? Do you have a routine to cope with pressure or stress? What about a recovery routine, relaxation and sleep routine, or a little routine you can use to get rid of that inner critic and increase your own self-belief? There are a multitude of different routines that outstanding athletes carry out in preparation for competition, and also day in and day out during training. Your routines determine your greatness. Winners have one thing in common. They do the same thing over and over again. Usually the better the athlete, the more specific and structured the routine.
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Make great routines into habits and they will make you Extraordinary.
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5 VISUALISE DAILY
Winners see what they want to happen. Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all time, visualised every single day sometimes for up to two hours. It is what you focus on that is important. Winners have very clear pictures and feelings of themselves executing skills perfectly. On the other hand, losers see what they fear might happen and actually imagine ineffective results. As you imagine yourself performing a skill, you are creating a muscle memory of how to perform the skill which greatly accelerates the achievement by activating the creative powers of your subconscious mind. Research has shown that when we perform any task in real life, the brain uses the same identical process it would if you were vividly visualising that activity. The brain thus sees no difference between visualising something and actually doing it.
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Dream in perfect detail. It is the secret of all great champions and leaders.
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6 TUNE IN WITHIN
All the answers are already within you, if you learn to stop and listen. Our subconscious mind is 30,000 times more powerful than our conscious mind. Are you paying attention to it? Most of the time, all the answers are already there within us. All we have to do is listen. When we try too hard, we block ourselves. The key is to flow and be in the moment. That is when you will perform your best.
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Let your intuition become your most trusted companion. It will lead you to your greatest victories.
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7 CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY
Whether you are committed to winning a gold medal, the next big business deal or eating healthy and exercising regularly, being consistent is the key. In fact it is the fastest way to achieve any goal. Remember the age-old Aesop fable, about the tortoise and the hare. After being beaten by Tortoise, Hare reminds himself, “Don’t brag about your lightning pace, for slow and steady won the race!” The latest research shows it takes about 90 days to make something a habit. Start with something achievable. Set yourself up for success.
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It is small daily improvements which lead to exceptional results.
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8 INTENSITY
When you are working on something or practicing, it is not about the length of time you are on the court, it is about the quality of what you are doing. As the great Billie Jean King once said,
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Intensity is The NUMBER ONE common denominator to GREATNESS
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Are you totally focused when you are practicing and giving it your all? Wherever you are, be there with all your heart and soul and put in quality practices. That is when you will get the greatest rewards.
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9 REFRESH AND RECHARGE. RECOVER TO WIN
Energise you with the right foods, hydrate adequately. Get a great night’s sleep, take a power nap, meditate, get a massage, do some yoga or tai-chi, stretch, do pilates, water contrast therapry, and so the list goes on. There are a multitude of ways to recover. Be sure to schedule them and relax and recover to win.
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Take time out. Do what you love. Chill out, energsie yourself. No matter what your field of endeavour, a rested mind and body ensures a better performance.
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10 ALL GREAT ATHLETES AND LEADERS HAVE COACHES
How do top performers like Serena Williams, Hugh Jackman or Tony Robbins achieve their extraordinary results? Like achievers all over the world, from every walk of life, sport, music, entertainment, business, CEO’s, coaches – they know coaches are the catalyst who help you clarify your specific goals, allowing you to go beyond yourself and constantly strive towards your full potential.
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The real secret to Extraordinary success? No one makes it alone.
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These are just 10 little differences. I actually spoke of 50 little differences people can make in my presentation! I suggest you just pick one that resonates mostly with you and commit to it consistently. More information on anyone of these topics, can be found in my book – How to be an Extraordinary Athlete, Secrets to Sporting Success www.extraordinaryathlete.com. or if you want a coaching session around any topic, don’t hesitate to get in touch. https://www.annquinn.com/kickstart-session/
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Have an awesome few weeks.
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Remember, it is just the little differences that make the BIG difference.
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To your Extraordinary success
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Ann
Ann Quinn, PhD
Peak Performance Specialist
