WEEK 162: AUDIT TO SUCCEED

We are what we see. We are products of our environment.  Amber Valleta

REFLECTIONS (learning and actions): Would you like to know one simple thing you can change to raise the ceiling on your performance and production?

No, serious. Just one thing?

Well, you are in the right place as we will speak about it today.

Now before we start I wanted to ask you about a time when you were on a very successful team. It does not matter if was through work or sports?

Do you remember what happened to your thinking...ability to make decisions...your behavior?

On the flip side, do you remember a time when you were not on a good team?

Pretty much certain there is a stark difference between being on those teams.

This brings up what I want to talk about today and it highlights the *one* simple thing you can change to raise your ceiling on your production and performance. 

To do that, I want to share some stats on the New England Patriots.

The Patriots have tied the longest streak for consecutive playoff appearances with 9 seasons and one of two teams to have won 3 Super Bowls within a span of 4 years. 

Pretty incredible in the day and age. 

Now how do they do this?

Is it their facilities?

No, as just like any other pro football team they have the resources to purchase whatever they would like.

Is it their players?

No, as from year to year players come in and players go other than the exception of a few stalwarts.

Is it their coaches?

Again, no as the same with players coached come and go with the exclusion of a few stalwarts.  

So what is it, that makes the Patriots an annual contender to win the Super Bowl, and go to the playoffs every year?

In one word, Environment. 

Environment. Environment. Environment. 

Environment is defined as the surroundings a person lives or operates. 

This is comprised of the players, coaches, personnel, owners, and everyone in that organization creating a championship environment. 

If there is a slump, there is no panic.

If a key player gets injured or traded, another one steps in. 

If they get negative publicity; they choose to focus on what they control.

If everything around them seems to be falling apart, they get stronger. 

Whereas, the other teams in the league crumble when faced with the same challenges.

Have said this before but the number one thing which puts a cap on your abilities is the way you think about yourself. 

And the number one thing you can change to help you see yourself in a different light is your environment. 

Here are 3 things you can check to audit your environment.

1. Identify your Inner Circle

Identify the top 5 people you hang out with.

Just this step alone brings clarity.

2. Language

Language is a powerful lever you can use to your advantage, thus identify how your inner circle uses it.

Difficulties, pressure, and challenge, how do they speak about them?

3. Goals

What are the goals of your inner circle?

Do they align with where you want to be and who you want to become?

So want to raise your ceiling on your performance and productivity?

Take an audit of your environment. 

Guarantee you will start accelerating your progress by joining the proper one.

See you on the other side...J

Top three activities that move me forward?

1. Morning Formula. Empower myself and set the intentions for the day. 

2. Zen. Gives me the greatest resource on the planet, energy = drive and focus. 

3. Pomodoro. Controlling my state consistently gives me leverage in crisis and challenge. 

Biggest lessons/learning and corrections?

Pomodoro. Controlling my state every 25 minutes in calm times gives me the reserve to control myself during times of crisis and challenge. 

What are you grateful for?

Being able to travel and spend time with family over the holidays. It is a gift and very grateful for the ability to do so.

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PLANNING (Implementation Intention):  You will follow through 2X to 3X more likely to complete your weekly task than you normally would just by filling in the following statement.

I plan to complete the weekly task [day] at [time] in [location]. 

A reminder you might have to use multiple Implementation Intentions in order to follow through.

EXECUTION (strategies used):  From week to week, I use a combination of many strategies. There are always some which are used more than others depending on what comes up, but I wanted to offer a link to all them at once. 

My advice is to identify the I CAN'T statement you tell yourself during the most. Then find a strategy below the statement which resonates with you, and then start using it. 

Enjoy!

STRATEGY LIST