Photo by Michael (mx5tx)
When there’s a lot on the line, I can find myself thinking about the outcome more than the task at hand.  Whether it’s a foosball game, where my teammate’s counting on me scoring a winning shot or  I’m hitting a project deadline, focus can be my friend or my ultimate enemy.  It all depends on where I put that focus. 
In times like these, I have to remind myself that worrying about the outcome won’t help.  I need to make the …

Photo by Royalty-free image collection
Whenever I take on a project, one of the first things I do is look at the system.  If I know the system I’m in, I can produce more effective results.  To figure out the system, I try to map out the context, flows of work, key events, and who does what.  
With or Against the SystemOnce I have a map of the system, I have a bird’s-eye view of how to get leverage.  I can then either try to get results by working …

Photo by Kiwi-Wings
I sometimes catch myself analyzing my performance while I’m performing. This could be as simple as giving a presentation or as complex as influencing a room of stakeholders. I start to second guess myself. I’m no longer in the moment. I’m suddenly my worst critic at the wrong time. This is the Training Mindset. The Training Mindset is the right place to be when you’re practicing. It’s analytical, intentional, and calculating. It’s exactly the wrong place to be when you’re performing. Your best performance happens in …