“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” – John Wooden
We’d all like to give our best: you, me, everyone (at least I like to believe that). When we give our best, we create experiences that enhance the lives of our customers, clients, friends, family and in a wonderful, fulfilling way, ourselves. This giving of our best, Peak Performance I like to call it, is a magical place where everything sort of comes together to create an optimal result. The best part of this phenomenon is that while seeming magical, Peak Performance is a bi-product of substantial thought and effort. Luckily, there is no Golden Ticket or magic wand for the chosen few. We are all capable of Peak Performance.
According to the folks at Neotherapy, “Peak performance is the maximum enhancement of all mental, emotional, physical and situational elements that let us reach optimal level.” It’s not just physical, not just the act of trying hard or “doing” something with your best effort. It’s a combination of elements that cause us to deliver a peak performance, whether on a sales appointment or spending time with family or friends.
I like to think that Peak Performance is fueled by what Jim Loehr calls Full Engagement. In his book, The Power of Full Engagement, Loehr writes, “To be fully engaged, we must be physically energized, emotionally connected, mentally focused and spiritually aligned with a purpose beyond our immediate self-interest.” Again, not a singular focus, but a rounded approach with an added element: a purpose beyond our immediate self-interest.
Looking at my own business (and life), I like to think that the pursuit of Peak Performance is an attainable and worthy target. As previously implied, our (my) ability to deliver in that Peak Performance State has far-reaching results capable of enhancing the lives of whomever we (I) reach. I am so sold on this concept that I am committed to sharing my journey to Peak Performance in the hope that you will commit to making the same journey.
Merriam-Webster says a pillar is, “a firm upright support for a superstructure” and “a supporting, integral, or upstanding member or part.” That superstructure is us: you, me. I look at a pillar as being the vertical cornerstone creating strength for that which it supports. To me, the six pillars of Peak Performance, integral to creating (and supporting) us to be our best are Planning, Leadership, Excellence, Attitude, Service and Energy. One, two, or three without the complete set is possible, but not optimal.
The Pillars of Peak Performance are simple, yet complicated; difficult, yet easy as it can be. It begins with a first step. That step is responsibility. Brian Tracy said, “Peak Performance begins with your taking complete responsibility for your life and everything that happens to you.”
Let’s be our best!