| Were you one of the 106 million people who watched | | | | others are saying (or not saying). |
| the 2010 Superbowl? Whether your intentions were to | | | | - Practice using this new information to accelerate |
| follow the game, enjoy the premiere commercials and | | | | your improvement. |
| entertainment, and/or share some quality time and | | | | Keep Your Playbook Handy: Every athletic team and |
| food with family and friends, the record numbers | | | | individual competitor has their own playbook which lays |
| watching proved there was something for everyone. | | | | out possible "directions" they can take to reach their |
| Regardless of whom you were rooting for or why, the | | | | ultimate goal. Different plays adapt to the |
| truth is both teams prepared with hopes of walking | | | | environmental conditions to help ensure their success. |
| away with that esteemed Superbowl ring and | | | | These playbooks are so important that it is reported |
| bragging rights that go with that title. | | | | that pro football players can be fined $100 per page to |
| Research has been done on what many athletes do in | | | | $8,000 if that book is lost. |
| preparation of their "big events." So the question | | | | - Have your written playbook handy to remind you of |
| remains, "What do you do to prepare for your daily | | | | the importance of proactive planning (since most |
| events?" Below are strategies to ensure you are best | | | | people are not that deliberate). |
| prepared to earn your "Superbowl rings:" | | | | - Make sure it also highlights your direction and possible |
| Use Your Team: Team athletes have the advantage | | | | alternatives if change is needed. |
| of being able to rely on each other's talents and | | | | - Use it to assess your progress, celebrate your |
| encouragement to help them dig out extra | | | | accomplishments along the way, and be ready for that |
| performance when it is most needed. Athletes in | | | | inevitable blitz. |
| individual sports also can rely on others to inspire, | | | | Pre-Game Rituals: |
| whether it is family, friends, sponsors, coaches, or | | | | Athletes have routines they do before the big event to |
| competitors. | | | | maximize performance. These include eating certain |
| - Consistently use your teams for inspiration, | | | | nutritious meals, getting a good night's rest, meditation, |
| acknowledgment, and recognition. | | | | visualizing their win, etc. |
| - Make sure they know where you are going and how | | | | - Develop your own strategies to ensure a fit body |
| they can best support you. | | | | and mind. |
| - Use your coach or confidante to share your dreams, | | | | - Visualize the moves you will take and what winning |
| fears, strategies, roadblocks, etc. so they can hold you | | | | looks like for you as part of your daily morning and |
| accountable and help you win. | | | | evening rituals. |
| Practice and Learn from Your Last Event: Even highly | | | | - Spend time visualizing what you will do that day to |
| paid professional athletes spend much of their time | | | | help you reach your goals; and then, in the evening, |
| strengthening their bodies and sharpening their minds | | | | assess how successful you were and plan for the |
| through individual and team practice. They are always | | | | next day (helps get the mind subconsciously working |
| looking at their previous performance to figure out | | | | for you while you sleep). |
| where they need more practice and skills to get even | | | | PRODUCTIVE COACHING POWER QUESTIONS: |
| better, especially since video footage does not lie. | | | | -What behavior(s) will you introduce to help ensure |
| - Look at your past experiences and honestly figure | | | | your win? |
| out where to strengthen your knowledge, skills and | | | | -What behavior(s) will you eliminate or modify to help |
| abilities. | | | | ensure your win? |
| - Read and listen to technical and professional | | | | -What impact will that win have on you and "your |
| materials, take on new assignments that stretch you, | | | | team? |
| and ask the hard questions and truly listen to what | | | | |
