Optimum performancepar Aline Tardif, PCC
August is a good time to plan ahead for the next season. Indeed, after the summer holidays, who doesn’t want to plan for better results this Fall?
Most of us are nourishing a desire for achievement. We are longing to coach as many people as we can and help them reach their boldest goals and realize their full potential.
But how can we achieve a high level of effectiveness and be of service to the world without experiencing excessive stress? It’s a question I need to ponder because of my tendency to fall into perfectionism…
First, what does performance mean? Does it mean « more »? Does it mean “competition”? Actually, both are traps. On the one hand, if I focus on « more » there seems to be always more to accomplish and it drains my energy. On the other hand, if I compare myself to others, I feel the need to push harder for work, and it’s not what I really want to do. In fact, I’m looking for the exact opposite : I want to slow down, work smoother and smarter, and take the time to check inside myself and to stay in touch with my heart.
What then is optimum performance?
According to John Assaraf*, “Optimum performance is about playing life at the highest possible level, reaching our fullest potential” and it “can only truly be achieved when 'all of you' is in the game. And life is just a game. The game of life is about choosing what we really want. It is in becoming more and having fun. It is natural to grow and become more, when we do what we love and what we want.”
What a relief! As a coach, I’m blessed to do what I enjoy doing. When I just “play” my role, using my competences at the fullest, expressing my talents at my best, I’m on the way toward optimum performance!
But having fun doesn’t mean not putting in any effort. I will achieve expected results in direct proportion to the effectiveness of the effort I put in, not the amount of effort. Just being active won’t produce good results. Optimum performance is about doing the 'right things' really well.
The following questions can help one digging deeper to discover what feels really “right”:
- What do I want to create?
- What gives me deep pleasure, deep joy?
- What builds my energy up every day?
- What am I passionate about?
- What makes me feel vibrant?
- What unique gift do I bring to my clientele?
- How can I be a joyful presence in the world?
Answering these questions helps me to reconnect with my ability to be helpful, playful and happy. This year, I plan to stop and listen on a regular basis. I think that being present is the way to reach a level of performance that feels “right”. Being mindful and more present in what I do, I may do less but experience so much more!
As a coach, I know the huge value of being fully present to my client. I also know that I can only give what I have. If I’m not present to myself, how can I be present to others? If I enjoy myself more, the results I will get will be by-products of having fun and doing what I love and want to do.
I can also have a look at what's ‘not fun’ in my life right now. It’s up to me to readjust and start on more enjoyable basis where the need is felt.
What about you? Do you want to play?
How great would our world be if it were fun for every human being? Well it can be... isn’t it? It can be if we choose to!
*John Assaraf’s website : www.onecoach.com
