I have always wondered what it takes to
sustain the intensity of the work required to be successful. It can be easy to
be in a positive mind frame every day when you are living life.
In my search for finding successful people
I turned towards athletes. It must be a huge pressure to perform and ensure
failures and get back at it again. I learned that some athletes can learn to
trigger a feeling of success through smell and sound alone -- outside of
competitions. For example, when some athletes are feeling in a really strong,
powerful state during training, they smell lavender oil and listen to a certain
song. They then repeat these steps before competitions to bring back those
powerful feelings. "It can actually elicit quite strong emotions,"
said Fletcher, explaining how connecting to these neural pathways can help
trigger the unconscious brain, pushing the athlete into a really positive state
of mind.
Conditioning your brain is the secret to not only win Olympic medals
but also win in the race called Life. Top tennis player Andy Murray often leafs through a notebook during his tennis matches to remind him that he's prepared,
capable and ready to win.
Getting into the zone – also known as “being in a state of flow” –
usually happens when we are energized, in a good mood and doing things we enjoy
and have some level of skill that meets the demands of the task.
Will a checklist help? Perhaps.
If routine that is continually done and adapted with years and comfort
level- you might be able to recreate your zone over and over again. Sometimes
it can just be music or a song, sometimes the same setting/place, a perfume.
No matter what it takes, its something essential to continue doing
the good work and being you. And its’ not easy. So make the changes and see
what gets you in the zone and keep doing it. I don’t think I get into the zone on a regular basis but it helps a
lot when I do.
Few things I have been trying to do:
- Have a routine
- Repeat the routine during the same time everyday (till it becomes natural and just repeating it puts me in the mood- to relax or write or feel positive)
- For me sound, visuals and smell work great- I use songs, sometimes visual boards (my office has one) and perfume (I have set perfumes for days when I am not quite myself to make me be myself)
We are all humans and getting into the zone might end up being challenging but that’s what we should look at it- a challenge that needs constant work and adaption.
(Pic courtesy: Pinterest)
(Pic courtesy: Pinterest)
