High performance is often misconceived as an external result—tangible achievements, trophies, or recognition. However, after years of seeking to understand the essence of high performance, I've arrived at a non-conventional definition: High performance is not an outcome but a state of body and mind. It is not found in the external world but anchored within our internal universe.
High Performance as an Internal State
High performance is not a permanent conquest but a moment-to-moment state that we must earn continually. It requires us to understand and memorize the components that unleash it, allowing us to access this state whenever necessary.
Consider how often you perform at your best only to be derailed by a minor incident, causing your performance to plummet. This scenario is common among athletes and professionals alike, even those who typically perform consistently at a high level. When we underperform, we often find ourselves too caught up in our thoughts and not present in the moment.
The Role of the Mind
Our minds are powerful yet often detrimental tools in the pursuit of high performance. Thoughts about future outcomes, concerns about how others perceive us, or reflections on past failures can distract us from the present. These thought patterns generate attachment to results, limiting beliefs about ourselves, and non-productive emotions that hinder our performance.
Thinking about future consequences or dwelling on past experiences takes us away from the only place where high performance can occur: the here and now. High performance is about being fully present, experiencing the moment, and becoming the best version of ourselves through the process.
Tools and Foundations
While there are tools and techniques that facilitate achieving a high-performance state, they only work effectively if our foundational mindset is solid. Without a robust internal foundation, these tools will lead to unstable and inconsistent performance.
Conclusion
High performance is achieved by working on ourselves from the inside out. It involves strengthening our spirit and character to face external challenges. By focusing on the present moment and nurturing our internal state, we can achieve true high performance, independent of external results.
In summary, high performance is not about what we achieve but who we become in the process. It is an internal journey that requires continuous effort and self-awareness, guiding us to perform at our best in any given moment.
