10 Tips for Setting Yourself Up for Success
Have you ever walked away from an important activity—whether it was a meeting, presentation, sporting event, or assessment—thinking it didn’t go as well as you had hoped? You might start comparing yourself to others who seem to excel effortlessly, leading to the belief that success comes easier to them or that you’re simply not good at certain things.
However, the key to unlocking your full potential isn’t just about showing up on the day; it’s about setting yourself up for success well in advance. This requires commitment, not just in the lead-up to the event but beyond it as well. The good news? This opportunity isn’t exclusive to a select few. We can all become better versions of ourselves and, in turn, surprise those around us as they witness our growth and success.
Several years ago, I set myself a challenging goal in the gym: to bench press 200 kilograms. It was an ambitious target, considering I had been training for years and was only lifting 80 kilograms at the time. While I didn’t quite reach the 200-kilogram mark, I was proud to achieve new personal bests, eventually peaking at a 195-kilogram lift.
By applying the success principles I learned from my physical training to my career and leadership goals, I transitioned from someone who complained about obstacles to someone who actively pursued and achieved my goals.
Below are 10 tips that have helped me set new personal bests and achieve my goals faster. By integrating these into your routine, you might find yourself doing the same:
Plan and Schedule Your Actions
Success doesn’t happen by accident. Pre-plan your action items and schedule the necessary steps to achieve your goals. You wouldn’t wake up one day and decide to run a marathon without preparation. Similarly, any significant achievement requires breaking down your goal into sub-goals, understanding the resources you need, and knowing the timeline and context of your objective.
Prioritise Good Sleep
Sleep deprivation can impair your performance as much as being under the influence of alcohol. Lack of sleep affects cognitive abilities, decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, among other things. Learn more.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Just like you wouldn’t put standard unleaded fuel in a high-performance sports car, you shouldn’t fuel your body with suboptimal nutrition. Limit alcohol intake, especially leading up to an important event, as it impacts both sleep quality and cognitive performance. Opt for a Mediterranean diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids to enhance brain function. Find out more.
Stay Hydrated
Your body is made up of 50% to 70% water, depending on your build and sex, so it’s no surprise that dehydration negatively impacts cognitive and physical performance. When you’re dehydrated, you may experience mood swings, confusion, and fatigue—all of which can hinder your success. Read more.
Limit Screen Time
While technology is integral to our lives, excessive screen time can harm your health and neural performance. The time spent binge-watching TV or endlessly scrolling on your phone could be better used for more productive activities. Learn about the impact.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Just as athletes don’t expect to win by merely showing up on game day, business leaders don’t walk into meetings unprepared. It’s not about memorising every detail; it’s about knowing your material well enough to adapt to any situation confidently.
Embrace Mindfulness
With the many distractions in our lives, it’s crucial to clear your mind and focus on the most important tasks. Practicing mindfulness can reduce stress, helping you concentrate on the task at hand and block out distractions.
Utilise Visualisation Techniques
Visualisation is a powerful tool used by top athletes to mentally rehearse their performances before they step into the arena. You can apply this same technique to visualise success in business meetings, job interviews, or presentations. Explore visualisation techniques.
Energise Your Body and Mind
To perform at your peak, it’s essential to bring energy and enthusiasm to your tasks. Simple practices like deep breathing, repeating motivational mantras, and doing light stretching can help invigorate your mind and body, releasing a healthy dose of endorphins, cortisol, and adrenaline. Check out Tony Robbins for inspiration.
Build a Great Support Team
When I was pushing towards my bench press goal, having supportive friends and training partners was crucial. The same goes for your professional life. Surround yourself with a trusted network that challenges and supports you. Additionally, having a mentor or coach can provide invaluable guidance.
By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you’ll set yourself up for success and achieve your goals more effectively.
Get in touch to explore how Ductus Consilio can support your career development journey
