Want Success? Then Practise, Practise, Practise!

The more we practise, the better we become. It’s a progress. From running to writing, public speaking and delivering powerful presentations, being a musician or artist. The difficulty is motivating yourself to keep practising.

Motivation comes from two areas – the desire to achieve something and having a positive mindset, the latter being linked to resilience. Without the positive mindset, the need to succeed can become frustrated and feel beyond your grasp.

Remaining vigilant in your endeavours to master the skills needed is another positive attribute, tying in with motivation. Your motivation may need an occasional nudge, so setting mini rewards along the way can help.

To aid your quest to success, the following techniques will keep you motivated, practising and progressing. These exercises will also build your resilience, sense of purpose and ultimate growth.

The Purpose Triangle

Everyone needs a purpose to drive us to succeed at what we’re doing. The Purpose Triangle helps to clarify what that is. This exercise shows you whether you’re moving in the right direction with your work project, sport or career. If not, you can realign the practise strategies needed to succeed. Find out more about that here.

The GROW Model

Powerful but simple, this exercise helps you achieve your goals, spotlighting where more practise is needed.

• G – Goal: Check that your goal is inspiring and challenging enough. It should reflect your purpose for you to really commit to it.
• R – Reality: Consider past accomplishments. Who supported you then? Could they support you now? What is your current reality? What obstacles are hindering your progress? What resources do you need – equipment, training, finances?
• O – Options: If you had all the time and money in the world, what would your options be? Write a list, then consider which ones are viable.
• W – Will, Way and When: This is your ‘Actions’ list. Check your Options list and begin with either the most urgent or the easiest action. As with any strategy, evaluate the list regularly.

The 3Fs Framework

My ‘Focus’, ‘Flag’ and ‘Forget’ exercise helps you to recognise what you can and can’t control in any situation. The more you do it, the more it becomes a habit, helping you become more focused, relaxed and resilient.

The 4Ds of Problem Solving

A solution focused mindset helps you keep positively practising and progressing along your road to success – all part of developing resilience.

• Discuss: Talk about the problem with others to clarify the situation and the problem.
• Devise: Make a plan.
• Do: Carry out your plan.
• Develop: Solving problems helps your growth and development. Reflect on how you did that.

The 66-Day Challenge

Studies show that it takes 66 days to shift your perspective or for a new behaviour to become a habit. My 66-Day Challenge turns your negative thoughts into positive reactions, helping you become more focused and resilient.

Combatting negative thoughts with positive reactions daily soon (within 66 days!) become a habit that you hardly realise you’re doing. Don’t overthink your reaction as this makes the process less successful. Download my 66-Day Challenge PDF here.

In the sporting world, a similar process is used. The common consensus is that it takes 10,000 attempts at one technique to become proficient at it. But when you consider the amount of time spent training, the moves can be quickly mastered. For me, I would easily do a judo move 20, 30 or 40 times in just one training session.

The Benefits of Habits

Creating a habit out of practising regularly is crucial for success. All the above exercises, done regularly, can develop into a habit as you focus on them.

For instance, my regularly practised judo moves soon progressed into a habit. That habit, in turn, helped me master those moves to win silver and bronze medals at the Paralympics.

Paralympians Practise to Progress!

Following on from the success of the Tokyo Olympics, where Team GB won 65 medals, now it’s the Paralympians’ turn. Are you watching the Paralympics and feeling inspired by their achievements? I’m loving it!

The hours of practise needed to qualify is quite staggering. I remember only too well! Initially, I trained four hours a day while still working full-time at my sales job. First thing before work, I did 90 minutes in the gym. Lunchtimes were spent running if the weather was good. And every night after work I was in the judo club for at least two hours.

When I became a full-time athlete, it was easier to train for longer and get that essential recovery time in.

Make Time to Unwind

Indeed, recovery time – downtime, family time, whatever you want to call it – is important for us all. It provides a chance for your mind to unwind and rest.

Take time away from the screen. Move away from your desk and stretch your legs at least once an hour or so. Go out for a lunchtime walk. Resting is important to prevent burnout.

For help to form a ‘practise to progress’ habit with any of the above exercises, do get in touch. Because it takes progress to achieve success.