Secrets Of Getting To The Top

Do you long for Warren Buffett's financial smarts, Steve Jobs' presentation ability, Oprah Winfrey's personal magnetism, or Tiger Woods' golf swing? Have you ever thought that, with just a little more natural ability, you too could be a tremendous success in your chosen field? Well think again. Researchers in Expert Performance Psychology have found that natural talent is highly overrated. In fact, according to these scientists, no one is “born great.” Over 20 years of research data show that there’s no significant inborn difference at all between average and top performers in any field. The only exceptions the researchers found were in a few sports, like basketball, where your physical size gives you a competitive edge. While top performers may not have any inborn advantages, the researchers did find some significant differences that set these "experts" apart from everyone else. Top performers put in more practice than average people, they practice differently, and they seek out feedback and coaching to make them even better. The good news is that by adopting these expert performance strategies and habits, you too can put yourself on the road to the top. Here’s how to get started: nnnFocus on What Matters. You don’t have the time or energy to do everything well. Identify your key tasks – the ones that have the greatest impact on the goals you want to achieve. Focus as much attention as possible on them, eliminating, delegating or deferring as many non-essential tasks as you can.nnnOptimize Your Actions for Better Results. Instead of trying to simply complete important activities and cross them off your list, aim for better results each time. Ask yourself, "is there a better way?" For example, can you think of ways to save time, save money, or achieve better results on the job? Let's say that one of your major tasks is sales presentations. Was your last presentation better than the previous one? Did you improve your delivery, give better information in less time, offer more compelling visuals, make more sales?nnnPractice Frequently and Strategically. Ronald Reagan, the “great communicator,” didn’t stumble accidentally on speaking success. Early in his career, while a spokesman for General Electric, he found that his talks weren’t getting the response he wanted. Instead of simply hoping for the best each time, Reagan spent hours working on his delivery. By the end of his contract with GE, people were complimenting his ability, and suggesting that he run for political office. While frequent practice is essential for mastery of any skill, how you practice is just as important. To become the best, you can’t just go through the motions when you practice, you need to have goals for each practice session. Instead of mindlessly running through your presentation, for example, focus on delivering a better one each time. Even when it’s “just practice,” this habit will create new mental patterns and cement these higher levels of performance.nnnGet Feedback. You may think you gave the best presentation ever, but what does your boss think? How about the heads of other departments? Your customers or clients? Most people avoid criticism and don’t seek feedback. But top performers welcome assessments and coaching, knowing that without them, they won’t continue to improve.nnnNever Stop Stretching. Getting better requires stretching beyond what comes easily. While most of us are happy to practice the things we’re already good at, top performers know that if they stop to rest on their laurels, they’re destined to remain at less than their best. In the late 1990s, Tiger Woods recognized that the skills that had brought him early success and worldwide recognition weren’t enough to take him where he wanted to go. He hired a new coach and began to rebuild his golf swing. The natural slump that followed brought public criticism and decreased support, but Tiger’s perseverance clearly paid off. He’s now on track to surpass the records of history’s greatest golfers.nnnThe only things standing between you and your goals are your determination to achieve them, and the strategy you use to build your ability. Put these steps into practice, aim for consistent and never-ending improvement, and we guarantee you’ll see higher levels of performance more rapidly than you’ve ever imagined. nn