Be a goldfish - Fail Fast forget Fast

Patrick Mahomes didn’t dwell on what wasn’t going right

In the recent LVIII Super Bowl, the eventual winner, the Kansas City Chiefs looked out of touch, for most of the game.  Their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was flailing, but here is the thing with the elite, they stay in the moment, they don’t drop their heads and crucially they believe they can win under any circumstances.  In essence, they become like goldfish and forget about what has happened and focus only on the present. The only time in the game they led was when it mattered the most, as the time clock read 00:00.  So what changed?  In overtime, the Chiefs went back to concepts, principles, and plays that worked for them in high-pressure moments, executing the winning play that was a replica of a play that had won them a previous Super Bowl and incredibly Mahomes collected his 3rd MVP. 

Staying focused in the present moment is crucial for both traders and sports stars to perform at their best. Here are some strategies commonly employed by these high-performing individuals:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:

Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques can help traders and sports stars cultivate present-moment awareness. By taking time to quiet the mind and focus on the breath or the sensations of the body, they develop the ability to stay present and let go of distractions or negative thoughts that may hinder their performance.

2. Pre-performance Routines:

Establishing pre-performance routines can help create a sense of familiarity and mental readiness. Traders and sports stars often have rituals or specific actions they perform before engaging in their respective activities. These routines can include physical warm-ups, visualization exercises, or affirmations that help shift their focus to the present moment and prepare them for optimal performance.

3. Breathing Techniques:

Conscious breathing techniques, such as deep belly breathing or box breathing, can be effective for grounding oneself in the present moment. By focusing on the breath, traders and sports stars can calm the mind, regulate their emotions, and enhance their ability to stay focused on the task at hand.

4. Goal Setting:

Setting clear, actionable goals helps traders and sports stars maintain focus and prioritize their efforts. By breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps, they can direct their attention to the specific actions required in the present moment. This approach keeps them engaged and motivated, as they know each step brings them closer to their desired outcome.

5. Visualization and Mental Imagery with the Support of a High-Performance Coach:

Visualization and mental imagery are powerful techniques that traders and sports stars employ to enhance focus and performance. The ability to vividly imagine successful trades or flawless plays can significantly impact their mindset and actions in the present moment. In this process, a skilled high-performance coach can play a transformative role.

6. Developing a Routine:

Establishing a consistent daily routine can contribute to staying focused in the present moment. Traders and sports stars often structure their days to include dedicated time for practice, research, analysis, and rest. Having a routine helps reduce distractions, establish a sense of discipline, and create a conducive environment for optimal performance.

7. Acceptance and Letting Go:

Become a goldfish, Traders and sports stars understand the importance of accepting the present moment, including both successes and failures. They acknowledge that dwelling on past trades or mistakes can distract from the task at hand. By practicing acceptance and letting go of outcomes outside of their control, they can maintain a clear focus on the present moment and make informed decisions.

8. Continuous Learning and Improvement:

High-performing individuals in trading and sports have a growth mindset and embrace learning as an ongoing process. They consistently seek opportunities to improve their skills, expand their knowledge, and adapt to changing circumstances. This dedication to continuous learning helps them stay engaged and focused on the present moment, as they are constantly striving to refine their abilities.

Remember that staying focused in the present moment is a skill that requires practice and patience. Traders and sports stars develop their own unique strategies based on their personal preferences and experiences. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you in maintaining a state of present-moment awareness and optimal performance.

A high-performance coach can assist traders and sports stars in accessing and anchoring these mental states. Through their expertise, they guide individuals in creating a clear and detailed mental picture of their desired outcomes. They help traders visualize themselves executing successful trades with precision and confidence, or sports stars envisioning themselves making extraordinary plays with grace and ease.

Moreover, a high-performance coach can help establish physical cues or anchors to instantly access these mental states. These cues can be a specific gesture, word, or action that triggers a desired mental state in the trader or sports star. By employing these anchors, individuals can quickly shift their focus, mindset, and energy to enter a state of peak performance in the present moment.

Guidance and Accelerated Growth with a High-Performance Coach:

Beyond visualization and mental imagery, a high-performance coach can be instrumental in guiding traders and sports stars to reach new levels of performance previously deemed unachievable. They act as a trusted advisor, providing objective feedback, personalized strategies, and tailored training plans.

A high-performance coach understands the unique challenges and demands of trading and sports, and they help individuals navigate through them effectively. They identify areas for improvement, offer insights, and provide tools to optimize performance. By working closely with a coach, traders, and sports stars can overcome mental barriers, refine their techniques, and develop a strong foundation for consistent success.

Additionally, a high-performance coach facilitates accountability and motivation. They help individuals set meaningful goals, track progress, and maintain focus on continuous improvement. Through regular assessments and feedback, coaches ensure that traders and sports stars stay on track and make necessary adjustments to achieve their full potential.

In conclusion, the support of a high-performance coach can be transformative for traders and sports stars. These coaches assist in accessing and anchoring mental states through visualization and mental imagery techniques. They also guide individuals to surpass their previous performance limits, providing personalized guidance, strategies, and accountability. With the guidance of a skilled coach, traders, and sports stars can unlock their true potential and achieve levels of performance that were once considered unattainable.