Stop It!
Do you sometimes find yourself in a high stakes situation, and every thought that comes to mind is about exactly the outcome you DO NOT want? For example, preparing for an important presentation, you begin imaging the audience asking questions you can’t answer. Or you’re planning to ask for a raise you know you deserve, but the picture in your head is your boss saying, “No! Are you crazy?!”
Well, I have 2 words for you: STOP IT! You’re priming your path to failure. Instead, give yourself a jolt of positive energy, generated by thoughts of previous successes, or envisioning yourself achieving exactly the outcome you want. Then, take that positive mindset into the presentation or negotiation.
Like successful athletes, you can create competitive advantage by using the power of your mind to recall successful past performances or to envision the victory you’re about to create.