Executing: At our best
Hitting the sweet spot. This is a place on a tennis racket where when the ball hits it, the shot will be more controlled, powerful, and effective. A tennis player will always desire to ensure that this is the spot that they hit the ball from because it will have the greatest potential and effect.
My brother-in-law is a tennis coach and on a couple of occasions I have attempted to play against him. He is always very gracious and supportive in encouraging my attempts at technique, but more importantly he takes interest in the state of my tennis racket. One of the things that he does as a part of coaching is ensure that the rackets he uses are in good repair. This means regular checking of the strings, frame integrity and handle grip. If there is any defect that will hinder the racket performance, he sorts it out. Knowing that the racket is right for the person gives him confidence in coaching them. To get the best out of coaching he relies on the racket being right. This determines achieving things like good technique, control, placement, and endurance. It also ensures that when the ball hits the sweet spot that it will deliver the best required result.
“Our best is dependent on other factors”
Like tennis our best is often determined by other influencing factors, these include:
· Time
- You will be familiar with the idea that some of us are morning people, and some are evening people. Similarly, there are times in the day where we are at our best, We will feel clear. motivated and ready to act.
· People
- Who we work with can make a big difference. Some people are taxing on us, and others are motivating. Some people get the best out of us.
· Activity
- Innately we will gravitate to preferred roles, tasks, and activities.
· Environment
- Most will profess to be in environments, that are safe, caring, and supportive
· Location
- Some of us like working outdoors and some indoors. Others like to be able to choose the best location based on their life circumstances.
We can’t always choose the ideal combination of the above to ensure you are at your best, but you can be aware of what works for you as an individual, you can do this in the following way:
· Identify what is the time/s in the day where you function your best
· Think about what sort of people get the best out of you
· Understand your Strengths and talents and what tasks and situations give you energy, efficiency, effectiveness, and ease when doing them
· Be aware of your values and what is important to you and why you are motivated in a certain way
· Think about the location you are in and how it makes you feel. Always focus on how this is getting the best out of me.
My 5 Learnings:
· My best can be different given different situations
· People around me affect my personal energy
· I need to identify what is the best part of the day for me
· The more I can understand about my strengths, the better I will understand myself
· I can understand how to get the best out of others
Our best shows up in many different ways. The right combination is the sweet spot. Knowing how you show up and then how you deliver you best, is key to a fulfilled and empowered life. The more you can understand it for yourself, the more you can lead those around you to understand it.
My 3 Questions for you:
· Are you regularly working out of a sweet spot?
· Do you know your strengths and values?
· Is where you are at not feeling great?
“Life is about growing and improving and getting better.”
Conor McGregor
If you need help with being your best, or if you have questions, please talk to me. I would be happy to chat with you and help.
Remember daily to, “Find value in your influence”
Written By: Paul Fawcett.
