Batting Tee

Batting Tee

Do you Have a Full Mind or an Empty Bat?

Here’s the fastest way to screw anything up. Think about what you are doing while you do it.

And here’s the opposite idea and a secret of peak performance. Trust the mind. Let it do what it knows how to do.

To quote the shoe company, “Just do it!”

The least effective thing you can do as you tee up the ball, step out on the dance floor, or knock on the prospect’s door is remind yourself what do to! Regardless of your current level of proficiency, ignore your internal dialogue and whatever “it” is, do “it.” Peak performance lies in doing more and thinking less.

Yogi Berra once said, "A full mind is an empty bat." The Yankee catcher, famous for his unusual expressions of wit and wisdom, captures the essence of peak performance with almost Zen-like insight.

Think about what you intend to do and you will rarely do it well. Do and don’t think and you skyrocket your chances of success.

For example, imagine standing in the batter’s box while thinking, “Keep the hands loose. Remember the count. Keep the head motionless. Don’t grip the bat so tight! Transfer the weight. Don’t double clutch! Watch for the curve ball. Open the hips at the last instant. Keep the elbows in. “Don’t screw this up!”

Imagine what that hitter looks like standing in the batter’s box with all that running through his or her brain! It’s the look a pitcher loves to see!

Here is a simple way I devised to empty the mind if it’s full.

Take a couple of deep breaths. Deep breathing automatically relaxes the body and steadies the emotions. Distract the conscious mind with something unrelated to what you are about to do.

In your imagination, hear music you find empowering. Call to mind a favorite joke or comedy show. Recall a story that inspires you and captivates your attention.

Now that the body is relaxed and the mind is clear, let your mind do whatever it does without your oversight. In effect, you have picked up an empty bat and laid down the full mind.

Whatever you are doing, you are sure to be a hit.

About the Author

Tony Papajohn coaches excellence and specializes in money. If you are a real estate investor, financial trader, entrepreneur, or want money to treat you like its new best friend, check out Tony’s free e-courses at http://www.WelcomeMoreMoney.com .