Being "in the zone" is often described as a state of mind when an individual finds oneself observing one's own body in motion; alternately, it describes the sensation of observing oneself delivering a speech. Some folks describe "being in the zone" as feeling every move or action flowing from within, somehow. It is not a physical condition. It is operating on a higher plane, when everything is going your way. To be sure, it doesn't happen too often.

Great athletes typically refer to themselves as being "in the zone" after pitching a no-hitter, hitting that critical foul shot, finding fourth and goal or achieving that elusive long jump.

So now I ask you: Is being "in the zone" a matter of being in the right place at the right time, a serendipitous accident? or perhaps something more?

I would argue that it is the latter, having recently found myself in such a fortunate situation with 90 North American automotive professionals squarely focused on my every pitch to the plate. And every pitch was a strike. I could not miss.

Pitching the "Perfect Game"

Recently, while facilitating a large workshop in Toronto, Canada, I suddenly noticed that everyone and every thing in the room was moving in slow motion. I felt strong and I felt as if I were standing on the mound overseeing the perfect game in front of 50,000 roaring fans. As I looked around me, time seemed to slow down. Of course, the time hadn't actually slowed. I was experiencing a phenomenon known as being "in the zone."

I had been in the same situation a thousand times before. So why was this day different? What had I done differently to prepare for game day?

How to get "in the zone"

If you are unsure about your daily performance as a salesperson, manager, or leader, it may be because you really haven't adequately studied or prepared.  You probably experience a feeling of anxiety and don't know how to deal with this feeling.

Practicing your performance (job) under conditions that are as close as possible to the conditions you'll actually experience on the job will optimize your performance. Practicing for a skating competition at a rink half or twice the size of the rink where the competition will occur will not be as effective as practicing at the same size rink. Naturally, using the exact same rink would be best. Practicing for a big 100 question test by looking at ten or twelve test questions every few hours will not be as effective as practicing 100 questions at a time.

Use Your Imagination

Our imaginations -- which do not get much practice in our modern world -- are very powerful tools. Imagining an optimal performance actually provides a mental and mini-mental rehearsal that can facilitate your best performance. Your brain goes through the steps of the performance, actually sending little signals to the muscles, reinforcing and enhancing the nervous system pathways and mechanics that are used in the mental and physical aspects of the performance.
By visualizing the correct mechanics of a job or task, you can better prepare yourself to tackle it and you will be more successful!

Auto University is here to help you reach your optimal performance and potential. Enroll as a student today and pitch your perfect game!