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Reflection is The Breakfast of Champions

Written by: Raymond Perras

Article Overview: As we strive to create peak performance, one key element of the process is to take time to reflect. It is the "internalizing" part of my AïM Program. Awareness can be translated into action by taking time to reflect on how we are using our energy and time to create optimal results.

Reflection is The Breakfast of Champions

Already September and summer is gone. It seems we have not even seen summer. Is it that we are hurrying too much? Is it that we are too caught up in the old routine? Is it that we are not aware that every minute bears an opportunity to travel to our desired destination? Or is it that we are out of balance?

Time to Reflect

Since summer was time for vacations, I am guessing you have at least taken a weekend if not more time to unwind, change the routine, get away from it all. You have consciously or unconsciously made space between the ordinary and the unexpected.

What am I talking about? I want to draw your attention to a key element of peak performance. Highly successful performers have one thing in common called balance. To the common observer, it may not show outwardly. But peak performers know how to create balance in their state. They have a knack to reset the clock, unwind the spring, and re-establish equilibrium in their body, mind and soul.

Too often, we get caught up in the whirlwind of everyday routine and forget to counteract the effect of the pull (the perceived obligation that we have to...). We develop a sense that one more step, one more effort, one more go at it will take us over the top. We forget that "slowly but surely" brings long lasting results. We could stop and realize that running like the hare at first puts us at the front, but that in the long term, it makes us weary and stressed out.

I am not suggesting that we have to take the way of the turtle all the time. Not at all. I am only raising the question "Do you have to run all the time?" Why not reflect once in a while and tell yourself that "it can wait". Or, ask yourself, "Am I in balance?" Peak performance is doing "the right thing in the right amount at the right time^TM". To ensure that result, it is necessary to take stock and reflect on what is driving us.

Perhaps it would be beneficial to take time to reflect as fall sets in, ask yourself if you are out of balance, if you feel overwhelmed, or if you have a sense that time flies too fast. Perhaps that moment of reflection would help catch your breath, slow down the merry-go-round, allow you to find your anchor point, reset your compass so that you have a clear sense of direction.

Balance can be re-established through your awareness of the position you occupy in your environment, and what you contribute to it. Think about the Chinese proverb that illustrates the impact of our actions - a butterfly beating its wings can cause a tsunami across the ocean. Deep down in that reflection, gather the insight that your moment is a stitch in time that may seem meaningless but in the long run makes a big difference.

I encourage you during this time of refocus to reflect and look for balance in your life. You will reap the reward of increased awareness and the certainty that you have a sound basis to further travel on your road to self-accomplishment. I wish you a peaceful and successful time for reflection.

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Article Tags: body mind and soul, clock, doing the right thing, element, equilibrium, everyday routine, knack, nbsp, obligation, peak performance, peak performers, right time, stock, turtle, vacations, whirlwind



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