Are you striving to become a stellar performer in your field? Do you want to reach the top and stay there? Look no further. In this article, we will explore the invaluable lessons from Greg Harden, the renowned performance coach who has trained some of the biggest names in sports, including Tom Brady and Michael Phelps. Harden’s insights and techniques can be applied not only in the athletic arena but also in the workplace, helping you become a top competitor, find workplace success and excel in your chosen field.
1. Cultivate Hunger and Humility – To become a stellar performer, you must possess both hunger and humility. Greg Harden emphasizes the importance of activating your hunger, the burning desire that propels you to chase after your goals. However, he also highlights the challenge of remaining humble as you climb the ladder of success. Balancing ego and coachability is crucial.
Harden advises, “Teach yourself when your ego should lead and when you need to follow.” Recognizing the moments when your ego must take charge and when you should surrender it for the sake of growth and learning is a critical piece of the puzzle on your path to excellence.
2. Embrace Your Identity Beyond Your Profession – Greg Harden instills in his clients the understanding that they are more than just their professional titles. He encourages them to recognize their humanity and the effort they put into their craft. Tom Brady, for example, was taught that he is not just a football player but a human being who has practiced, trained, and rehearsed to give 100% all the time.
It’s essential to realize that success is not solely determined by winning. Instead, it is about giving everything you have, win or lose. Harden applauds those who give their all, stating, “If you’ve given everything you’ve got, win, lose, or draw, you’re my person because I know you didn’t quit.”
3. Develop Resilience for Rapid Recovery – Challenges are inevitable on the journey to becoming a stellar performer. Greg Harden emphasizes the need to recover quickly from setbacks. Whether you face heartache, grief, disappointment, or mistakes, being able to bounce back swiftly is a necessary skill.
To build resilience, Harden suggests knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Becoming an expert on yourself allows you to understand what works and what doesn’t in processing and moving on from negative experiences. Harden’s advice applies to athletes, CEOs, and professionals from all walks of life. Your ability to recover promptly from life’s challenges sets you up to be the best.
4. Redefine Stress as Predictable and Manageable – Stress, anxiety, and self-doubt often accompany pivotal moments in our lives. Greg Harden asserts that stress is predictable, especially for peak performers. True excellence lies in recognizing that anxiety and excitement are two sides of the same coin.
“Stop being afraid of being afraid,” Harden advises. Acknowledge that stress is predictable and manageable. Before embarking on courageous endeavors, take the time to settle yourself through deep breathing. Remember that courage is not the absence of fear but the act of facing it head-on.
Harden encourages shifting your mindset from fear to excitement, psyching yourself up to “go have some fun.” Embrace the challenges ahead with enthusiasm and confidence.
5. Harness the Power of Positive Self-Talk – One of the most critical aspects of mental training is learning how to talk to yourself positively. Greg Harden highlights the significance of self-talk in maintaining motivation and focus. He cites the example of swimmers who spend hours alone in the water, relying on their inner dialogues to keep them going.
Training your inner voice is vital. Harden advises catching negative thoughts and words, and redirecting them when they lead you astray. Cultivate an optimistic mindset, focusing on what you want to achieve. Train yourself to believe without question or pause that your efforts will lead to something special.
Now that we have explored these five essential lessons from Greg Harden, you have the tools to elevate your performance and become a stellar performer in your field. Remember to cultivate hunger and humility, embrace your identity beyond your profession, develop resilience for rapid recovery, redefine stress as predictable and manageable, and harness the power of positive self-talk.
By implementing these lessons, you will be well on your way to achieving greatness and standing out among your peers. So go forth, embrace the challenge, and become the stellar performer you were meant to be.
FAQs
Q: How can I cultivate hunger and humility in my journey to becoming a stellar performer?
A: Cultivating hunger involves igniting your burning desire to achieve your goals. Remaining humble requires recognizing when to let your ego lead and when to be coachable.
Q: How can I recover quickly from setbacks and challenges?
A: Developing resilience starts with understanding your strengths and weaknesses. By becoming an expert on yourself, you can effectively process and move on from negative experiences.
Q: How can I manage stress and anxiety during pivotal moments in my life?
A: Recognize that stress is predictable and manageable. Shift your mindset from fear to excitement, and psych yourself up for the challenges ahead.
Q: How can positive self-talk improve my performance?
A: Training your inner voice to be positive and optimistic can boost motivation and focus. Catch negative thoughts and words, redirecting them towards your goals and aspirations.
Q: How can I apply these lessons in the workplace?
A: These lessons from Greg Harden are not limited to the athletic arena. They can be applied to any profession or field to elevate your performance and become a stellar performer in your chosen domain.
First reported on CNBC
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Nguyen Thu Hoai; Unsplash; Thank you!
