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Boost Your Productivity: Unleash the Power of Rhythm at Work

Understanding the Concept of Rhythm at Work

In the fast-paced world of business, the emphasis is often placed on speed as a marker of success.

However, the concept of rhythm at work challenges this paradigm. Rhythm is not just about the pace at which tasks are completed; it refers to the natural flow of work that encourages balance, creativity, and sustainability. This section will delve into what rhythm truly means in a professional context and explore its underlying science. 

Rhythm is the father of patience! 

Defining Rhythm at Work

Rhythm in the workplace can be understood as the harmonious synchronization of tasks, energy levels, and creative processes among team members. Unlike speed, which can lead to burnout and diminished quality, a rhythmic approach allows individuals and teams to operate at a pace that promotes well-being and optimal output. It embodies the ebb and flow of productivity, much like the natural cycles we experience in life.

To truly embrace rhythm, business owners must cultivate environments where employees feel empowered to work at their own pace, aligned with their strengths and energy patterns. This encourages a culture where individuals can contribute effectively without the stress that often accompanies a race against the clock.

The Science Behind Rhythm vs. Speed

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Numerous studies reveal the cognitive and emotional benefits of rhythm at work.

Neuroscience suggests that our brains perform better when tasks are approached in a balanced manner, allowing for periods of intense focus followed by necessary breaks. This is contrary to the belief that relentless speed equates to productivity. The scientific community emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery as a means to enhance creativity and critical thinking.

In essence, understanding the science behind rhythm versus speed encourages business leaders to rethink their productivity metrics. Instead of measuring success through the number of hours worked or tasks completed, it’s vital to consider the quality and sustainability of the work being done.

 

That’s why our book on mental toughness I Can’t Wait To Be Patient is has been such a huge success in helping others! 

The Importance of Steady Progress

Progress > Perfection

Steady progress is a cornerstone of the rhythmic work philosophy. It emphasizes the value of incremental advancements over frenetic bursts of activity that may lead to burnout. This section will explore how building momentum over time can lead to more sustainable business practices.

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Building Momentum Over Time

When teams and individuals adopt a rhythm in their workflow, they are better positioned to build momentum. This momentum comes from consistent effort and engagement, allowing for a sense of achievement that propels further productivity. Much like training for a marathon, where steady practice leads to endurance and performance, businesses that prioritize rhythm find themselves progressing toward their goals in a more manageable and less stressful manner.

Additionally, steady progress creates a more positive workplace culture. Employees feel less pressured and can maintain their energy levels over longer periods, leading to decreased turnover rates and higher job satisfaction. This contributes to an organization’s ability to retain talent and foster long-term success.

Quality Work Over Quantity

A culture that prizes speed often sacrifices quality for quantity. However, when businesses shift their focus to rhythm, quality emerges as a priority. Employees are encouraged to take the time necessary to produce work that aligns with their standards and the expectations of the organization.

This approach ensures that the final output is not only satisfactory but also innovative. When individuals have the space to think and create without the looming pressure of deadlines, they are more likely to bring forth original ideas and solutions that can significantly benefit the business.

How Rhythm Enhances Creativity

Slow is Smooth and Smooth is Fast

Rhythm plays a critical role in fostering a creative atmosphere. This section will examine the connection between rhythm and innovation and provide case studies of successful businesses that have embraced this philosophy.

The Connection Between Rhythm and Innovation

Creativity flourishes in environments where employees feel safe to experiment and explore ideas without the fear of failure. A rhythm at work approach allows for flexibility and spontaneity, encouraging team members to engage in brainstorming and collaborative problem-solving. The continuity of rhythm helps maintain a flow state, which is essential for creative thinking.

Moreover, when employees are not overwhelmed by the pressures of speed, they can revisit and refine their ideas, leading to more innovative outcomes. This allows businesses to stay ahead of trends and meet customer needs more effectively.

Case Studies of Successful Businesses

Several companies exemplify the benefits of embracing rhythm over speed. For instance, Google has long been known for fostering a culture of creativity, encouraging employees to dedicate time to passion projects. This rhythmic approach has led to groundbreaking products like Gmail and Google Maps, demonstrating how innovation can thrive when pressure is alleviated.

Another notable example is Patagonia, which prioritizes employee well-being and a sustainable work-life balance. Their commitment to rhythm has not only increased employee loyalty but has also resulted in a brand that resonates with consumers, ultimately driving business success.

Practical Tips for Finding Your Work Rhythm

Identifying and cultivating an individual or team rhythm is essential for enhancing productivity and satisfaction. This section will provide practical tips on assessing current workflows and creating personalized routines that align with rhythm principles.

Assessing Your Current Workflow

The first step in finding your rhythm at work is to conduct a thorough assessment of your current work day. It is conducting a time audit. Here is our guide to time helping you with getting your time audit!

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Consider developing a reflective practice where you track your energy levels and productivity throughout the day. This can help identify patterns and pinpoint the times when you are most focused and efficient.

Consider using tools such as journals or productivity apps to log your workflows and evaluate how different tasks affect your energy and output. By understanding when you’re at your peak, you can start structuring your day around these natural peaks and troughs.

Creating a Personalized Routine

Once you’ve assessed your time, the next step is to create a personalized routine that aligns with your rhythm at work. This might involve allocating specific times for deep work, collaboration, and breaks. Incorporating practices such as the Time Technique, which alternates focused work sessions with short breaks, can provide structure while allowing flexibility.

It’s also essential to communicate with your team about their individual rhythm at work. Encourage open discussions about personal work preferences and collectively establish a work culture that respects everyone’s pace. By fostering an environment where rhythm is valued, you create a more harmonious and effective team.

The Role of Leadership in Fostering Rhythm

Leadership plays a pivotal role in establishing a workplace culture that values rhythm over speed. This section will explore how leaders can encourage a culture of balance and lead by example.

Encouraging a Culture of Balance

To foster a culture that prioritizes rhythm, leaders must actively promote mental toughness among their teams. This includes setting realistic deadlines, encouraging regular breaks, and ensuring that workloads are manageable. Leaders must also offer flexible work arrangements that allow employees to work during their most productive hours.

One of the best ways to become more efficient and have a rhythm at work is to create a hard stop! 

Moreover, acknowledging and celebrating achievements—regardless of their scale—can reinforce a rhythmic approach. By recognizing progress rather than just the end results, leaders can cultivate a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued for their contributions.

Leading by Example

Leaders should embody the principles of rhythm at work themselves. By demonstrating a healthy work balance and openly discussing their own rhythms, leaders can inspire their teams to follow suit. This authenticity fosters trust and encourages employees to prioritize their well-being.

Additionally, leaders should be receptive to feedback about workload and productivity. Creating channels for open communication allows employees to voice their needs and concerns, ultimately leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Real-Life Success Stories

Understanding the practical implications of embracing rhythm can be further illustrated through real-life success stories. This section will explore entrepreneurs and businesses that have prioritized rhythm in their work culture.

Entrepreneurs Who Emphasized Rhythm

One prominent example is Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, who advocates for a balanced work-life approach. His belief is that employees should enjoy their jobs and have the flexibility to work in ways that align with their natural rhythms. This philosophy has resulted in high levels of employee satisfaction and remarkable business growth.

Another noteworthy entrepreneur is Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post, who has become a champion for wellness in the workplace. Through her initiative, Thrive Global, she emphasizes the importance of well-being, advocating for a shift away from a hustle culture toward a rhythm that includes rest and recuperation.

Patience is recovery of the mind

Lessons Learned from the Journey

The journeys of these entrepreneurs highlight the transformative power of rhythm in business. They demonstrate that prioritizing employee well-being and embracing a more sustainable pace can lead to remarkable innovation, loyalty, and overall success.

Moreover, the shift toward rhythm at work encourages others in the business community to reconsider their approaches. It serves as a reminder that lasting success is built on solid foundations of well-being and creativity, not merely speed!

Conclusion: Shifting the Focus from Speed to Rhythm at work

The narrative surrounding productivity in the business world is evolving. As more leaders recognize the importance of rhythm over speed, companies are beginning to reap the benefits of sustainable practices that prioritize quality, creativity, and employee well-being. This shift is not merely a trend; it represents a fundamental change in how businesses operate and thrive.

The Long-Term Benefits for Business Owners and Investors

For business owners and investors, embracing rhythm can lead to long-term success. Companies that prioritize a balanced work culture are more likely to retain talent, foster innovation, and maintain high levels of productivity. Investors also benefit from supporting businesses that operate sustainably, as these companies are more resilient in the face of challenges.

Final Thoughts on Embracing the Rhythm at Work

As we navigate the complexities of modern business, it’s imperative to shift our focus from the relentless pursuit of speed to a more harmonious approach that values rhythm at work. By understanding and embracing this concept, businesses can create environments that foster creativity, well-being, and sustained success.

Get More productive, efficient, and less-over-whelmedFAQsWhat is workplace rhythm?

Workplace rhythm refers to the natural flow and balance of energy, tasks, and creativity among team members, prioritizing quality work over speed.

How does rhythm affect productivity?

Rhythm enhances productivity by allowing individuals to work in sync with their energy levels, leading to better quality output and reduced burnout.

Can embracing rhythm improve employee satisfaction?

Yes, a focus on rhythm can lead to a healthier work environment, promoting job satisfaction and reducing turnover rates as employees feel valued and understood.

How can businesses implement a rhythm-focused culture?

Businesses can foster a rhythm-focused culture by encouraging flexible work arrangements, recognizing achievements, and promoting open communication about workloads.

Are there specific techniques to find my rhythm during the workday?

Techniques include tracking energy levels throughout the day, utilizing methods like the Pomodoro Technique, and creating a personalized routine that aligns with individual strengths.

5 Strategies for Mentally Tough Business Executives

Introduction

You are not one of the mentally tough business executives by being soft. We get it! And part of your skill was being coachable! These 5 strategies will help! 

Setbacks are inevitable. However, it’s not about the setback, it’s about the comeback!

What separates successful entrepreneurs from those who falter is mental toughness. This article delves into 5 key strategies that can help mentally tough business executives cultivate more resilience, harness the power of failure, and optimize their mental fortitude. From reframing failure as a learning opportunity to building a supportive network, these strategies can empower business owners to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose.

Strategy 1: Know the Goal

The overall goal isn’t MORE. That’s an addict’s mantra. The goal is to achieve balance, flexibility, and ultimately peace! Your business and identity are wrapped up into one ball of achievement and it’s worked. However, there isn’t peace… And that has to be the goal of this journey.

Mountaintop moments only last so long and then it’s “onto the next.” 

Understand the Value of Setbacks

Failure is often viewed negatively, but it is crucial to develop mental toughness.

Every setback is an opportunity for a comeback and it can guide future decisions. For mentally tough business executives, embracing failure means shifting the mindset from fear to curiosity. Instead of asking, Why did this happen to me?, consider asking, What can I learn from this? This shift in perspective fosters resilience and opens doors to opportunities for improvement.

Identify Lessons Learned

After experiencing a setback, take time to reflect.

Conduct an autopsy of what went wrong and why. Document your findings and extract key lessons. This process not only aids in personal growth but also assists in developing strategies to mitigate similar challenges in the future. The more effectively you can identify and articulate lessons, the more equipped you’ll be to turn future failures into stepping stones for success.

Transform Failure into Fuel

As mentally tough business executives operate, as you know, you use failure as fuel.

Once you’ve identified lessons learned, the next step is to transform these insights into actionable strategies. Use the knowledge gained from past failures to fuel your motivation and determination. Create a mental game roadmap that outlines how you will apply these lessons moving forward. By viewing setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, you can cultivate a mindset that welcomes challenges as opportunities for growth.

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Strategy 2: Cultivate a Positive MindsetPractice Gratitude Daily

A positive mindset is crucial for mental toughness training.

As successful as mentally tough business executives are, there needs to be gratitude and mental toughness is built through daily gratitude practices. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you are thankful for, whether it’s a supportive team, a successful project, or simply a sunny day. Keeping a gratitude notebook can help reinforce these positive thoughts, making it easier to stay optimistic even in challenging times.

Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool for business executives seeking to cultivate success. Spend time imagining your success in vivid detail. Picture yourself achieving your goals, and immerse yourself in the feelings associated with that success. This practice not only boosts confidence but also creates a roadmap in your subconscious, making your vision feel more attainable and real.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

Your environment significantly influences your mindset. Surround yourself with positive, supportive individuals who inspire and uplift you. This can include colleagues, mentors, or even online communities. Engaging with others who share similar goals and values creates a collaborative atmosphere that fosters resilience and motivation.

Positivity and confidence are contagious; by immersing yourself in a supportive network, you bolster your own toughness mentally. 

Strategy 3: Develop Resilience Through RoutineCreate Consistent Daily Habits

Establishing a daily routine can significantly contribute to mental toughness. Routines provide structure, which can be especially comforting during tumultuous times. Create a morning routine that sets a positive tone for the day, incorporating activities such as meditation, planning, or reading. By building consistency into your day, you create a buffer against stress and uncertainty, enhancing your overall resilience.

Incorporate Physical Activity (Get after it)

Physical health is intrinsically linked to mental wellness. Regular exercise not only boosts mood through the release of endorphins but also enhances focus and cognitive function. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or strength training, find an activity that you enjoy and integrate it into your routine. This commitment to physical health supports mental toughness by improving your ability to handle stress. But, if you want to go further, sign up for a race!

Prioritize Mental Wellness

Mental wellness is a multifaceted issue that includes managing stress, maintaining a work-life balance, and seeking professional help when necessary. Incorporate practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or journaling into your routine to alleviate stress and enhance mental clarity. Remember, demonstrates a commitment to sustaining your overall health and emotional intelligence and mental toughness. Its effectiveness is one of the traits from mentally tough business executives.

Strategy 4: Set Clear Goals and Take Action

Define Your Vision

Smart goals are unnecessary. Instead, all you need is a clear vision of your desired destination. Keep in mind that sailboats are off-course most of the time, but they adapt. By determining what success entails, you establish a distinct path to pursue. This level of precision keeps you concentrated and motivated. Consistently reviewing and enhancing your objectives guarantees their continued relevance and alignment with your aspirations.

Create an Action Plan

Once your goals are defined, create an actionable plan that outlines the steps necessary to achieve them. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach not only makes your goals feel more attainable but also provides opportunities for regular progress assessments. Celebrate these small achievements along the way to keep motivation high and maintain momentum.

Celebrate Small Wins

Cultivating a habit of celebrating small wins is vital for maintaining motivation and a positive mindset. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how minor. This practice reinforces the idea that every step forward is valuable, helping you build confidence and resilience over time. By recognizing these moments, you create a positive feedback loop that fuels your commitment to your larger goals.

Strategy 5: Seek Support and Build a Network

Connect with Like-Minded Individuals

Mental toughness is also about building a support system. Engage in discussions, attend workshops, or join groups where you can exchange ideas and experiences. This network fosters collaboration, vulnerability, and provides valuable insights.

Provide Mentorship Opportunities

Since you are already one of the Mentally Tough Business Executives, the goal is to make sure that you are mentoring others! Take another under your wing and provide critical feedback, accountability, and encouragement, enhancing their learning and growth.

YOU”LL IMPROVE as a result of this!

Engage in Collaborative Problem Solving

Collaboration enhances mental toughness by providing diverse perspectives and shared knowledge. When faced with challenges, engage your network in problem-solving discussions. Collective brainstorming can yield innovative solutions and alleviate feelings of isolation. By approaching obstacles as a team, you cultivate a sense of community and shared purpose, reinforcing your mental resilience.

Conclusion

Building mental toughness is a multifaceted endeavor that involves embracing failures, cultivating positive mindsets, establishing routines, setting a clear vision, and seeking supportive networks.

Mentally Tough Business Executives, like yourself use these strategies already! It’s just about getting more efficient and remaining patient with yourself enabling you to navigate the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship with confidence and strength. By implementing these strategies, business owners can transform setbacks into opportunities for growth, ensuring long-term success and fulfillment in their ventures.

FAQs

What is mental toughness?

Mental toughness is 1) how we deal, handle, and cope with the struggles, and setbacks in life & 2) how we perform under pressure. It involves the ability to stay focused, resilient, and adaptable in the face of challenges.

How can I become more resilient?

Becoming more resilient involves cultivating a positive mindset, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, establishing consistent routines, and building a network of support. Engaging in physical activities and prioritizing mental wellness also play key roles.

Why is failure important for success?

Failure serves as a powerful teacher, providing insights that can guide future decisions. By analyzing failures, business owners can identify valuable lessons, enabling them to approach challenges with greater confidence and knowledge.

How can I practice gratitude effectively?

To practice gratitude effectively, set aside time daily to reflect on what you are thankful for. Writing in a gratitude journal can help reinforce this practice, allowing you to appreciate the positive aspects of your life and business.

What role does networking play in building mental toughness?

Networking provides a support system that fosters collaboration and shared problem-solving. Engaging with like-minded individuals and seeking mentorship can enhance resilience and provide diverse perspectives on challenges.

 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. 

Check Out All The Books 
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness 
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly. 
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell 
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell 

How Rory McIlroy Choked ?

I hate the word Choke, but the reality is this, EVERYONE HAS CHOKED. Wait, not everyone, just those who have been successful. You have to be in it to win it – No one in 35th place has ever choked.

Rory McIlroy is a Hall of Fame golfer and 4x Major Winner. He does not need to do anything more and he’s in the Hall of fame…

Here’s How Rory McIlroy Choked at The U.S. Open[image error]Rory McElroy (ENG)

(Photo by Richard Washbrooke/News Images)

So here’s how it happened~Here’s how Rory McIlroy choked.

But, please note, I’m a fan of Rory, and want this future Hall of Fame golfer to have another Major win!

Choking- Suboptimal performance given one’s skill level where incentives for optimal performance are at a maximum (Beilock & Carr, 2001).

This isn’t bad play or a slump but more of an event that takes place under high-pressure situations. Again, you have to be in it to win it.

There are a lot of theories about the anatomy of a choke. But this theory holds true time and time again.

Catastrophe Theory- All performers have an optimal range of arousal under pressure circumstances. Pressure is a privilege. When arousal gets too high, it turns into anxiety and then there can be an extreme drop-off in performance or a “catastrophe” (Hardy, 1990).

The catastrophe is caused by one error or mistake which leads to another and another, a complete drop-off, or meltdown. 

Rory McIlroy was 496/46 on putts inside of 3-feet the entire season on thr PGA Tour. After the U.S. Open, he was was at 99.7% of putts inside of that distance.

How Rory McIlroy choked at The U.S. Open is that he merely got away from his pre-putt routine and the moment got away from him. There was probably a thought that popped in the head over the putt, such as ” don’t miss it” or more likely, a mechanical thought with a poor focus on the speed of the putt or just not completely trusting it and letting it go.

It’s hard to imagine it can happen to the best in the game, but Rory McIlroy has wanted to win another Major, for over ten years now that it got too big. He had a poor missed putt on 16 and it caused a lack of confidence and belief in the last putt of the day, that it was a collapse.

Confidence and Focus: An Unbeatable Pair For Your Mental Toughness

Confidence and Focus: An Unbeatable Pair For Your Mental Toughness

 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. 

Check Out All The Books 
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness 
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly. 
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell 
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell 

Why Rhythm Is More Important Than Speed

Why Rhythm is More Important Than Speed

Slow Is Smooth And Smooth is Fast

Farmers are the hardest workers. They were the one’s who put the hustle in “hustle-culture.”  I have never met someone who said, “farmers don’t work hard.”

However, they approach the workday with a focus on rhythm, not speed.  They are up at 4 am and grind away, but they still have time for coffee and breakfast. They also make sure dinner is eaten with peace and patience. And the leftovers are what become supper!

They realize that slow is smooth and smooth is fast! 

They understand and apply that the day the seed is planted is not the day it’s harvested!

Stating that rhythm is more important takes nothing away from the importance of speed, it’s just that rhythm is even more important! Just as rhythm is most important for athletes, it is the same in business life as well.

Thus, it does NOT mean that speed is bad. Speed is great, It’s crucial in fact to success. I agree mostly with the statement of “first in, wins.” However, think about when you are at you best performance, are you rushed, overwhelmed, and stressed? This is why rhythm is more important than speed.

More often than not, we operate at a controlled rhythm of our day, our week, and month. This results in slow, steady progress. Because when we need, we can always speed up to our top speed or slow down from our max velocity.

What happens when we rush too much?

When we rush, mistakes occur. It’s inevitable. There is a speed and accuracy trade off in everything we do. The faster something is, the more negative variance it brings. Check out our post on how patience actually saves patients.

So we are doing too many things, or aren’t transitioning well in-between projects or people efficiently enough, mistakes will occur. When we become too focused on the deadline or speed, we’ll neglect a detail and it will eventually catch up to us.

Timelines are important to getting things completed. Although, we must still be flexible enough to have a bend, don’t break approach to our schedule and deadlines. Resiliency and mental toughness depend upon remaining adjustable and patient with results.

Rhythm is More Important Than Speed

Since time is our most precious resource, we must treat it as such.

We need to use these four steps below to help maximize our time.

It begins by having a plan and segmenting our day. We start by carving out time that allows us to stay focused completely on the task at hand! Rhythm is more important than speed because it is the path on how to be efficient, productive, and good looking (okay, maybe not good looking). These four steps below are the basis for our book on Mental Toughness– I Can’t Wait To Be Patient.

This is how we can “get rhythm” in our day.

Step #1 Examine The First Hour of Your Day

The first hour of the day sets the rudder for the rest… We need to start the day out strong and in rhythm, not rushing around. Allow yourself ample time.

Step #2 Maximize Your Transitions

We move from place to place and people to people without really decompressing and setting our attention and attitude on how we want to show up.

Step #3 Plan For Flow

The beauty of life and sports is being in the zone. Getting so immersed into the task at hand is the best gift we can give ourselves and any activity in which we can achieve this zone is magical!

Step #4 Schedule The OMD Time— “Off My Desk”

These OMD’s are the things that we don’t want to do, but the tasks that we need to do! These must be scheduled in order to achieve rhythm in our busy day! Check out our resource on how we became more efficient, productive, and less overwhelmed.

 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. 

Check Out All The Books 
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness 
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly. 
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell 
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell 

3 Requirements For Greatness

Here’s 3 Requirements For Greatness.

Blades Brown, 16, is one of the top amateur golfers in the world. He played in his PGA Tour debut, made the cut and finished 26th at the Inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic. 

Spending the week with Blades Brown and his team as a mental coach, here are three observations about what makes one great.

1. Greatness Tip: MAKE it Look Easy… What do they say about greatness? 

They make it look easy! 

Tips to greatness begins with embracing and welcoming the moment. The best shine brighter when the lights are on! That is how everyone can achieve greatness. However, what people don’t see however is the work and practice and play that is conducted when the lights are off. There are very few who reach top levels of success without putting in the effort, hard work, and extreme sacrifice. This is the way to greatness. Hence, the adage is true “success is not owned, it is leased, and rent is due everyday.” 

And most people frankly underestimate the effort and requirements for greatness to emerge. 

People will witness the putts and shots that Blades Brown successfully made during his PGA Tour debut, but they didn’t see the hours of chipping and putting that he did until it was dark outside. That is a simply one of the requirements for greatness. 

2. Greatness Tip: Build A Winning Team What is a fact about greatness? 

The greatest build a winning team around them. Parke Brown and Rhonda Brown are his parents. They are both outstanding people! They instilled in both of their children, doing the details along the journey. Mastering the simple is one of the requirements for greatness.  

Blades Brown’ parents reflect on his PGA Tour debut.

Everyone must surround themselves with competition, because that is how each of us improves. For instance, Michael Phelps used to get beat regularly during practice sets in the pool. But, he knew it was needed for his path of greatness. 

3. Greatness Tip: It’s Not A Linear Path…
How do you explain greatness? 

Greatness points toward the path of hinge moments. 

One moment, person, event, or decision that connects who we are with who we become. There are setbacks, roadblocks, and barriers that will make us stumble. It may even makes us question in our own lives, “Will this happen?”   

Your own important moment is coming, but you’ll have to be ready! That’s how you’ll achieve greatness. This is also a requirement for greatness in any field of life.  Overall, this PGA Tour debut was a hinge moment, but there were hinge moments even inside of the play and tournament itself.

One of Blades Brown hinge moments in the Myrtle Beach Classic was on Friday, when he shot -4 to make the cut.  He was -2 at the time and he chipped in to save par with four holes remaining in the round, which kept the momentum going. It was also his 2nd chip-in for the the week. 

Greatness does not keep going up, up, and up. There are many plateaus, mountain tops, and even false summits.

The key is to stay positive, focus, and capture those hinge moments.

When our moment hits, it’s too late to prepare, we need to be ready. Lastly, greatness comes in many forms and fashions and it takes patience.

There is NOT one personality type of greatness, nor mold.  There are many paths and these three requirements for greatness ring true. 

 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. 

Check Out All The Books 
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness 
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly. 
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell 
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell 

Five Lessons on How To Become a Business Coach

Five Lessons on How To Become a Business Coach Table of ContentsFive Lessons on How To Become a Business Coach “You will get fired.” Can’t help everyone, so screen the “motivation” as best you can. Multiple streams of incomeKeep creating your personal brandGet so good that they have to hire youHow To Become A Business Coach

I finished graduate school and was a professor for 5 years before leaving academia in 2011 to start my mental coaching for business full-time. There was no safety-net, no nest egg, no back-up plan, nor business and coaching plan for that matter. And starting out, many months were a struggle, financially, so I hope these lessons can help. 

Here’s just five business coaching tips that I wanted to share on how to become a business coach and successful business coach.

“You will get fired.”

When the late, great Ken Ravizza uttered these words, I totally accepted and understood it. But, until it happens, not much prepares you for the feelings of hurt of being fired. However, what I failed to Ken mention was you’ll get fired AFTER doing a good job business coaching. 

I was and am still never prepared for this situation, but I’ve coached PGA Tour winners, Indy 500 champions, Olympic medalists, successful small business owners, executives, and I’ve been let go AFTER success. 

Getting fired after success does not every time of course, but it occurs  because after reaching the mountain top, the Sherpa is no longer needed. Hence, there is often a feeling from those that hire you as   “ okay, we did it, now what?” 

The toughest part of getting fired are the relationships that are built because of the intimacy of the work involved. Hey, maybe it never happens to you, but as the saying goes, “there’s two types of coaches, those have have been fired and those that will.” 

 Can’t help everyone, so screen the “motivation” as best you can. 

Initial sessions are sometimes as much for you as it is them. It’s a lot about fit. You’ll need to assess and game-plan potential clients , coach, small business owner, or team that you can help reach their goals. 

Motivation is the skill that is hardest to coach, so that potential client must have that either pain or vision driving them to do what it takes. Out of every 10 calls we receive, 9/10 people are in some sort of pain and want it taken care of. Only 1/10, in my experience, are seeking you out for coaching because they have a vision of where they want to be and just aren’t realizing their potential.  Yes, we want sport psychology coaching, mental skills coaching and business coaching to be proactive, but this field is still blend of being an athletic trainer and a strength coach. 

If it’s a parent who wants to hire you, make sure you set boundaries before engaging so they understand what is ‘okay’ and what is not ‘okay’ from their role as a parent. Lastly, If there’s too many red flags, be prepared to say no. 

Multiple streams of income

We have never accepted insurance, performed consulting as a part-time gig, nor received a steady paycheck, so revenue is the heart of the business. 

This becomes a crucial part about “how to become a business coach.” Multiple streams of income means being diversified like most successful business coaches, and we’ve delineated this into five (5) streams: Team clients/sessions, individual clients/sessions, professional athletes, professional speaking, and online business coaching (podcast, books, courses, & sponsorships). 

One part of the coaching business may be struggling, so it’s best to handle the ups & downs by having multiple streams of revenue. And residual income is king.  Hence, after initial sessions,  have a monthly, quarterly, or annual model of coaching to forecast revenue. This strategy also  provides the freedom to do your best work. Avoid the one-off model as best as you can. 

And since you’ll be fired, make sure “the juice is worth the squeeze.”  If you coach for free, you’ll not only undervalue your own work and the field as a whole, but it makes charging and building your business exponentially more difficult.

Resentments can also easily emerge if you invest your time and expertise for free, so do this sparingly, if at all. 

Keep creating your personal brand

I’ve written eight books on mental toughness and sport psychology.

I’ve written over 300 mental toughness blog posts and recorded over 140 mental toughness podcast episodes. We have a modest, but devoted newsletter list of over 10k.

I mention these, because I believe creativity is a super-power with this field of developing business coaching programs. 

Writing, recording, thinking, developing ideas, and talking with others is a way to keep the creativity muscle growing. When you stay creative, you’re able to develop content in a multitude of ways that can serve as a way to help others. Your content becomes your brand and your brand makes income. 

Get so good that they have to hire you

The mental health coaching and business coaching field has exploded with guru’s, part-timers, and successful business owners in other arenas of life who are now mental coaches. Anyone can call themselves a certified business coach or professional business coach. Most everyone also has some expertise into mental game work, regardless of what they call it. Now, most of this existing coaching is simply motivational in nature, but the point is that everyone is a coach. 

You simply need to be so good at your business coaching practice and helping people achieve their goals, that they need to hire you. Also, you need to be ready for that moment that a coach or business owner asks you an in-depth mental game question that will led them to hire you or not. 

How To Become A Business Coach

 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. 

Check Out All The Books 
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness 
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Blog Posts are published weekly. 
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell 
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell 

The 3 Priorities Of Handling Distractions At Work

3 Proven Ways to Eliminate Distractions at Work for Your Most Productive Day Yet



Ahhh, handling distractions at work....  A "Code Blue" announced in the hospital setting is because a patient needs immediate medical attention! It's an urgent and important life or death situation. 

What do your own code blues throughout the day look like? Chances are that none are actual life and death situations at work, but in the moment, it may actually feel like it.

An issue, emergency, or someone else's emergency, can all create angst, and a sudden rush to deal, handle, and cope with it. So what is the best path to handling distractions at work ?

We also have to consider the role that cell phones, social media, and simple common distractions through the work day that can impact our own stress and mental health. 

Many employees also ask us these two questions: "How can I avoid online distractions and how can I focus better?"



Unfortunately, there are 3 issues with your own "Code Blues" and handling distractions at work 



1) We succumb to the urgent and it trumps the important!

Common workplace distractions are simply a result of succumbing to the urgent. We deal with the issue not because it's the most important thing, but merely because it's perceived as urgent. It requires patience. 

2) Handling distractions at work takes away from our focus.  

The path to productivity is through your focus and staying immersed into the task at hand. Workplace distractions take us away from the moment. We want to and need to get to that highest level of flow and focused work, where we boost productivity because it magically takes off by itself. 

This simply cannot happen with common workplace distractions or by handling other issues throughout the day.

3) Our focus and attention is limited.  

Taking care of one code blue in our work environment is entirely different than managing five or six of these workplace distractions. 

However, during the business day, we don't know how many or what issues will arise and hence which distractions at work are worth our energy and focus.  Once we get into the weeds and handle all the issues and the stop and go of the day, our efficiency, and productivity drops.

And as a result, our focus has waned as well. That's why we become irritated, tired, and feel like we are trying to play catch up.





 

One of Our Mental Toughness Books

I Can't Wait To Be Patient



3 Performance Solutions of How To Stop Handling Distractions At Work



1)  Know A Real Code Blue

Is it life or death and/or does it need your immediate attention?  Does it require you to stop, drop, & roll to make sure this is handled, right now? 

The way to focus better is to understand that every urgent situation is NOT a code blue. You'll have to determine what is a real issue that needs to be handled NOW, or one that can wait a bit. This simple solution to managing interruptions and distractions at work is how to focus better.  It's a way that many hall of famers focused as well. 

2) Schedule Your Emergency Room Times To Eliminate Work Distractions 

Just as you need to be immersed in your most important tasks of the day, scheduling and blocking off time to handle these distractions in the workplace will greatly enhance your productivity and keep your attention levels at their peak. This is simply the best way on how to focus better at work. 

If you're serious and want coaching, check out the fast video series to help boost productivity, efficiency, and save time. 

Schedule and specially plan a few times throughout the day to handle distractions in the workplace and check-in on these issues!

3)  The One Minute Rule

These examples of handling distractions at work are tested well with the one-minute rule of focus. If it's a pressing issue that you won't be able to mentally let go of until it's handled, then assess the time needed.

If it takes less than one minute to handle it, then go ahead.

However, just note, few issues and responses actually take less than a minute. This technique is key to answering the question of how to avoid distractions and stay focused. 

 

Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens. 

Check Out All The Books 
Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness 
Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
New Mental Wellness Blog Posts are published weekly. 
Follow on Twitter @drrobbell 
Follow on Instagram @drrobbell 

The post The 3 Priorities Of Handling Distractions At Work appeared first on Mental Toughness Coach | Dr. Rob Bell - Speaker & Author.

Just How Good Are Professional Golfers?

Just How Good Are Professional Golfers?
It's a fair question.

It's different from other professional sports where if you can't throw 90MPH,  you've got limited opportunities as a MLB pitcher. If you're physically unable to run a 4.5 second forty yard dash, then the NFL isn't in your future business ventures.

And because there are no concrete criteria for one to become a Professional Tour Player, it leads one to ask how good are professional golfers? 
Professional Golfers Vs. Golf Professionals 
First, there is a canyon size difference between a golf professional and a professional golfer.

Golf professionals are at every golf club and frankly the straw that stirs the drink of the game of golf. The "club pros" are the key to growing and enjoying the game, and are so very needed. Some of my best friends are PGA Class A professionals. 

Performance wise, a golf professional plays in local or sectional events across their state and the best of those play in their own national event every year. The top 20 golf professionals in the United States earn an invite to the PGA Championship. So, THEY can play!

However, even the best golf professional just has an outside chance of making the cut at the PGA Championship. It does happen and it's a huge victory for them! Hypothetically, if that golf pro received an entire year exemption to play in every PGA Tour event that they'd could, a handful of cuts is all that they would make. Now, this player maybe would crack a top 25 finish in an event or two, but not enough to keep one's tour card. Sorry, It's brutal, but it's honest, PGA Tour players are THAT good.

However, even with this golf professional vs. professional golf analogy, it doesn't quite do it justice about just how good are professional golfers.

It's because we see them miss 5 foot putts, hit bad shots, flub chips, and leave an occasional shot in the bunker. When this happens, your golfing buddy will exclaim "Oh, I could make that shot." Um, no you couldn't...

First, we must admit that the level of performance of any professional athlete is relative. For instance, the top 20 dart throwers or bowlers are exponentially better than anyone you've ever seen. So, a professional golfer is the same level of performance as an olympic athlete or major league baseball player or elite marathon runner. This applies to LPGA golfers as well! 

Here's the analogy to illustrate just how good are professional golfers. If you watch the New York or Boston Marathon, you'll see the lead pack at 10 or 15 miles into the race, and within that pack, the winner will emerge. Now, the SLOWEST male winning time at the New York Marathon since 1995 was 2 hours and 11 minutes. The winner at the slowest pace was still averaging 5 minute miles for 26.2 miles. Oftentimes, the winner is running 4:45 pace. 

The women's record for New York Marathon is 2:22, which is 5:25 per mile! Try going out there and running just 1 mile at that pace! 

So, this is how good professional golfers truly are! 

Let's take the comparison a bit deeper. The best in your current town are elite competitive runners who will race in the Boston or New York Marathon. They earn some money for winning local or regional races and have some sponsorship to help them compete, pay for race fees, gear, travel expenses, etc. However, it's not their full-time gig. 

If they run a sub 2:30 marathon, they are elite! Their pace is 5:42 per mile for 26.2 miles and they are elite! They are akin to your top golf professionals! 

The difference is a 5:42 vs. sub 5:00 minute per mile.... That is :42 seconds per mile difference between a sub 2:30 marathon and a 2:11 marathon time. 

42 seconds per mile...

Hence this is the difference and just how good are professional golfers that you'll watch on T.V. and even those touring pro's whose name you've never heard of. 

If you take a +2 handicap compared to a tour professional, it's not even close. Over the course of a 72 or 54 hole tournament, the gap will be the difference between a 2:30 and 2:11 marathon, HUGE!

Don't take my word for it, On my podcast, 15 Minutes of Mental Toughness, I interviewed Rickie Fowler's Caddy, Joe Skovron and he made a similar claim, except with much more detail. 

Hopefully, this illustration has answered the question just how good are professional golfers?

 

 

The post Just How Good Are Professional Golfers? appeared first on Mental Toughness Coach | Dr. Rob Bell - Speaker & Author.

Worried About Children’s Physical Distancing and Mental Health? Check the L.A.B

Worried About Children's Physical Distancing and Mental Health? Check the L.A.B

Examining exactly how physical distancing affects a child’s mental health is a tricky endeavour. First, keep in mind that every child is different - while the changes brought about by the need for physical distancing are likely to produce a degree of anxiety in almost anyone, how severely it affects your child will vary.

Another difficulty is the lack of studies available related to intentional, prolonged, physical distancing (sometimes called social distancing). While we have studies about the mental health effects of isolation, the use of long-term physical distancing as a tool to stop the spread of disease has never been studied. In light of this, the best way to evaluate its mental health effects on children may be to look at related studies.

Many of the topics we’ll discuss here can affect adults, as well. When evaluating the mental health of a child or teenager, keep in mind that they may not have the language or emotional experience to properly express their feelings to you. You may have to do a bit of detective work as well as be open to difficult conversations.

The acronym L.A.B refers to the three biggest drawbacks to physical distancing: loneliness, anxiety, and boredom. We’ll go over a number of techniques to help alleviate these feelings in your child while they’re being asked to be physically distant due to illness. 

 

Loneliness

 

One of the biggest obstacles during periods of physical distancing is loneliness. Children may find this especially hard as they’re often surrounded by their peers at school and during after school activities. This is a good time to work on your relationship as a family - walk together, talk together, and spend valuable time getting to know each other.

 

There is some evidence that it’s easier to bond with others through audio and video communication, rather than texting. This may mean that your children will feel less lonely if they communicate through Skype/FaceTime or via phone call than if they were to communicate over text exclusively. Your child is feeling lonely? Encourage them to phone their friends.

 

At the top, we briefly discussed that communicating feelings may be more difficult for children. Fortunately, this isn’t typically the case with loneliness. If you ask your child if they're feeling lonely, they should be able to express themselves with no problems. Though you can’t arrange for playdates, you can coordinate with parents to arrange for group phone calls or video chats. Encourage older children to do the same. Playing games online together can also be bonding.

 

Anxiety

 

Children are often in a position where they feel they have little control, from having to do what adults tell them to lacking the tools necessary for projects they’d like to undertake. With physical distancing, there’s an even greater removal of agency - not only are they not allowed to make rules for themselves, they can’t even do the things that used to be in their power, like seeing their friends and choosing their extracurricular activities.

 

One of the consequences of becoming sick and being asked to physically distance ourselves  is that our normal routines have been wrested away from us - one of the many things that lie outside of our control. One of the benefits of routine is that it gives us a sense of control, no matter how old we are - by simply following our routine, we are accomplishing something. We have agency over something. Locus of control, the feeling that you have control over your life, is one of the keys to good mental health.

 

Children and teens will, inevitably, see substantial changes to their routines as a result of physical distancing. They don’t need to be up on time to catch the bus, they don’t go to school where classes are rigidly structured, they don’t have sports or clubs once school is over. The resulting feeling can be disorienting; routines give us a sense of place in time.

 

When your child is feeling listless, bored, or acting chaotic, it may be good to encourage them to create a routine. Do so in tandem with your child, helping them choose when to schedule certain activities. Make sure their routine involves mentally, physically, and spiritually stimulating activities. Work hard to maintain your own routine as well; as we know, children emulate their parents. 

 

Alleviating anxiety is tricky, especially when everyone seems to be feeling it to some degree. Have honest conversations with your child about their feelings. Put extra effort into ensuring they have some degree of control over their lives. You may ask for their input on what to make for supper, and help them learn how to cook. You may ask them what chores they want to do, and give them responsibility over those chores. The more that your child feels they have power over their own lives, the less anxiety they might experience. 

 

Boredom

 

You may be hard-pressed to find a group of kids who will tell you they love going to school. Nevertheless, you’re unlikely to find a group of kids who are all perpetually bored at school - they’ll enjoy gym class, or science, or talking with their friends. Throw in after school activities, and children often won’t have the time to be bored; their schedules are just too packed.

 

That’s all changed when you’re practising physical distancing. Boredom isn’t necessarily bad for your mental health; it can stimulate you to find a new hobby or do something creative. Perpetual boredom, on the other hand, can be a problem.

 

Fortunately, there are still plenty of things you can do while staying while physical distancing guidelines. Have a backyard? Set up a couple of impromptu soccer nets and play. A little less space? Look up some YouTube videos of activities you and your kids can do by using body weight. Yoga, gymnastics, kung fu - the number of tutorials you can find online to relieve boredom is astounding. 

 

Looking for something more mentally stimulating? Pick up some board games to play with your kids. Encourage them to learn to draw, write poetry, or play an instrument. These activities can serve a dual purpose - alleviating boredom while providing creative and social outlets.

 

Authors Bio: 

Veronica Wallace is a childhood educator and blogging enthusiast. Some of her favourite articles can be found on the Kidthink website. Kidthink specializes in offering clinical treatment of mental illness in children aged twelve and under, along with community outreach and training for this type of treatment. 

The post Worried About Children’s Physical Distancing and Mental Health? Check the L.A.B appeared first on Mental Toughness Coach | Dr. Rob Bell - Speaker & Author.

What Mindset Is Best To Beat Post-Traumatic Stress?

What Mindset Is Best To Beat Post-Traumatic Stress?

Consider the pandemic as a trauma that we've all had to endure. Some of us, of course, have had it worse than others.

This trauma not a singular event that occurred, like a crash or a service member returning from deployment. But, it has had an impact. 

Life stress doesn't have to be diagnosed, but consider the questions:

Has the quarantine been distressing or disturbing?
Have you felt edging and irritable?
Did Co-Vid19 cause you to feel anxiety or down? 

We already have a growing anxiety concern because of our expectations and demands in life. And now we've added a huge life stressor with the pandemic. So, you have my permission to look at this experience as a society as a traumatic event.

When we understand what's occurred and how our mind wants to react, it can allow for recovery to take place. It doesn't mean we have a get out of jail free card, we need to accept it and get better from this, not stay bitter. 

So what sort of mindset do we need to actively work on to overcome the traumatic stress? 

My podcast episode with Dr. Bhrett McCabe shared some enlightening thoughts. We spoke about being at least a 6 month lag of mental health issues as a society. We spoke about confidence and knowing we were going to make it through, but then we touched on the most important mental skill. 

What mindset we need is to stay flexible!

Flexibility allows us to bend without breaking. Boxer Jake LaMotta said, "You have to move WITH the punch."
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Flexibility allows us to bend without breaking. Boxer Jake LaMotta said, "You have to move WITH the punch." 

We have to adapt and overcome. 

We have to make adjustments. 

We are going to Puke & Rally. 

We are always evolving and always changing , but the problem is the unknown and speculation is the mother of all evil. It's as simple as being able to constantly take a step back and examine how do I need to adapt and what mindset is keeping me rigid and stiff? Am I too caught up in events that don't really concern me? Have I allowed others to negatively change my mindset? Am I on social networking too much?

But, truthfully, I'm not flexible! 

I crave for routine and structure. I like control over my health, life and how I "get after it." I don't like people cutting me off in traffic, or running stop signs. I often react poorly when simple things don't work like they should. 

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