At the time I was getting my Masters in Industrial Relations and conducting a research project related to the book Peak Performers by Charles Garfield.
I was collecting information from executives in different fields to learn about peak performance from individuals successful in their field.
Of course I gave a survey to my dad (don’t judge, I bet you asked your grandma to buy Girl Scout cookies from you), And in fact, my dad was a very successful, high power exec, so he fit the bill.
A random aside – it cracks me up to see my two page research questionnaire typed on a typewriter and that the execs’ answers are handwritten! How times have changed!
Anyway, one question was….
What makes someone a peak performer and not a workaholic?
My dad answered with these words of wisdom:
- Vision to know where you are going
- Intelligence to know how to get there
- Patience to know that anything that’s worthwhile requires time
- Commitment to stick to the plan
- Flexibility to change the plan if conditions change or your vision was in error
Have you made any resolutions for this year?
How’s that going?
These words are perfect guidelines for maintaining your resolution.
Are you an entrepreneur?
Ditto on these words!!
I spend more of my time now coaching and mentoring other business owners (which I love doing!) and I think these words are perfect to share with those pursing their own businesses.
You don’t have to be an executive to be a peak performer. We can strive for peak performance in any area of our lives – health, relationships, career, finances, you name it!
This is YOUR year to sparkle!
Whatever your goal, desire, resolution, dream…..ask yourself if you are practicing those five elements above, and if not, how can you CULTIVATE the attributes of vision, intelligence, patience, commitment, and flexibility?
Make it a great day! And be sure to sparkle today!