Mastering Performance: Thriving Despite External Challenges

Dec 18

External factors do not define your performance

We often hear it in sports: an athlete or team falls short, and external factors are blamed. “The weather was challenging; that’s why we couldn’t perform.” While adverse conditions like extreme cold might affect measurable metrics, such as race times, they do not determine how you handle the situation. Ultimately, your performance is shaped by your mindset and how you choose to respond. Are you working with the elements or fighting against them? Are you in control of your mindset, or do you allow external factors to dictate your preparation and focus?

External factors and performance: Shifting the mindset

External factors don’t impact the level of preparation or the mindset you bring to day X. The power lies in embracing those factors and working with them instead of resisting them. Here’s how you can adopt this approach:

1. Accept that preparation is unaffected

Your preparation for an event is already set by the time the day arrives. If you are in peak condition, rain or other adverse conditions won’t erase that. The key is to internalize this fact: external factors do not diminish your readiness. Embracing this understanding allows you to focus on executing your performance, free from distraction.

2. Recognize the level playing field

In most cases, everyone faces the same conditions. What sets top performers apart is how they manage these challenges. The athlete who works with the environment instead of worrying about it gains an edge. For instance, running your best in the rain comes from focus, not frustration. By staying adaptable, you can make the most of any situation.

3. Have a plan

Developing a plan to address external factors ensures you remain focused and confident. Consider adjustments to your warm-up, attire, or mental preparation. Knowing how you’ll handle adverse conditions prevents last-minute stress and keeps you grounded. With a plan in place, you can focus on your task instead of reacting to surprises.

4. Exude confidence

Successfully embracing difficult conditions builds confidence. This confidence will not only enhance your performance but also project strength to others. When you approach challenges with self-assurance, you’re more likely to excel and inspire those around you.

An Example from athletics: Turning adversity into advantage

Here’s a practical example from athletics. I was coaching an athlete at a European Junior Championship, and in the medal race, there was a significant tailwind. For a hurdler at a high level, tailwind can often be a disaster. The wind pushes the athlete too close to the hurdles, increasing the risk of hitting them, losing balance, and underperforming.

The challenge was clear: how to bridge the gap between performing at their best in a medal race and reducing the risk of hitting a hurdle? The solution was simple yet effective. I instructed the athlete to work with the wind rather than against it. This meant staying relaxed, not pushing too hard, and focusing on frequency and speed. By doing so, the athlete used the wind’s energy to his advantage.

As anticipated, some of the top competitors pushed too hard, hit hurdles, and lost their rhythm. My athlete, on the other hand, delivered a fantastic performance by staying composed and leveraging the conditions. This example underscores the power of mindset and adaptability in overcoming external challenges.

Applying these principles in business

While sports often present clear-cut moments where external factors come into play, business has its own equivalents—important customer meetings, senior leadership presentations, or high-stakes events. The same principles apply:

1. Preparation is crucial

In business, preparation goes beyond just reacting in the moment. It’s about anticipating day X and being thoroughly ready. When challenges arise, your preparation gives you the foundation to adapt and find solutions.

2. Develop contingency plans

Having backup plans for various scenarios is essential, especially in dynamic settings like events. Contingency plans allow you to respond quickly and effectively when things veer off course.

3. Maintain a structured approach

When things get critical, structure is your ally. Analyze the situation methodically, identify solutions, and execute a plan. This is only possible if you’ve prepared adequately beforehand.

The core of high performance: Your mindset

Whether in sports or business, the deciding factor is your mindset. Do you embrace challenges and use them as opportunities to shine, or do you let them derail your focus? The choice is yours.

By preparing thoroughly, adapting strategically, and maintaining confidence, you can transform external challenges into stepping stones for success. Remember, external factors are part of the environment, not barriers to your potential.

Simon Lavanchy