In my opinion, nobody is born with talent. If we were Michael Jordon and other Superior Performers would not have had to work so hard to become the best at what they do. I do, however, believe we all receive a very unique gift at birth. Our responsibility is to develop the skills required to grow that gift. As we exercise our gift we gain experience. It is the combination of our skills and experience that determines our level of talent.
After 40 years of psychological research, Csikszentmihalyi determined that everybody can have an optimal experience in life; he called that experience “flow.” In sport flow it is also known as the “zone.” The steps to find your flow or zone are to have a well-defined, attainable, C.L.E.A.R. Goal that is just above your current skill level. With clarity and attainability you are capable of focusing all you attention on your intention. Your focused attention provides you with immediate feedback, giving you a sense of control or influence over the outcome. At this point, Self transcends time and space into an acute awareness where everything becomes effortlessly rhythmic, fun and enjoyable.
In an activity that produces such gratification, people become willing to participate with little concern about what they will get out of it, no matter how difficult or dangerous. In flow, you are living life by design and discovery rather than default.
Once our Unifying Purpose is established we can tap into the enormous resources of the human mind and body by setting goals for its achievement. Goals are essential for making consistent progress in any pursuit. They provide direction, reminding us where we are going and how we plan to get there. Goals give shape to our dreams and aspirations and help us set priorities and work within a structure to achieve superior performance.
Benefits from setting C.L.E.A.R. Goals
• Live your life by design rather than default.
• Discover your creativity zone
• Give shape to your dreams.
• Build motivation and a commitment to personal excellence.
• Find your starting point for action and a purpose for your effort.
• Direct your energy effectively through efficient Time Management