34. Getting In The Zone

Big thought: Procrastination is one of the most damaging traits to have because not only does it typically stain your presentation, but it builds up anxiety for a special moment that you should actually be excited about. Instead of being able to appreciate the privilege of responsibility, you feel like an imposter who isn’t ready for the task.

Today we are going to talk about how to find your mental zone when preparing for a talk, big event or anything meaningful that requires a good head space. We’re going to unpack the practical things that you can do to help stifle procrastination and writer’s block. And we’re also going to learn some tips and tricks that will help you on the day of whatever you’re preparing for.

People don’t typically put off preparation because they don’t care about it. They actually care so much about what they need to prepare for that they feel overwhelmed and stuck, to the point of feeling like they aren’t ready enough in the single moment to begin preparing for something so significant. They put it off for the next day when, hopefully, they will be more in the zone. But that “in the zone” moment doesn’t normally happen, so it gets to the point of being the day before and they HAVE TO prepare something. Luckily, the mix of adrenaline and understanding that there is no other option gives them the grit they need to throw something together, and it ends up being decent enough for the event.

It doesn’t have to be like this! We all just have to learn how to get into the zone when it comes to mental readiness and preparation. So many people have amazing potential to present something that is amazing and stands out, they just have to learn how to prepare ahead of time. You don’t have to let anxiety and pressure be your only motivation to throw something together that hopefully works out.

1. Just start and wait.

The most important thing to start with is the simple fact of starting itself. Once you are given the assignment, choose your day to start preparing and follow through with it. Give yourself enough space between the event and your prep day to have a reasonable amount of grace and time to have an additional catch-up day.

2. Catch the vibe.

People are very sensual beings. Nearly everything affects our mood, train of thought and even creativity. When you become conscious of that, you realize that you’re able to somewhat build your capacity to hold inspiration while minimizing distractions.

3. Don’t mess up.

The most deflating thing to experience is to actually go through good preparation, be excited about what you have to share, but have something go unexpectedly wrong and feel like it all got messed up.

Here are five tips to help you stay in the zone during the actual delivery of what you have to share:

1. Review your notes beforehand or do a runthrough.

2. Have a backup and trust paper before a program.

3. Verify your equipment and how to use it.

4. Get there extra early.

5. Choose your battles and let things go.

Take away:

1. Create a time standard by which you have your next assignment completed and ready to go ahead of time. (Ready a week ahead, 4 days ahead, etc.).

2. Do a self-evaluation of what helps you to get in the zone and start implementing.

3. Make a checklist of Big Day Readiness that you can use to stay on top of the game during your actual presentation.

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