Pre-performance routine
Top performers use the same short routine before important moments. A routine reduces uncertainty and brings you to a ready state on demand.
Key ideas
- Routines make the familiar part automatic.
- Include body, mind and the first action.
- Practise the routine before low-stakes events too.
Step by step
- 1
Choose a physical step, such as posture and one breath reset.
- 2
Choose a mental step, such as reading your key message.
- 3
Choose a first action you rehearse every time.
- 4
Use the same routine before every important performance.
Example
Before each presentation a speaker stands tall, does one breath reset, reads her one-sentence message and rehearses her opening line. Her starts become reliably strong.
Your drill
Write a three-step routine for your next important moment and use it twice this week before smaller events.
Common mistakes
- Making the routine too long to use in real conditions.
- Changing it every time.
Check yourself
What three elements should a pre-performance routine include?
Show the answer
A physical step, a mental step and a rehearsed first action.
Saved in this browser. Create an account to keep your progress on every device.
Practise this chapter with your AI coach
Create a free account to practise this chapter in Flow, get specific feedback on every answer and keep your progress.
Start free