Better Self-Management

“Better self-management: Put brain, heart, and muscle power into it.” – Raj Gavurla

Lately there has been an increase in the use of the word “he/she/they/we don’t want” or “attitude” used instead of really helping the person who you think should want or have a positive attitude towards something.

Examples:

1.  “Because he/she doesn’t want to make an A”.  Most people want to make “A’s”.  So it’s ridiculous to say they don’t want to that’s why they aren’t.  Yes, the ability to teach is not a skill everyone has developed, built, grown, and usually the people who don’t have this skill revert to the two reasons why; “they don’t want to” or “attitude”.

Everyone’s situation is different, however, one way to increase reading comprehension, retention, and application of learning might be the following:

1.  Read the first paragraph of the chapter

2.  Read the last paragraph of the chapter

3.  Read the headings in the chapter if present

4.  Ask yourself questions as you read specific sections

5.  Write in the margins to denote its significance to you

Yes, this takes more prep time/work, however, it makes you faster in the end because of your ability to comprehend, retain, and apply the learning.

2.  You see this in the workplace also because people aren’t making sure all the relevant information is there or they have anxiety.  Trying to get through it as fast as they can without making sure to first check to see is all the relevant information there and if something is missing find it (research) and then put the steps needed to complete it with an estimated amount of time.  Realize, most people are working on multiple projects at work so put that into your time estimate and assign your time as “uninterrupted”, “regular”, or “interrupted” to accurately estimate the time.  This will take undue pressure off of you.  If someone wants you to do it faster without providing you the tools or methods to do so then tell them “that’s as soon as I can have it done”.  Put some margin in there for breathing room and unexpected events.  Planning helps.

3.  When I taught Career Planning & Exploration my students were future medical assistants, owners, entrepreneurs, computer technicians, and business management professionals.

To prepare, I learned about their course of study to grasp some of the vocabulary to relate to them.  As we prepared for mock interviews, I would ask relevant questions pertaining to their field as being knowledgeable and then play the role of someone who wasn’t knowledgeable about their field but had a role in learning to run a better business.  Seeing their qualitative answers in the debrief was insightful because of what was surprising, shocking, or went unnoticed. As they sat in a waiting room to prepare for a mock interview you could sense, see, and feel their brains, hearts, and muscles working.  One had received news a few hours before that her apartment was flooded, one was battling chronic pain, and the others had their situation.

They all did well in their mock interviews because of “better self-management”.  There were areas they felt they could have done better.  That’s very important to know you can do better by increasing your skills although you are already skilled (competent) in a specific skill.

So, to transform your performance think of these examples and how you relate (“adaptability link”) to them.  “Better self-management” makes it easier for you to transform your performance.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt

For programs and services, contact Raj Gavurla at 864.569.2315, raj@rajgavurla.com, LiiiVEN.

What Robust Olympics Memories Do You Want?

“What robust Olympic memories do you want?” – Raj Gavurla

Robust Olympic Moments: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/series/50-stunning-olympic-moments

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

“You can have it all. Just not all at once.” ― Oprah Winfrey

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

For programs and services, contact Raj Gavurla at 864.569.2315, raj@rajgavurla.com, LiiiVEN.

National Academy of Engineering: 14 Grand Challenges For Engineering

 “Brain, heart, and muscle power. Not willpower.” – Raj Gavurla

“Everyone is smart.  What do you want to study?” – Raj Gavurla

Which one of the NAE Grand Challenges For Engineering is most important to you?  I selected two because one is essential to the other thirteen. Combined they have the greatest impact.  They are Advance Personalized Learning and Engineer Better Medicines.  Which ones do you want to fund?

Advance Personalized Learning

Make Solar Energy Economical

Enhance Virtual Reality

Reverse-Engineer The Brain

Engineer Better Medicines

Advance Health Informatics

Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure

Secure Cyberspace

Provide Access To Clean Water

Provide Energy From Fusion

Prevent Nuclear Terror

Manage The Nitrogen Cycle

Develop Carbon Sequestration Methods

Engineer The Tools To Scientific Discovery

I selected Advance Personalized Learning because learning, its application, learn how to learn is the catalyst to transform performance, innovation, and/or entrepreneurial leadership and to live a robust life.   I selected Engineer Better Medicines because of devastating side effects, allergic reactions, and to eschew medical hardship and emergency room visits.

Engineers are developing new systems to use genetic information, sense small changes in the body, assess new drugs, and deliver vaccines.

 

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Raj Gavurla

For programs and services, contact Raj Gavurla at 864.569.2315, raj@rajgavurla.com, LiiiVEN.

Clemson University Celebrates Another Successful Year At Artisphere

“Things get done through relationships (people).” – Raj Gavurla 

Sometimes you need to praise people. Especially, the ones you learned or learn from. Take a look:

My Tennis Coach Came To A Match After A Month

“Listen to learn and apply the learning to transform your performance.  You experience greater success with the right fluid support system.” – Raj GavurlaI haven’t seen my tennis coach in a month, however, he keeps track of my progress.  How? He contacts people who watch me play matches or that I play with.  He came to the courts today and I was prepared.  I said, “Coach” in a welcoming way.  He said, “I’m watching”.  I thought, “I’m glad because I’ve been using my Your Raise The Bar Primer: Mental Performance Tools workbook”.

I was serving up 40 – love and double faulted.  He said, “I hate double faults”.  Then his narrative started. “Consistency.” “You’re up and down.”  So, I had to make sure coach had been tracking my progress.  I told him we haven’t lost a doubles match in three weeks.  I asked, “have you been talking with people about my progress?”  He smiled a little.  Then, I showed coach me playing better tennis.

I asked him is he using his Your Raise The Bar Primer Mental Performance Tools workbook?  I’m making sure he’s doing his mental performance skills homework.  He didn’t say anything.  Then, I hit a few more shots.  One a one-handed backhand winner with an extended “ahh” added to relieve tension.  Then, I hit another winner and coach wasn’t watching. Later in the match, I hit an overhead with an “ahh” and fist pump towards my partner to acknowledge our exceptional play.  Then I served an ace and said “Coach” looking at him and he gave me a thumbs up.

I realize you probably have a tennis coach, however, by using my Your Raise The Bar Primer: Mental Performance Tools workbook you will be prepared when your coach checks on you.  Coach knows about the technique of tennis (“how to hit the ball and positioning”).    I missed a low volley and I asked my coach what I should do.  He said, “footwork”.

Since I’m the mental performance skills coach, I know it wasn’t footwork.  It was because I hit the low volley without a target.  In other words, just getting it back.  The problem is the ball didn’t know where to go to. Keep in mind my coach is a cabinet maker.  I just call him “Coach” because it’s funner and he does act like my coach.

However, for real tennis coaching both tactical/technique/tennis management and private mental performance coaching visit http://www.rajgavurla.com/diamondforwardtennis.html.  Our services and my workbook are available for purchase and you can contact me if you are a professional, college, academy or aspiring tennis player looking to raise the bar in your tennis performance. Whether you already have a coach and just want to boost your play with our services and products or you want us to chart your tennis career, contact me (performance consultant and coach) and I will coordinate with my partner who works on the tactical/technique/tennis management to highly customize the best package for you.

It’s a week later and I just finished playing tennis.  Coach was there and asked “How are you?” in a way that meant, “I like what I’m seeing!”  Coach seems more mature in his approach.  I asked him again if he’s using my workbook.  I saw a gleam in his eye meaning “yes”.  We played doubles together and Coach was making fist pumps towards me. Wow! He also was praising his own shots.  Coach is doing my workbook.  His lens and physiology and ability to play better tennis are quite obvious.  I’m looking forward to seeing coach’s practical forward mobility.

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt DisneyFor programs and services, contact Raj Gavurla at 864.569.2315, raj@rajgavurla.com, LiiiVEN.

Learn The Habits of Win Forward Performance

“Learn the habits of win forward performance.” – Raj Gavurla

I was featured on this tennis blog talk radio show as a substitute for Allen Fox.  It’s for tennis players, coaches, fans, and enthusiasts, Coach Danise’s Blog Talk Radio program is forward performing. I’m glad to create and share my expertise inspiring dialogue with Coach Danise.

For those who want to contact me for Performance Coaching & Consulting or for me to deliver a Keynote & Workshop visit: http://www.rajgavurla.com/privatementalperformance.html

For those who want to buy my workbook, Your Raise The Bar Primer: Mental Performance Tools mentioned in the radio program for all levels of play visit: http://rajgavurla.com/tennisworkbooksandprograms.html

Click Here To Learn From The Radio Program:  

Learn The Habits of Win Forward Performance

“Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.” – Unknown

For programs and services, contact Raj at 864.569.2315, raj@rajgavurla.com

THE NEW TALENT POOL: WORKFORCE FOR HUMANITY

“Do prosperity work: create inspiring authentic dialogue.

Be a good listener:  Personally, we the people (everyone), want each person to thrive.”

– Raj Gavurla

Where is the new talent pool?  It’s within you!  Take a look at these professions:

Engineer, Entrepreneur, Public Service, Doctor, Writer, Professional Speaker, Professional Athlete, Actor, Model, Musician, Professor, and add any profession(s) to your liking.

Is it within you?  Be and/or become any of the professions of your liking and you will be able to forward practical perform winning valued money doing so.  For example, you might work for a few minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, quarters, seasonally, or years doing one or any combination of the profession(s).

Your reply to “what do you do?” might be, “I’m an entrepreneur, engineer, professional speaker, writer, professional athlete, politician, doctor, actor, consultant, and coach.”  They might give you an uncertain look.  You reply, “I’m paid (valued money) doing each”.

What combination will you use to thrive?

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou

“Get The Gunk Out”: All Forms of Negativity

“You want something(s) that works or is working!” – Raj Gavurla

In talking with Jerry he told me his people work too much.  For some reason, people are equating the amount of time with better outcomes.  Of course, no one will accomplish anything professionally without putting in their time. However, do you maximize your better results with the time you put in?

In my work with clients, I discover one or more of the following three mental skills needing sprucing and honing:

1.  They aren’t rewarding themselves mentally.

2.  They are being too hard on themselves.

3.  They need to “get the gunk out” (get rid of all negativity)

They aren’t rewarding themselves mentally

You want a robust life, better living, and better future.  Yes, someone might think someone doesn’t want that that’s why they are where they are. Non-sense!  Since you are a robust being a combination of activities interact so you can shine brighter.  To reward yourself categorize them and after achieving them reward yourself with mental points.  It can be 1, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 or any number for the accomplishment of each category. Only reward yourself with the points after it’s completed.  For example, your categories could be:

1.  Woke up looking forward to the day.  Attack the day. (1,000 points)

2.  Did my mental performance routine(s), stretching exercises, and ate breakfast with appreciation? (1,000 points)

3.  Got the kids ready. (1,000 points)

4.  Did work.  (1,000 points)

5.  Inspire yourself through the negative thoughts (1,000 points)

6.  Took a break (1,000 points)

7.  Ate lunch with appreciation (1,000 points)

8.  Did work (1,000 points)

9.  Went for a run (7 points (1 for each segment))

10.  Plan something to look forward to in the evening (0 points)

11. Took a tea break (1,000 points)

12. Ate dinner with appreciation (1,000 points)

13. Inspire yourself through the craving (1,000 points)

14. Something relaxing (talking with family) and fun (watching a game, reading, playing tennis or basketball) in the evening (1,000 points)

Remember to reward yourself with points after completing each category.  Then, add up the points.  If you aren’t hitting your target number then either you are doing too much as in Jerry’s case or too little.  Test it. Consistently do it for one week.  What do you think?  Win is in the fun!

They are being too hard on themselves

Yes, your children can make robust A’s, you can be more successful in your profession, and you’re able to win more tennis matches.  How do you plan to make a robust A by attending class and taking notes without reading the material?  Do you think by reading the material and at intervals asking yourself questions about the material so you can recall it and apply the learning makes sense?

In your profession, what are you doing to work on better interaction and communication skills, your presentation skills, better education (learn how to learn), better relationships, better results, participating in events to grow/build/develop for a better living, robust life, a better future, and better outcomes?  Without having a support system (family, friends, spiritual growth/building/development), support services (coach(es), mentor(s), advisor(s)) it’s almost impossible.  Look at any highly successful person.  They have a support system and support services/products. The good news is there are so many options available and it’s up to you to research the best one(s) for your situation.

They need to “get the gunk out” (get rid of all negativity)

For your higher performance, “get the gunk out”.  Stop trying to analyze your thoughts.  Just think, “get the gunk out”!  Then you can connect with patience to inspire your higher performance.  Test it!  When you think or say “get the gunk out”, a void needs to be filled.  It’s your job to fill it with anything inspiring for your higher performance (shine brighter). Listen to motivating and inspiring videos, attend events, read motivating and inspiring books, and stop uselessly browsing the web clogging your mind with useless information overload.  Only view, attend, read, and browse sites applicable to your situation.  You’re a star, shine brighter.

“Love everything you do. Better outcomes with consistent positive work (practice) and “the zone” repetitions.” – Raj Gavurla

For programs and services, contact Raj at 864.569.2315, raj@rajgavurla.com.

Endless Entrepreneurial Character (Greenville, SC): Addresses Joint Session of Congress

Looking to deliver this message and relevant messages for clients.

 

Add Performance: Stop Settling for Change and Behavior

“Add performance” – Raj Gavurla

                                                              

People do not like change. First off, it implies something is wrong. Have you heard comments such as “you need to change”, “you need to change your behavior”, or “attitude” without a comment on how to do so? President Obama was a change candidate and so was Donald Trump. A CEO often is hired to create positive change or a turnaround. Many mergers and acquisitions have pursued this reason as well. It happens in sports. I asked my brother-in-law why did the Houston Oilers not keep Bum Phillips? He said they wanted a change. Bum had led two of his teams to the brink of a Superbowl. After being terminated, the Oilers declined for a very long time. All for the sake of change. Change is inevitable, however, there better be more at stake than preserving the status quo or making the numbers look good.

An example is shooting a better golf score when you have to clear the water from the fairway to land on the green. If you practice changing behaviors of how not to hit the water, you’ll improve but not add to your performance (better). You’re using an outdated form of Taylorism that studies and analyzes each piece instead of a better way to achieve your objective(s).

So what’s the solution to change and changing behaviors which are more palatable? The solution is “add performance”. In any situation, whether good or bad follow it with the words “add performance”. Sure, changing behaviors is needed but there is too much emphasis put on changing the behaviors instead of emphasis being placed on “added performance”.

Therefore, for our golf example use “add performance” to hit the ball onto the green. Use imagery to visualize the ball hitting the green and your mind and body will automatically make the necessary adjustments. You don’t need to study each cell and neuron in your body to orient them the right way. Focus on the “added performance”.

In business when deciding on investing in an initiative, does it add value to your organization, do your employees see it of value, and does it generate a good ROI. Use this as a barometer for your initiative and you’ll experience less uninformed political anarchy and useless conflict.

So, do you want clients? Then, “add performance”. Do you want to make high-value money? Then, “add performance”. Do you want health? Then, “add performance”. Do you want a cure? Then, “add performance”. Do you want to lose weight? Then, “add performance”. Do you want a better relationship? Then, add performance.  Do you want to stop being tired or fatigued? Then, “add performance”. Do you want a faster run? Then, “add performance”. Do you want your kids to make better grades? Then, “add performance”. Do you want a championship? Then, “add performance”. Do you want a better job? Then, add performance.

“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” – Carlos Castaneda

For programs and services, contact Raj at 864.569.2315, raj@rajgavurla.com.