Change Your Performance

In this episode – Change your Performance . . .

Hard to believe it's been over two years already; my service at Cenergy Power has invigorated me now more than ever.

Why, you ask?

To paraphrase Dr. Seuss, When you’re on your own. And you know what you know. You’ll be the one who’ll decide where to go. Employ your mind with work you enjoy, you will blossom my friend.

In January 2019, while still working at Home Depot, I realized that it was time, once again, to continue my lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and personal expression. Like many, I needed a change. My performance was suffering.

But what to do about it?

Then it hit me, stretch yourself. "Re-Fire!" Don't retire.

And what better way to do that than go back and revisit old friends. Books.

Books that made a powerful impact on my thinking and my professional behavior.

"Of course, the parables co-authored by Ken Blanchard."

But this time, as I reread those books commit to putting the learning into action. In the book, Know Can Do! "Learning is a journey from knowing to doing." Learning involves a change in behavior to be a top performer.

You see, when you delve into a book, creative ideas awaken your subconscious mind - you get excited. You pause, smile to yourself, and say, "Precisely, I agree, I've thought the same thing."

But until you can put those ideas clearly into your own words, that elusive concept never really becomes evident in your thinking or your life. So, how do you affect behavioral change? According to Blanchard;

First, identify the three factors why people don't learn and start doing what they know.

1. Information Overload.

2. Negative Filtering.

3. Lack of Follow-up.

Number one is information overload, you're bombarded with data every day. Knowledge comes easy; just ask Google. No need to read a manual, attend a seminar, or even listen to an audio session. If you require instruction, it's probably available on YouTube. Just ask.

Number two is Negative filtering. When you learn something new or positive, you tend to discount its value even if it's about you! Too many suffer from Stinkin' Thinkin'.

And the third is the lack of follow-up. Changing habits requires a concentrated effort. Habits are ingrained into the fabric of our lives. For example, when you get up in the morning, what's your routine? Try altering that routine. It's not that easy, is it?

What to do?

The first step is to decide on what you want to achieve. That involves identifying your wants (future goals). What do you want to be, do, or have? Let’s not call them retirement goals; let's call them my "What's Next" goals.

But don’t make it a chore, have fun explore!

For example, what you're listening to right now is my ongoing personal expression (every week) to one of my goals. To write, produce, and deliver this Podcast.

What new activities have you thought about doing but have not acted on? Maybe it's a daily walk, play more golf - Or perhaps it's as simple as reading a book?

Think about it? Write it down. Make it a fun book.

(This week's fun book; I Can Read with my Eyes Shut by Dr. Seuss)

So, as I reexamine books that have influenced my thinking, we will summarize how best to put that learning into action in future episodes.

My listening friends, that's what On the Fly is really all about.

Changing your performance begins with a behavioral change; action, don’t wait - Today is your day!

“So . . . Get on your way!”

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

* Notes from, Know Can Do! Putting Your Know-How into Action, Ken Blanchard, Paul J. Meyer, and Dick Ruhe.

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