by: Kate F. Hays
Originally posted on Psychology Today Blogs
What time is it?
Now!
Where am I?
Here!
This simple—even simplistic—9 word “pep cheer” packs a lot of power. Whether you experience it as a philosophical cue to savor each “unrepeatable moment” or recognize it as a pragmatic alert, the essence of performance involves being exquisitely in the present.
True at any time. Perhaps more important at this time of year—right now and right here. Athletes are in the final throes of preparation for the Winter Olympics—or they’re gearing up for winter holiday “camps” or major competitive events. December is multiple performance and high earning time for many musicians. Business executives are facing the end of the year, the final push before the books close.
At the same time, there is the press and stress of holiday cheer. It may be the additional food to cook, present to wrap, long line in a crowded mall, or hearty party when that’s the last thing you want to do.
And then there’s the situation at home. Family? Additional family? Maintaining tradition? Changing tradition?
We who live in northern climes won’t even layer in the complexities and distractions of weather.
How do you “perform” in all these roles, with all these challenges? How do you not only get through it all in one piece, but actually keep yourself present in the moment?
My client, Jan (this is a pseudonym, of course—I am legally bound to protect the identities of my clients), is a ski racer. On the slopes, she uses keywords to concentrate. For this week, she reminds herself “smooth” and “easy.”
John, who is performing his nth Messiah, brings himself back continuously to the arc of the story line, Handel’s marvelous “word painting”—those onomatopaeic melodies and sounds—and the interweaving of voices.
James, on the other hand, has no difficulty staying focused at work. Responsible for supervising the laying off employees in his large corporation—now, of all times!—he has been preoccupied and irritable at home, tuning out his young kids. Two weeks ago, he made a pledge to himself—one that he has kept: no BlackBerry from 6-9 p.m. Scary at first, but satisfying to enact. And the paradoxical effect, not surprisingly, is that he’s more effective during the work day as well.
What do you do, to focus or re-focus yourself, whether now or at other times? You’re welcome to use the “pep cheer.” You can even bring those 9 words down to 2: Now! Here!
