Performance Parallel

What is a performance? It’s simply the execution of actions that will be evaluated in some way. In short, performance = execution. Additionally, life requires execution. So, in that way, we are all performers. Take a minute and list the ways in which you are a performer.

Now, take a look at that list and think about how you show up as a performer. Perhaps you are a speaker at times: How do you show up and execute when in front of a room? Is it similar to how you show up when playing golf? How about when parenting your kids? If there are differences, are those differences justified?

Not all performances are equal. Some require you to be one way and others require you to be a different way. For example, when I am interviewing someone for my podcast, it is far different from when I am giving a keynote. However, there are parallels that exist. For example, both require me to be present and knowledgeable about who I am speaking to.

I have found that many of us don’t recognize the performance parallels that exist in our life. We think that the way we perform at our job has nothing to do with the way we perform in social settings. Yet, if you do a deep dive into your performances, you may notice that there are clues as to how you can show up to perform better. Perhaps that’s why Peyton and Eli Manning have been so good calling Monday Night Football even though they aren’t under center, or why Jennifer Hudson has excelled at singing and acting, or why Ted Lasso has gone from being an elite football coach to an elite fútbol coach. Ok, maybe that last one’s a bit of a stretch…

Do some reflecting about what you do well in one arena and apply it to others. You may be surprised at how it impacts your performance.