Chapter 9. Best practice
Business defines ‘best practice’ as a technique or methodology that reliably leads to
a desired result. A commitment to using the ‘best practices’ in any field is a
commitment to using all the knowledge and technology at one's disposal to ensure
success.
This works well in business. It can also be extremely effective in your personal life.
‘Best practices’ are the things you do that that allow you to be your very best. For
example: exercising regularly gives you energy and keeps you in the emotional state
that you need to be in order to work on a goal.
When you think about motivation there are activities that decrease motivation and
others that increase motivation. For instance, I know that if I have a really late night
where I overindulge, I very seldom work effectively the next day. Because of this, I
choose to socialise over the weekends, so that I feel my best during the week. I know
that some activities really support me in meeting my goals and these are my ‘best
practices’. I also know there are other activities that I could adopt that would
support me in being the very best I could be – these are the ones that I need to focus
on turning into habits. Choosing to work on my goals first every day, before I do
admin, calls and emails allows me to really progress towards achieving my goals. This
is a best practice for me. Spending five quiet minutes every morning getting my
coaching room ready, doing some breathing exercises and glances though my notes
puts me in a mental state to be present for my clients.
Here are some ‘best practices’ that could help you to be the best you could be:
Get up early and spend an hour in prayer or meditation, self-reflection
and self-development.
Exercise regularly.
Eat healthily five days a week.
Journal to develop self-awareness.
Read to gather new ideas and self-understanding.
Affirm yourself for a few minutes at the end of the day.
Do weekly planning sessions where you can revise goals and set tasks
for the week ahead.
Switch off the computer at 18h00 each day and relax with a novel and
a cup of tea in the garden.