About 15 years ago, I followed a cardiologist around for the day to understand his routine. I did this as part of an audit of his practice’s IT needs. During my day in South Florida with Dr. Steve, I learned a whole lot more about personal performance than I did about his staff’s IT needs. Dr. Steve didn’t manage his time – he managed his energy level. His exact words: “If I have the right energy, I won’t need to manage my time.” He had techniques like eating many small protein rich meals and snacks, single espresso shots spaced out properly (never a double), and yes – he took a power nap whenever he could. He didn’t that day, but as he realized that I was more of a performance junky than IT provider, he opened up his secrets to me.
When I returned home, I devoured every book I could on energy maintenance. (BTW, my favorite is The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Lohr and Tony Schwartz.) I also committed to this idea…
Idea for this Tuesday: For one day a year, shadow a successful professional that is not in your line of business.
As unique and real that I think my content is, following around a nursing manager, bank president, or high school principal for one day will offer ideas that another security sales professional can’t. For one day a year, spend time with someone you admire and watch how they do the things they do. What is their daily routine? How do they handle adversity? How do they interact with others? Where do they find their energy?
Now, here’s the secret: pick one idea and implement it. You’ll walk away with a dozen, but you need to throw away all but one. Take one idea and implement it into your sales routine.
That’s it – your idea for this Tuesday. What do you think? Can you spare a day every year? I believe so strongly about this that I suggest you take a vacation day if you have to, but do it!
