The Trusting Mindset

Have you ever watched a squirrel scurry across a wire, and then leap graciously to the branch of a nearby tree? What is that squirrel thinking? He’s not!!

I am currently reading the book Overachievement by Dr. John Eliot, an award-winning professor of management, psychology, and human performance. He states, “To be sure, great performers are well trained, experienced, smart, and in some cases, divinely talented. But the way their brains work during a performance is a lot more like a squirrel’s than like Einstein’s. Like squirrels, the best in every business do what they have learned to do without questioning their abilities; they flat out trust their skills, which is why we call this high-performance state of mind the ‘Trusting Mindset.’”

When it’s showtime, the best thing you can do is shut down the critical thinking, focus on the current target, trust your skills and training, and go for it. This is what distinguishes the true artist from just a good performer. It is full focus and engagement with the present moment without the distraction of self-judgment and criticism.

I want to encourage you as you face uncertain challenges to pull the plug on anxiety and worry, and fully engage in a creative performance. It happens for me when I trust my heavenly Father, realizing that He is in control, has a purpose, and will help me keep going to serve others for His glory.

People need your help and service. Be like a squirrel, and take a flying leap onto the wire, and scurry across the challenges and opportunities that these unique circumstances are creating. Use the stress of the situation as energy to fuel your performance on the high wire. Dr. Eliot advises “…stay loose and supremely, even irrationally, self-confident… let it happen…!”

Now it’s showtime. You have prepared for this moment. Time to step up and show an unparalleled display of service, commitment, and excellence.