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The foundation for peak performance lies in the science and discipline of Performance Psychology.  Performance Psychology is the study of the psychological skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate and develop peak performance guidelines into best practice for sport, business, fitness and the performing arts. 

Peak Performance is defined as the ability of an individual, group, team, or organization to perform at a consistently high level for a sustained period of time.

The PEAK PERFORMANCE SYSTEM

The following is the Peak Performance Process that these individuals go through. It involves several important steps. The first of which is:

1. VISION- Peak performers are inspired and motivated. Peak performers are engaged. They have a definite purpose and find meaning in what they do. For athletes, that may be winning the World Series, the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, etc. They have a specific mountain to climb. Their desire is clear. They have a vision of what they want, where they want to be and what they want to accomplish. They maintain their eye on that vision. In order to achieve peak performance you must develop the clearest of visions. This vision provides the big picture and maintains direction: the eye on the prize. All roads lead to that vision.

2. MINDSET - Peak performers maintain a focus by developing the proper emotional conditions. The mind-set involves developing the skills of internal dialogue, imagery, and mental preparation to manage emotions in such as way that stress and pressure have minimal impact and the individual is able to remain centered and focused.

3. FAST-FORWARDING - Great athletes, like Wayne Gretzky stay several steps ahead of real-time. They anticipate where the ball, their teammates, and their opposition are going to be. They know well ahead of everyone else.

4. GAME-PLAN - Peak performance requires meticulous step-by-step planning. Planning provides a specific and detailed road map to facilitate diligent and often extreme preparation and continuous rehearsal. Rigorous planning and heavy sessions of practice are essential to success. Peak performance is about getting the game-plan right.

5. REHEARSAL - In conjunction with the game-plan, peak performers rehearse and make their actions automatic. This is another way to ensure success. Rehearsal is the key to the ability to achieve and execute.

6. EXECUTION - Peak performers are good at following the game plan that has been developed and rehearsed to perfection. The game plan provides the guidance and the route to success.

7. REVIEW- Once a peak performer's plan has been executed, it is essential that the results are evaluated, that the process be analyzed, and the game-plan be scrutinized. Debriefing after every plan is executed is vitally important for learning and improvement. Reviewing in order to determine what adjustments need to be made will result in a better product and a better outcome.

Are you a peak performer?

• 1. I am confident in my abilities.
• 2. I have a clear vision of my short and long-term goals.
• 3. I anticipate and prevent problems, crises and emergencies from occurring in my personal, professional, and sporting life.
• 4. I plan and organize my activities effectively.
• 5. I follow-through on my plans without major disruptions, distractions, and modifications.
• 6. I carefully and meticulously practice when presented with opportunities to perform my duties and responsibilities.
• 7. I review and evaluate my activities after a major project or assignment is completed.
• 8. I maintain a positive mental mind-set.
• 9. I bounce back quickly from failures and setbacks.
• 10. I get the most out of my talents, abilities, and potential.
  
  Scoring: A score of 46-50 is excellent and highly correlated with peak performer attributes. A score of 41-45 should result in frequent success in your professional life. A score of 36-40 suggests an adequate to good set of peak performance skills. A score of 30-35 suggest a bit of improvement is in order. Finally, any score under 30 suggests some need for basic peak perfomance skills building and consideration of installing a peak performance systems approach to provide some structure to your daily activities.