Reaching The Next Level

Last Friday, I was invited to give a speech at a private event for a group of entrepreneurs, top performing athletes, and CEOs. The organizer of this event really wanted me to focus on how to get to the next level of performance. Today, I want to share with you a brief message of what to do when you’re feeling like there’s a wall between you and the next level of performance that you want to reach.

I believe that everybody at some point in their career reaches a seemingly unbreakable barrier. If you’re an athlete, maybe you can’t run that last millisecond. If you’re a business person, you may be struggling with the halt of growth in your organization and there seems to be nowhere else to go.

In the 30 years of my career, I have learned a small secret on how to reach the next level: shifting the perspective. As experienced and seasoned as one person can be, there is only so much that person is able to see in their perspective. Imagine a small ball of ideas, worldviews, and possibilities that comprises of your perspective. There is always a reason why you can’t break through that barrier, but you are limited in what you are able to see.

However, by bringing an outside viewer who can shift your perspective, because this person can see you and your problem from an objective standpoint, you can be pushed to reach your next level. This person can be a coach, a friend, or even a brief encounter that can shift your whole perspective on what is stopping you from reaching what’s above your current performance. So next time you feel that you’re at the plateau of growth and performance, seek advice on how you can shift your perspective, so you can break through.

Robert Van Arlen