Why Mental Preparation Matters More Than You Think

Have you ever been in an interview or high-stakes meeting and suddenly felt like everything went black? I have!

The first time I experienced a blackout was during a school English verbal exam. I was tasked with analysing a story about a doll made of china, but I had no idea that "china" was also a material. I felt like a failure, and my self-esteem took a hit. That experience fuelled my drive for perfectionism, which ultimately affected my health.

But later on, I learned the power of mental preparation. As a trusted advisor for leaders who want to create more impact and have a better life, I often help them mentally prepare for important conversations.

One particular client stands out in my practice. He was preparing to introduce a new method of running his weekly status meetings but feared the potential pushback from his direct reports. Through our work together, we focused on how he could better mentally prepare for the conversation, identify potential roadblocks, and craft an effective agenda to achieve the desired result for the company's success. As a result, the client went into the meeting feeling confident, well-prepared, and in control. The outcome was a game-changing win for the company, which further solidified the client's leadership abilities.

I share this story with you because I am aware that many leaders are in transition and face high-stake conversations. When I work with leaders and entrepreneurs in pharma and biotech, I always ask them how they prepare for a meeting. And they all focus on the HOW – the slide deck, the problem, data set, and revenue target. We then get to work on mental preparation because that’s what makes the conversation impactful. From there, we move on to the HOW and check what help they need.

Here's a simple 5-step approach to becoming mentally prepared for important conversations:

1.   Define the outcome you want to achieve from the meeting. Imagine the end of the meeting where you and your conversation partner shake hands and say thank you. What is it that you thank your partner for? Defining your desired outcome will help you stay focused and aligned during the conversation.

2.   Observe any fears or doubts that creep in during the preparation phase. If yes, assess how true the limiting belief is. Most often, it's a lie.

3.   Prepare yourself mentally by establishing a strong evening and morning routine. Plan ahead by preparing your bag or materials the night before. Get 6-8 hours of sleep and focus on having a positive start to your day. This can include activities such as meditation, exercise, or positive visualization.

4.   Take the room as a peer, knowing that you have specific knowledge that your partner needs more than they realise. This helps you approach the conversation with confidence and authority while also fostering a collaborative and respectful atmosphere. Remember that you are both equals in the conversation, and your contributions are valuable.

5.   Refine Your Key Messages Through Practice and Feedback. Test your key messages (READ: The VALUE your bring and your price point) by practicing them out loud and seeking feedback from someone who can provide valuable insights. Dedicate time to practice repeatedly until your delivery becomes as natural as informing your partner about going out to buy a bottle of milk.

Armed with this framework, you will experience a calmer mind, greater clarity on what you want to achieve from the conversation, and it will cause you feeling being on top of things. You are mentally ready to take the stage!

So what's the next important make-or-break meeting you are preparing for? Remember, you are the one in control of your success and that mental preparation is key to enjoying any process.

Your Friend. Camilla

If you want some tips on how to ace your next application and interview, join the upcoming Leadership Seminar this Friday, May 19th 11:00 am CEST. Register today using this link and bring a friend. 

Here's another method to fast-track your transition and ensure a remarkable experience. Join the Dream Job Accelerator Challenge today! We have 2 remaining spots available, and we would be thrilled to welcome you to our group. We start in a few weeks. "If you have any questions about the scope or funding and would like to explore how the program can support you, don't hesitate to DM me today on [email protected]. Let's connect and discuss how we can set you up for unlimited success.