A question of attention

Before an important moment, there is often more to think about than you can use. Expectations, past mistakes and possible outcomes compete for your attention. A useful starting point is to separate what is happening now from what you are imagining.

Ask yourself: what is the next action available to me? It might be a conversation to prepare, a training session to complete or a decision to make. Write it down in one sentence. Keep it specific enough that you will know whether you have done it.

Afterwards, reflect on what held your attention and what distracted you. Treat the answer as information for your next attempt. The point is to notice your pattern, then choose where you want to put your attention next.