Wanted



CREATE

EVERYTHING

TWICE

All things are created twice. There’s a

mental or first creation and a physical

or second creation to all things

Dr Stephen Covey

Before you perform on the day (however you define

performance) first imagine yourself doing it.

To perform effectively you have to rehearse that performance, at

least in your mind. This is closely aligned with the value of

preparation, albeit here we are talking of mental preparation.

One aspect of this is what Olympic athletes frequently call

‘visualisation’. They will imagine themselves running the race

and winning. They will imagine receiving the gold medal at the

next Olympics.

The practice of visualisation, rehearsal and practice should

apply to both long- and short-term goals and especially what is

going to happen today and even in the next hour. How can you

perform effectively (and thus fulfil your career ambition) unless

you create a mental image of the steps you need to take daily?

When agendas become too full you risk rushing from one

meeting to another without any prior thought about what to

accomplish next. The day then becomes dominated by reactive

responses as opposed to carefully thought-out proactive

initiatives. Preparation and rehearsal are key factors in

differentiating between those people who are wanted by

organisations and those who are merely doers and reactors but

hardly thinkers. It involves thinking through every activity you

are about to undertake.

For example, before writing this chapter I rehearsed in my

mind the key points I wanted to make and how the chapter

96

wa nte d

97

Create Everything Twice

would unfold. Inevitably when it

came to the actual activity there was a

degree of improvisation as new ideas

sprang to mind – but overall I

undertook a mental rehearsal of what

I wanted to write.

The same should apply to any presentation you make to a senior

team or statements you make at an interview relating to your

next career move. When I was in mid-career I would often

rehearse aloud at home presentations to the board or speak

aloud in rehearsing my interview. Some of my family members

thought I was barmy but such rehearsal enhanced the prospects

of achieving what I wanted.

Whilst there is obviously merit in spontaneity and

extemporisation such ad-libbing and impromptu responses are

limited as forces for shaping the future. Rehearsal and

preparation go a long way to ensuring progress in your career.

You will come across as an assured person in command of your

words. This will reassure decision makers that you give a lot of

thought to what you say. You will be much wanted as a result.

PRA C T I CA L TI P S

G

Keep in mind pictures of your overall goals, day by day and

month by month, and then visualise the steps you will take

to achieve each goal.

G

Take a look at your schedule for next week, pick out the most

important meeting and rehearse in your mind your

approach to it.

G

Remember the old saying, ‘Practice makes perfect’. Practise

everything in your mind first. This is ‘mental rehearsal’.

G

Always give yourself a few minutes before any major

meeting or interview to reflect upon your previous

‘rehearsal’ and what you want to achieve.

Rehearsal and

preparation go a

long way to shaping

the future you want