Performance Planning

Performance Planning - Planning to Manage Distractions

Introduction:

So far, we have looked at a range of tools that help you to prepare for stressful events. We have shown you how to reduce uncertainty and rehearse properly for the event. We have also looked at Thought Awareness, Rational Thinking and Positive Thinking, so that you can manage the fears, anxieties and negative thoughts that you might have about the event.



For small events, this might be all that is needed to give an excellent performance.



For big events, it is worth preparing a Performance Plan. This is a pre-prepared plan that helps you to deal effectively with any problems or distractions that may occur, and perform in a positive and focused frame of mind.


Using the Tool:
To prepare your Performance Plan, begin by making a list all of the things that you need to do from starting to prepare for a performance through to its conclusion.



Start far enough in advance to sort out any equipment problems. List all of the physical and mental steps that you need to take to:

* Prepare and check your equipment, and repair or replace it where it does not work;
* Make travel arrangements;
* Pack your equipment and luggage;
* Travel to the site of your performance;
* Set up equipment;
* Wait and prepare for your performance; and
* Deliver your performance.

And think through whether there's anything else you need to do to prepare for the performance.



Next, work through each of these steps:

* Everything that could reasonably go wrong at each step with equipment and arrangements; and
* Any distractions and negative thinking that could undermine your confidence or stop you having a positive, focused frame of mind at the start of and during your performance.

Work through all of the things that could go wrong and look at the likelihood of the problem occurring. Many of the things you have listed may be extremely unlikely. You can often strike these out and ignore them from your planning.



Then look at each of the remaining contingencies. These will normally fall into three categories:

1. Things you can eliminate by appropriate preparation, including making back-up arrangements and acquiring appropriate additional or spare equipment;
2. Things you can manage by avoiding unnecessary risk; and
3. Things you can manage with a pre-prepared action or with an appropriate stress management technique

For example, if you are depending on using a data projector for a presentation, you can arrange for a back up projector to be available, purchase a replacement bulb, and/or print off paper copies of the presentation in case all else fails.



You can leave earlier than strictly necessary so that you have time for serious travel delays. You can also think through appropriate alternatives if your travel plans are disrupted. If you are forced to wait before your event in an uncomfortable or unsuitably distracting place, prepare the relaxation techniques you can use to keep a calm, positive frame of mind. Research all of the information you will need to take the appropriate actions quickly, and ensure that you have the appropriate resources available.



Also, prepare the positive thinking you will use to counter fears and negative thoughts both before the event and during it. Use the stress anticipation skills we have already looked at to ensure that you are properly prepared to manage stress. Then use thought awareness, rational thinking and positive thinking techniques to prepare the positive thoughts that you will use to protect and build your confidence.



Write your plan down on paper in a form that is easy to read and easy to refer to. Keep it with you as you prepare for, and deliver, your performance. Refer to it whenever you need it in the time leading up to the event, and during it.



Tip:
In his excellent book “Fight Your Fear and Win”, Don Greene discusses a useful routine for recovering from an error in your performance. This helps you to restore the focus and self-confidence that you need to perform well. To use the routine follow these steps after making an error:

* Accept the mistake: Do not criticize yourself for it. The mistake is now in the past, and there is nothing you can do about it.
* Focus on the present: Worrying about the past will not help.
* Relax: Breathe deeply and use appropriate relaxation techniques to calm down.
* Focus on normal good performance: If you try to compensate for the mistake with an excellent performance, you will over-stress yourself, and this will break your flow again…

Build this into your Performance Plan and use it when you need to within your performance.



“Fight Your Fear and Win” is full of similar techniques, and we strongly recommend it for people interested in sport and performance psychology.



Tool reproduced with the permission of Dr Don Greene.



Summary:
Performance Plans help you to prepare for an important performance. They bring together practical contingency planning with mental preparation to ensure that you are fully prepared to handle any situations and eventualities that may realistically occur.



This gives you the confidence that comes from knowing you are as well prepared for an event as is practically possible to be. It helps to ensure that you deliver your performance in a relaxed, positive and focused frame of mind, whatever problems or upsets may have occurred