6 Things That Can Make 2011 The Best Year Of Your Life

Are you sick of mediocrity?  Are you tired of just getting by?  Are you to the point of screaming “I’m better than this!”  If so, I want to introduce you to Toronto Blue Jays OF Jose Bautista.

Prior to 2010, Bautista had never had more than 16 home runs in a season.  Last year, he hit 54.  What happened in his life that allowed him to triple his previous performance?  Was it something with his approach?   Did he prepare differently?  Was there a better team around him?  Are there things he did that if I applied them, maybe I too could triple my performance?

The February 28th edition of Sporting News takes a look at the things Bautista did to have the best season of his career.  These principles, if applied, can help anyone in leadership have their best year ever as well.

1. Focus – Emotional intensity, often referred to as passion, is a primary ingredient in taking performance to a new level.  
2. Preparation – Bautista’s 50th home run came off Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez.  Prior to the game, Bautista had studied weeks worth of video and analytical data to determine what pitches Hernandez would be throwing.  The result was a first inning home run that allowed the Jays to beat the Mariners 1-0.
3. Adjustments – Bautista attributes much of his success to changing his stance and swing.  Leaders, what changes are you willing to make to improve performance?
4. Experience – The Blue Jays traded two regular players during the second half of 2009 which allowed Bautista to get valuable experience.  Many leaders unknowingly sacrifice long-term results because of a lack of patience and not valuing process and the experience it brings.
5. Understanding Momentum – After finally getting playing time, Bautista hit 10 home runs during the last month of 2009.  This gave us a preview of what 2010’s results would be.  If you are looking to have a great 2011, first look at what were you excelling at during the final months of 2010?  Start there.
6. Motivation – People who perform at a high level simply feel like they always have something to prove.  Complacency and a sense of satisfaction are mortal enemies of anyone looking to have their best year ever.

Focus, Preparation, Adjustments, Experience, Understanding Momentum, Motivation.  If you integrate these six principles into your leadership, you may be positioned to have 2011 be the best year of your life.

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