When I was teaching martial arts there was one aspect of the dress code in class that was non-negotiable. The length of the belt ends hanging down from the center knot. For someone not familiar with marital arts, these are the two long pieces of cloth that you see hanging down the front of their uniform.
This tradition is meant to demonstrate a core philosophy of the martial arts; the balance of mind and body. Each side represented either mind or body, both of which are important to developing your skills as a martial artist. To show balance the belt was to be tied so that those two lengths were equal.
The Balance of Mind represented:
- Integrity
- Persistence
- Perseverance
- Will Power
- Unwillingness to give up
- Situational awareness in self defense
- Using the knowledge you have in self defense in other practical ways
- Seeing opportunities to fix a situation before others do
The Balance of Body represented:
- Physical fitness
- Knowing when to go harder or slow down
- Using your skills to not hurt others
- Working out stay fit
- Practicing to learn and develop new skills
All aspects of a strong mind and body within martial arts.
Another point about the two balances is that if you only develop one you risk retarding the other. You must constantly work out both.
Today I’d like to focus on how these two areas apply to the sales profession along with one more balance point in this equation. Spirit.
Excersice Your Body
Keeping your body in prime condition is the number #1 thing you need to focus on. Without your body, life becomes much much harder. Your first goal should be to make sure the vessel you are living life in is in as good condition as it can be. Free of injury, energized to perform, getting it’s needed amount of sleep, properly nourished, etc.
Short of debilitating illness or disability this is the simplest change you can make. You can eat healthier, you can workout more (or start), you can go to sleep earlier, you can be passionate about your awesome sales job.
As an example, I know when I am not running often enough or when I have been eating way too much junk food (THE McRIB IS BACK!). I feel sluggish, I sleep less well, I get headaches, and I’m grumpier. Just ask my wife if you don’t believe me.
These are all things that are completely in my control. I’ve been trying to live a healthy life for so long that it is SOP for my body. Get the heart rate up to work out the heart and muscles. Eat plenty of greens and lean meats.
When you get your body into a stat of homeostasis and everything works as it’s suppose to, the engine is running on good fuel, you will have a level of energy you never knew was possible. And that energy will bleed into everything you do.
It will bleed into your prospecting phone calls, it will show in your client meetings, it will show in how you treat your significant other and kids.
Focus The Mind
Once you start on the road to get your body in check, things start to change in your mind as well. Problems seem easier, your memory is better, and you even start reading faster. Your turning your body into a well oiled machine that can run in optimal condition.
Just like exercising your body, you need to exercise your mind too.
I personally do this by reading and writing, have you seen my 2014 goals yet, taking online courses like the Social Selling one I started in December. And in many ways it doesn’t matter what you are reading or writing, or what type of courses you are taking. You exercise your mind if you take an art class or photography class.
The point is to keep learning. Keep making wrinkles in your brain. Some of my best ideas I got from reading or writing because I got the creative juices flowing.
Invest in yourself with some professional or personal development. Learn an instrument, travel somewhere new, read a type of book you don’t normally read, dust off that camera in your closet or make room on your iPhone for non party pictures.
Feed The Spirit
Once you have you body and mind in good shape you can focus on the next level to enlightenment. Your Spirit.
Please know that for those who are not very religious (like me) you will still get a lot out of this. Developing your spirit does not necessarily have to do with religion or reading bible.
It can simply be something that you want to do for yourself. Usually by yourself. Something you consider a stress releaver.
Often time this can be combined with focusing your mind and exercising your body. I for one feed my spirit when I go for a run and can unwind my thoughts from the day. Or if it’s been a really long day I like to sit down and read a book in a quit place. This feeds my spirit.
Feeding your spirit is an individual and personal activity. Everyone does it differently.
And the point I want to make is that everyone should do it. Life today is way to busy. We all have so much going on that is becomes overwhelming. So it’s important to take some time for your self to step away from whatever is going on in your life and relax. Give yourself that time to be yours.
Read a book, go for a walk, sit quietly in a quiet place, play angry birds on your phone, etc. What ever it is you need to feel like you did something you wanted to do today.
You deserve time for your self. Everyone does. And yet so few do it.
By simply taking 10 minutes out of your day, every hour preferably, you will be able to revitalize yourself and avoid burn out.
The Power of Three
So how does this relate to sales. Well being successful in sales is often dependent on your state of mind. If you feel down, depressed, tired, nervous, anxious, unprepared, etc it shows.
By having your three pillars covered and running in peak condition you will expel a sense of excellence.
~ Johnny Bravo
Picture Credit: putasmileoneveryday.wordpress.com/2011/02/11/pezzas-pic/
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