In this video, I share what I consider to be 5 key principles that lead to the very best performers in sport and business. They include: Self Belief, Performance Focus, Double Edged Motivation, Bounce-ability and the Desire to Excel.

In this video I have explained what I believe are three differences between a Positive Mental Attitude and a Champions Mindset in the way they approach competition.

• I want this job. I don’t need it.

I always tell people that if you want to achieve what you want, you need to let go of needing it. Needing something and being desperate for something can often lead to neediness. Now there is the belief out there that if you make something a must then you will get it… but the reason that can work is because when something is a must you will do all that you can do to get it.

You will feel as motivated as ever and as determined as ever. But motivation and determination aren’t the only states necessary for jobs… you also rely on what they think of you so you need to be confident and strong in there as well. You can do this by letting go of a ‘need’ to get the job.

• I deserve this job. I am the best candidate.

Even though you don’t know the other candidates, it’s important to offer evidence to yourself of why you would be terrific at this job. Nobody knows how hard you will work and how well you will do. If you put your mind to it as you have done in the past you are capable of great things. It’s a good idea to reinforce over and over again to yourself that you are the best person for the job.

• If they knew how good I would be at this job, they’d hire me.

Again, your perception of your ability to do the job brilliantly is crucial. When you see it through the eyes of this belief, then the only thing left to do is to help the interviewers to make the best decision possible. this is a radically different way of seeing things than hoping that they might give you the job… and it works so much better.

• There are plenty of other jobs that would suit me just as well as this but I must give this employer an opportunity to get me.

You have to always have what we call in negotiation a BATNA. That means a Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement. You must always believe that there are plenty of opportunities out there and it is only a matter of time. This will give you a sense of confidence that will shine at your interview and help those with whom you speak to see you in a more successful light. When you have plenty of options you radiate a sense of self assuredness that comes across to others.

• I am a great asset to have and I can behave at my best in the interview to give them some idea of this.

You have to believe you can be of enormous value to the company you are looking to work with. They will be lucky to get you… and in order to help them make the best choice, all you have to do is give them evidence of your potential and ability in the chat you have with them. Thoughts like these are very useful and highly valuable.

In the next post, I want to offer you some ideas on skills that come in handy in interviews.

• Make sure that you are smiling a confident smile as if you are happy to meet the interviewers and that you are confident they have met the right person for the job.

• Use a firm, but not too firm, handshake.

• Look the interviewer in the eye when you say hello, when they are speaking to you and most of the time when you are speaking. If there are a few interviewers make sure you keep a consistent amount of eye contact with each of them.

• Look impeccable, appropriate and as well as you possibly can. Spare no expense to make sure you look like someone they want to hire.

• Prepare… Prepare… Prepare: Make sure that, before you go into any interview, you have prepared the following.
- Knowledge about yourself: Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses and how they relate to the job in question.
- Knowledge about them: Know as much as you can about the kind of job you are going for and the type of company that is hiring you. Ask specific questions to indicate that you have done your research.

• Rehearse… Rehearse… Rehearse: It’s good to rehearse different answers to questions you might be asked.

• If you are asked for your weak points, make them seem like weak points but actually mention one of your strengths. For example, ‘Well sometimes I have become too involved in the job but I have learned recently to take a step back when I need to.’ Try and nest every bad point inside of two good points.

• Be specific and give specific examples. Many interviewers are used to hearing formulaic answers so, when you give clear, specific examples from your experience, it will set you apart.

• Remember to answer the questions asked. Often people will drift off to some prepared script which can annoy interviewers. Make your answer fits the question neatly.

• Always have a question to ask that focuses on the opportunities and what the best parts of the job are rather than the pension scheme and money. You can ask those questions at a later stage.

• Get yourself into a confident and relaxed state. The trick is to build states of confidence and relaxation that you can anchor and trigger when you walk into the interview. NLP skills of of profound help here as they are with most of these skills.

• While avoiding arrogance or cockiness, act as though you expect the job. Answer the questions in a way that presupposes that you are the right person for the job. Take a little time before answering and think out each question. Speak at an even pace and remember to focus on why you know you would be great at the job.

• Be aware of your body language and act in as confident a way as possible.

Here is the second part of my japanese guide. Here you will learn some Japanese body language and basic grammar. It’s actually kinda fascinating… well I think so!!

Here is a six and a half minute video I recorded over here in Japan with some basics on Japanese culture. My friend and NLP Trainer, the lovely Yurina also features although, as usual, I don’t let anyone get a word in edgeways. I actually think some of the tips here are kind of interesting so if you want to know a bit about the wonderful people from Japan, have a look!!!

“Please get off going to the working breakfast place up to the extending the second floor once in the Palace pavilion by the fourth floor in the passage on the side of the getting off man bathroom.”

Still laughing. Legendary!! Finally, I can genuinely say ROFL hahahahahahahahaahahahah God I really am a child.

Here is a quick video revealing what I consider to be one of the keys to managing time effectively. It’s short and snappy but hopefully I get the message across!!!