Be a Peak Performer

The Academy’s Peak Performer groups recently concluded their final in-person meetings of the Peak year, and they were simply remarkable. For those who are unfamiliar with the program, in short, the Peak Performers Program is an executive coaching program with Robert Armstrong and Sanford M. Fisch for Academy Members looking to take their practice to the next level. And I am fortunate enough to be able to sit in on all the meetings as the program manager.

We currently have 3 classes of Peak Performers, all of which meet 3 times each year in 2-day sessions. So this month I had 6 full days of being immersed in Peak discussions. Despite the long days and all the work leading up to the sessions, these are some of my favorite days of the year. I genuinely love seeing our Academy Members and hearing about all the successes they’ve had, in addition to listening in on the coaching, discussions and exchange of ideas.

It’s hard to describe what exactly goes on during Peak meetings, but the camaraderie among all the program participants and the strong support they provide each other never ceases to amaze me. When I think about how much I’ve gained just from sitting in the back of the room during these meetings, I know that our Members, who are on the court, participating in the meetings and taking back what they’ve learned to apply it, must be going through an incredible, transformational experience.

Here’s a sneak peek into just a few of the items that were covered:

Achievement

We always begin each session with an Achievement Review of all the accomplishments our Peak Performers are most proud of since our last meeting. So how do you measure how you’re doing? Many people measure their progress against the Ideal, but doing so will only put you in the negative zone. Like the horizon, the Ideal is out there but never really attainable because it keeps moving even as we get closer to it. And it’s easy to fall into the ‘gap.’ Instead, make it a habit to look backwards and measure against the past to see what you’ve actually accomplished. You may be surprised!

Mindset

Mindset is everything. Even if you have it all, you can seriously limit your growth and possibilities if you have a fixed mindset. Recognize that your reality—what you’re feeling—can be altered with a shift in thinking. You have the power to CREATE your future. The Peak Performers Program assists Academy Members to gain insights into what one Peak Performer calls “a paradigm shift” in thinking.

Goals

Goals are something that are often vague, made frequently and just sometimes achieved. In the Peak Performers Program, participants are encouraged to think BIG for their vision but then focus on achievable goals that can be met in a short period of time and will get them one step closer to their vision. However, setting goals is not enough. You have to create a concrete plan with strategies for each goal and specific action steps for each strategy. Then comes execution. The majority of failures don’t occur due to a bad plan but rather due to lack of execution. Also don’t forget to keep track of the actions you do take – these are the leading indicators of success.

Remember and apply these tips in both your personal and professional lives. Then you’ll be on your way to becoming a Peak Performer!

Are you an Academy Member who’s ready to really work on your business and take your practice to the next level? Contact me at victoria@aaepa.com to learn more about the program and how you can be a 2015 Peak Performer.

Victoria Ngo
Peak Performers Project Manager
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (800) 846-1555
www.aaepa.com