CHAPTER 2 Wheel of Excellence

Question 1

What are the seven critical elements that guide the pursuit of personal excellence?

Answer 1

• Focus
• Commitment
• Mental readiness
• Positive images
• Confidence
• Distraction control
• Ongoing learning

Question 2

What is the core of excellence according to the text?

Answer 2

Focus

Question 3

How does improving focus impact performance?

Answer 3

It allows for continued learning, experimentation, growth, creation, enjoyment, and performing closer to capacity.

Question 4

What does consistent high-level performance depend on?

Answer 4

Consistent high-quality focus

Question 5

What can strengthen any part of the wheel of excellence?

Answer 5

Deciding to do it and focusing on making small improvements every day

Question 6

What is a key ingredient in guiding the pursuit of excellence?

Answer 6

Commitment

Question 7

What will your commitment grow from?

Answer 7

• Continuing to learn and grow
• Pursuing dreams or making meaningful contributions
• Becoming the best you can be
• Developing links to excellence
• Setting clear personal goals
• Persisting through obstacles
• Learning about focus’s effect on mood and performance
• Keeping joy in your pursuit

Question 8

True or False: High levels of personal commitment grow naturally out of love for and joy in what you are doing.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What does mental readiness involve?

Answer 9

Being positive, focused, persistent, and fully committed to acting on intentions.

Question 10

What strategies can help improve mental readiness?

Answer 10

• Reflecting on past accomplishments
• Identifying goals for today
• Visualizing goal achievement
• Writing down specific goals
• Asking daily what will take you closer to your dreams

Question 11

What role do positive visions and images play in the pursuit of excellence?

Answer 11

They drive the pursuit and help sustain a positive perspective.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Excellence requires that you choose to get yourself _______.

Answer 12

[mentally ready]

Question 13

What can enhance your performance and life according to the text?

Answer 13

Listening to your body and respecting your needs for relaxation and rest.

Question 14

What can happen if you fail to balance quality exertion and quality rest?

Answer 14

It will eventually affect your performance, your life, and your love for what you are doing.

Question 15

What is the ultimate benefit of mental readiness?

Answer 15

Focusing on getting the best out of your current capabilities.

Question 16

What can you do to maintain commitment through obstacles?

Answer 16

Remember your dream, find joy in daily pursuits, and celebrate small victories.

Question 17

What is a common characteristic of high-level performers?

Answer 17

They are passionate about their pursuits and willing to endure tough parts.

Question 18

What should you do if obstacles seem insurmountable?

Answer 18

Focus on possibilities, take the first step, and continue with the next steps.

Question 19

What is the effect of focusing on positive thoughts and images?

Answer 19

It enhances chances of achieving high-level goals and living joyfully.

Question 20

What do great performers often use to create a positive focus for excellence?

Answer 20

Highly developed imagery skills

Question 21

What should you do to prepare mentally for quality performances?

Answer 21

Use positive thoughts and imagery to visualize successful execution.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: The beginnings of excellence are kindled by engaging yourself in doing something that you _______.

Answer 22

[want and like to do]

Question 23

What is the process of improving performance by revisiting positive aspects called?

Answer 23

Carefully revisiting positive parts of performances

Question 24

What technique do individuals often use to enhance their skills and speed up learning?

Answer 24

Running desired actions through their minds

Question 25

What is the benefit of performing at a high level in one's mind?

Answer 25

Creates conditions for success without real-world execution

Question 26

What three elements combined help create the mind-set required for high-quality performance?

Answer 26

* Positive thoughts * Positive images * Positive feelings

Question 27

What is essential for guiding the pursuit of excellence?

Answer 27

Confidence

Question 28

What factors contribute to rising or falling performance confidence?

Answer 28

* Quality of preparation * Quality of focus * Belief in capacity

Question 29

What can help strengthen your confidence?

Answer 29

* Remembering someone believes in you * Thinking positively about your capacity * Writing down reasons you can achieve your goals

Question 30

True or False: Distraction control is only about external distractions.

Answer 30

False

Question 31

What does distraction control require to be effective?

Answer 31

Specific focus

Question 32

List some strategies to strengthen confidence.

Answer 32

* Focus on high-quality preparation * Think about successes in training * Find positive parts of experiences

Question 33

What is the goal of distraction control?

Answer 33

To maintain a positive focus and prevent distractions from interfering with performance

Question 34

What is ongoing learning in the context of performance?

Answer 34

A process of self-discovery and acting on discoveries for better performances

Question 35

What should you target for improvement in ongoing learning?

Answer 35

* Relevant focus areas * Lessons learned from experiences

Question 36

What is personal excellence described as?

Answer 36

A lifelong journey that brings focus, challenge, meaning, joy, frustration, and perspective to life

Question 37

What does the wheel of excellence help you assess?

Answer 37

Strengths in mental skills and areas needing improvement

Question 38

Fill in the blank: Confidence blossoms when you discover what focus works best for you and _____ it.

Answer 38

Respect

Question 39

What is a key component of mental readiness?

Answer 39

Carrying a positive mind-set

Question 40

What should you do to maintain ongoing learning?

Answer 40

Draw out relevant lessons from every performance and experience

Question 41

What is the significance of focusing on personal needs for rest and recovery?

Answer 41

To sustain through the challenging journey toward excellence

Question 42

What does personal excellence require in terms of commitment?

Answer 42

Daily actions that take you closer to your goals

Question 43

How can you visualize your goals and performances positively?

Answer 43

By imagining yourself accomplishing desired outcomes

Question 44

What should you do when distractions occur during performance?

Answer 44

Regain a positive perspective and reconnect to your best focus

Question 45

What is a common characteristic of great performers?

Answer 45

They are superb self-directed learners

Question 46

What are the benefits of reflecting on your focus after performances?

Answer 46

To improve quality and consistency of future performances

Question 47

What does effective refocusing grow from?

Answer 47

Developing a simple refocusing plan

Question 48

What does personal excellence involve in terms of growth?

Answer 48

Continuous reflection and refinement of focus

Question 49

What is the importance of turning negatives into positives?

Answer 49

It helps in maintaining a constructive mindset and improving performance. ## Footnote A positive mindset can enhance resilience and adaptability.

Question 50

What should you have in place for dealing with distractions?

Answer 50

An effective plan. ## Footnote This plan should be actionable and utilized at every opportunity.

Question 51

What are you encouraged to improve in terms of distractions?

Answer 51

Skills at focusing through distractions and adversity. ## Footnote This includes learning to manage both internal and external distractions.

Question 52

What commitment is vital for ongoing learning?

Answer 52

Learning something from every performance and experience. ## Footnote This learning should be applied to improve future performances.

Question 53

What should you look for in yourself and others every day?

Answer 53

The positives. ## Footnote Focusing on positives can enhance motivation and self-esteem.

Question 54

From where should you draw relevant lessons?

Answer 54

Every performance and every important experience. ## Footnote This includes both successes and failures.

Question 55

What is essential to do with the lessons learned?

Answer 55

Act on those lessons every day or at every opportunity. ## Footnote Consistent action reinforces learning and improvement.

Question 56

What role should you reflect on in each performance?

Answer 56

The role of your focus. ## Footnote This reflection can lead to greater awareness and intentionality in performance.

Question 57

What should you do with your reflections?

Answer 57

Act on those reflections consistently. ## Footnote This practice ensures that insights are translated into action.

Question 58

What two areas for improvement are often targeted in high-level performance?

Answer 58

Focusing and distraction control. ## Footnote These elements significantly affect the consistency of performance.

Question 59

What is the wheel of excellence used for?

Answer 59

To identify strong areas and areas needing work in performance and life. ## Footnote It applies not only in sports but across all life pursuits.

Question 60

How do the seven elements of excellence impact your life?

Answer 60

They add quality and joy to performance, work, relationships, and life. ## Footnote These elements help align actions with personal values and goals.

Question 61

What kind of journey do the success elements of the wheel of excellence facilitate?

Answer 61

An exciting journey toward true potential in performance pursuits and life. ## Footnote This journey is unique to each individual based on their goals.

Question 62

What potential benefits do the mental links to excellence provide?

Answer 62

Strengthen focus, bring you closer to your capacity, and add joy to life. ## Footnote These benefits contribute to overall well-being and performance enhancement.