Visualize every stage of your performance environment

Every environment subtly shapes our performance through multiple layers: our purpose, beliefs, skills, and the physical context we stand in—a concept researchers call the Field of Play Model. By mapping these layers, you make the invisible forces visible. Imagine your COVID-era home office stretching from couch to kitchen, each corner pulling you toward procrastination or productivity. A clear study in cognitive psychology affirms that situational cues trigger habitual behaviors—good or bad—almost automatically. When athletes enter their home stadium, their brain switches modes, activating routines and confidence built over years of practice. Yet in a new gym, anxiety spikes, and performance falters. By drawing your own map, you pinpoint pressure points where trapped self-talk might hijack your focus, and you identify zones where heroic self-talk flourishes. The exercise primes your mind to consciously assign the right persona and set the stage for peak performance. Ultimately, this visual approach illuminates the strategic terrain of your life, guiding purposeful action on every front.

Start by outlining the key locations where you perform—whether that’s a boardroom, studio, or track. Next, note where stress or self-doubt tends to emerge and where confidence kicks in. Label these zones with the version of yourself that shows up, trapped or heroic. Finally, plan targeted actions—like a brief breathing ritual at your pressure spots—to automatically switch to your best self. Give it a try before your next challenge.