What SMS does your brain need?

You can tell the conversation’s heading south. Plummeting would be one way to describe it. 

For me, it’s a physical thing, a prickling sensation that runs up the back of my neck and into my scalp. The body telling me - okay maybe screaming at me - all is not well. 

You know you need to do something. But what! … and they’re still talking… what did they just say? There’s no time to pull out a checklist or consult your workshop notes. You’re in the moment. And the moment is asking something of you. 

This is the real stuff, right? The moments when you can feel the conversation going sideways. 

Our brain begins to scramble - like it’s rustling through the cutlery drawer trying to find that elusive serving spoon - and that just makes us feel even less in control. 

Bahhhh! 

Here’s something I’ve learned: my brain can’t handle a page of tips, tricks and instructions in that moment. It needs an SMS. 

In the world of sports, these short messages to the brain are performance cues. Athletes use them as a means of bringing performance to the moments when they can't pull out a ringbinder of instructions. They’re short, punchy statements focused on what you need to do or be in the moment. 

Performance Psychologist Dr Nate Zinsser shares examples such as “Smooth and Oily” for a golfer or “Be a Wall!” for a lacrosse goalie. Something you can say in a breath that primes performance in the moment. The brain needs a cue, not a compendium. 

A trail runner mentioned one to me in passing a few years ago, not realising it would stick. We were talking about an upcoming race, and he talked about the need to slip into "Diesel Mode". He didn’t realise it at the time, but he injected something into my brain that I've called on time and again. 

When I had 30km in the Tarawera 50km, and more climbs than I cared to count, the chug chug chug of Diesel Mode was EXACTLY what I needed. It's a performance cue that - for me - matters in the moment.

One client has been experimenting with a performance cue in the last few weeks. Her cue, “This is a Test.” Four words that remind her that the situation is asking something from her. And it’s up to her to answer. Now. 

I’m borrowing her cue today. 

What SMS does your brain need?