Wednesday Wisdom

Tavia Robinson
18 minutes ago
3 min read

Wednesday Wisdom | Preparing Yourself to Win—On Purpose

“Winning isn’t something that happens suddenly on the field when the whistle blows and the crowds roar. Winning is something that builds physically and mentally every day that you train and every night that you dream.”

— Emmitt Smith

As leaders, influencers, and change-agents across industries, we know winning rarely arrives as a surprise. It’s cultivated—through consistency, clarity, and conscious practice.

Pause with me for a moment.

Inhale deeply… exhale slowly.

Again… inhale… exhale…

One more time… inhale… exhale.

Allow your mind to settle into the present moment.

Now ask yourself:

What does a win look like for me right now—professionally, personally, and purposefully?

-Not the performance-review version.

-Not the résumé highlight.

*But the win that aligns with your values, your vision, and your current season of life.

The Mindset of Winning: A Coaching Perspective

As PCC-level coaches, we understand that clarity precedes strategy and mindset precedes execution. Iyanla Vanzant reminds us:

“The best-laid plans and strategies are useless unless you expect to win.”

Expectation is a performance multiplier.

But here’s the coaching question that matters:

Do you expect to win—or simply hope not to lose?

In today’s politically charged climate—and with the emotional intensity many feel during the holiday season—it’s easy to drift into survival mode. But sustainable leadership requires intentional alignment between mindset, behavior, and desired outcomes.

So let’s recalibrate.

Inc. Magazine’s High-Performance Framework—Reimagined for Leaders

Geoffrey James’ Inc. article, “How to Prepare Yourself to Win,” offers a powerful blueprint. Here’s how it resonates from an executive-coaching lens:

1. See the Moment Coming

Strategic leaders anticipate inflection points.

Where are the moments this week where you must show up at your highest level?
How will you intentionally prepare?

2. Adopt a Winner’s Physiology

Your somatic presence shapes your cognitive state.

Adjust your posture. Breathe. Reset.

Your body is an instrument—use it to amplify confidence, not stress.

3. Visualize the Win

Not fantasy—mental rehearsal, a core coaching tool.

What does success look, sound, and feel like for you?

4. Rehearse Your Moves

Trace the behaviors and choices that lead to the outcome you desire.

This is leadership agility in action.

5. Release the Outcome

Peak performers detach from results and anchor into process.

Presence is your competitive advantage.

6. Take Action

A plan without movement is procrastination dressed in strategy.

7. Celebrate

Not the outcome—the alignment, courage, and execution.

8. Learn

Reflection converts experience into wisdom.

What worked? What didn’t? What’s the upgrade for next time?

Zig Ziglar said it plain:

“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”

Coaching Corner: Your Midweek Reflection

Name three behaviors you can activate immediately to position yourself for a win.
What are you committed to doing differently to sustain momentum?
How will you support someone else’s win this week?

The opportunity is already in motion—don’t let it catch you unprepared.

Lead with intention. Equip your team to do the same.

When one person adjusts their energy, the entire ecosystem shifts.

“In a season full of noise, choose preparation—because readiness is still your greatest source of peace.”

You got this!

Coach Tavia, PCC, MSEd, MAT