You don’t suddenly become great because you want to.

But most people assume that experience or desire alone will produce greatness. That’s not how it works. In one of my favorite books, Unreasonable Hospitality, author Will Guidara wrote:

Excellence is earned. Being ready for your biggest moments means putting yourself in that moment before it actually arrives. Mentally, physically, and emotionally.

The best performers in the world create stakes when there are none.

Michael Jordan shot the game-winner in his driveway thousands of times before he ever did it in the NBA. Tiger Woods sank the putt to win the Masters in his mind long before he walked onto Augusta’s greens.

But this isn't just for athletes. It’s for you, too.

Folding laundry? Imagine the Queen or the President is coming to inspect it.
Cooking dinner? Pretend a world-famous food critic is sitting at your table.
Making a sales call? Act like the greatest sales coach in the world is silently listening in.

You get the point. If you want to take it up a level, create stakes for yourself. Put some heat on your actions.

You might miss the shot. You might fumble the sales call. But you’re getting better. You’re building the skill.

Most importantly, you’re preparing to be great before your Super Bowl ever arrives.

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