Lindsey Pierret, Quinnipiac University- scholar athlete.

What’s my story?

Pack your duffel bag…check. Prepare you snacks…check. Lay out your racing clothes…check. There is something exciting to look forward to the next morning, but what is it? What is one thing that gets you pumped up about what is to come? It is Morris County Championships tomorrow and I have never been in better shape. Now, get a good nights sleep, but keep focusing in on that exciting factor!

First thing in the morning have a glass of water! Just a small 8oz glass will do. A ham, peppers and onions omlette, a slice of whole grain banana bread and a non-fat yogurt smoothie. That was the best “mistake” that  ever happened to me. I call it my “superhero breakfast.” My sophomore year of high school I had my “superhero breakfast” before the cross-country county championships. I ran what was arguably my best performance at the time that day.

When reflecting on my race afterward my dad and I decided that my preparation ritual could have had a positive effect. The next time I had a race I mimicked the preparation ritual I went through that morning with the same positive results.

Who Am I? My name is… Lindsey Pierret and I am Kathy McAfee’s college intern for the summer of 2009. I am pursuing an  entrepreneurship major with a marketing minor at Quinnipiac University. I will be entering my senior year this fall. I have been a cross-country and track athlete since the age of 13 and continue to pursue my athletic career in Division I athletics at Quinnipiac University.

What does this have to do with business?

I just explained my preparation ritual for the morning of a competition. I know what your thinking, “How much difference could breakfast make?” Why should preparing for a presentation be any different? You still need to feed your body with positive energy (no, a cup of coffee doesn’t count) the morning of and even weeks beforehand.  Think of it as a competition with yourself. It should be your goal to overcome obstacles and excel above and beyond your previous presentation, just like I aim to run faster at every race.

Click through to read Lindsey’s advice so that you too may create a positive preparation ritual for your next presentation. It might just be a “personal best” performance!