Are you asking the right question?

The British rowing team hadn’t won a gold medal in the Olympics since 1912. Leading up to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, they focused on one single filter to help them make every decision, as a team and as individuals. That question? 

Will it make the boat go faster? 

Hmm, should I eat this donut? I wonder…Will it make the boat go faster? Should I go out tonight or go home and get a good night’s sleep? Will it make the boat go faster? 

Guess what? They won the gold medal. 

It’s interesting to me that the question was not phrased, “Will it get us to the top of the podium?” The question was continuum-driven, not goal-driven. 

What goal do you and your team have? What decisions do you make every day that impact your performance? Which ones would you decide differently given this filter?

Give it a try! Would love to hear how it works for you!

Hat Tip: The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan