The Dee crew has embarked on a spring break cruise to Mexico.

Being the foodie that I am, I have a bit of trepidation because I can’t stand Mexican food but maybe something authentic will change my mind. I’ll let you know. (I bet you’re on pins and needles with anticipation.)

Karen had us packed, bags tagged, boarding passes in hand and out the door at 4:00 am. She has all us working together like an elite special forces unit. Nothing was left to chance.

I learned the lesson about preparation the hard way many years ago as a new performer. I didn’t have checked lists, a set way to prepare before my show, a specific way I wanted my stage set up – nothing.

One day I was running late and rushing around to get to a gig, I got in my car and sped off.  When I arrived, I was relieved and also had a sense of smug satisfaction because I had arrived on time until I opened the trunk off my car to get my props and to my horror discovered…

There were none! I had left my entire show at home!

I had to have my then pregnant wife get my props and bring them to me. And I had to explain to the people who hired me that the show would be starting a wee-bit late.

Talk about feeling like a dumbass.

It was then I discovered the power of preparation. From that point forward, I became maniacally organized and developed systems for every aspect of preparing for a presentation. Today, my systems and preparation are even more precise.

It doesn’t matter if the presentation is in front of a live group of people or from the comfort of my home doing a webinar or tele seminar. Like a pilot, I have checklists and rituals I go through EVERY TIME.

Doing this frees my mind, removes stress and allows me to concentrated on my PERFORMANCE. (I use that word very intentionally – I’ll explain why in a future email.)

I am confident because I am in total control and this confidence translates into personal power which my audience (again, that word is used intentionally) can feel.

A powerful, confident presenter closes more sales.

What rituals do you have before you go out and present? If you don’t have any create some. If you do, refine them.

Kick butt, make mucho DEEnero!

Dave “Spring Breaker” Dee

P.S. Another way to increase your confidence and get into the zone is by relaxing your mind and getting into a centered state. For years I tried meditation on and off by the idea of sitting still for 20 minutes or more just wasn’t for me.

But then I discovered something super-cool that will have you meditating like a Zen-Monk in just 12 minutes a day. I use this DAILY and LOVE it.

Check it out here and if you dig it, get it. You’ll thank me.