In the movie For the Love of the Game, Kevin Costner plays a pitcher with the Detroit Tigers. During the last game of his career, Costner is throwing a no-hitter. More than that, it is a perfect game: no one has reached first base.

As Costner proceeds to mow down one batter after another, he finds himself straying from focus, so he turns to a self-developed mental technique. He says to himself, "Clear the mechanism." 

With that phrase, Costner is saying that all the noise and commotion surrounding him in the stadium must take a backseat to his supreme concentration on the game, on the batter, and on his next pitch. In other words, he creates a mental clearing that gives him the best chance of throwing his desired pitch.

Allow Nothing to Linger

Years later, during the television program The Last Comic Standing, Jay Leno was among the many celebrity comedians brought in for different episodes to coach the budding comedians. Leno explained how important it was to deliver his monologue in peak form. He said that if he had an argument with his wife, was cross with someone on his staff, or was otherwise perturbed about some situation, he would resolve the issue before going on air.

According to Leno, if he did not resolve the situation, he ran the risk of subconsciously reflecting on it during his monologue—thereby, not offering the audience his best work. This was a profound insight, and all of the comedians greatly appreciated this advice.

Similarly, in L&D careers, we can do a better job if we “clear the mechanism." Like Leno, we should resolve small issues that might otherwise, even in the most miniscule way, impair our performance when interacting with others.

How About You?

Leno's insight has certainly affected my work. I have employed his wisdom, and wouldn't trade anything for the “clearings” I've been able to create and the resulting accomplishments that have been highly worthwhile and satisfying.

What issues do you need to clear up—right now—so that you’re mentally free to be your best? Often, the answer is abundantly clear, because it is the issue that you are currently stewing over. 

Coming to terms with the issue, calling the other party, and achieving resolution offers a double win. You get to move on from this road bump in your daily experience of life, and you are better positioned for highly productive career.