Physiology, Focus, and Language – Field Engineers

How to Get in State: Elevating Your Performance in Construction

In the fast-paced world of construction, it’s easy to get bogged down by the chaos, deadlines, and pressures. Whether you’re facing a big presentation, a crucial meeting, or even a field challenge, staying in a positive mental and physical state can make the difference between success and failure. But how do you get into that state? And why does it matter so much in construction?

At Elevate Construction, we focus on practical tools and mental frameworks to help you lead effectively and improve performance. Today, let’s dive into the concept of “getting into state”—and how it’s a game-changer in our industry.

Navigating Stress and Mental Blockages

As builders and project managers, you’re expected to juggle multiple responsibilities, keep teams aligned, and navigate unforeseen challenges. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. When you don’t have the right tools to handle stress or when the pressure gets to you, the quality of your work and leadership can quickly take a dive. Unfortunately, many construction leaders experience what I call “leadership burnout” where, despite their best efforts, their mental energy just isn’t in a place where it can fuel their best work.

I’ve seen this pattern over and over again. People arrive at critical moments whether it’s an important project pitch, a key client meeting, or managing a particularly difficult job site and they’re mentally and physically drained. Without the right state of mind, they struggle to deliver their best performance.

But what if there was a way to get past that mental block? A simple yet powerful framework to shift your mindset and elevate your energy before walking into those crucial moments?

Mental Fatigue and Low Energy

When we talk about performance, one of the biggest hurdles that many construction leaders face is mental fatigue. The failure pattern is simple: if you don’t take intentional steps to get yourself into a peak performance state, you risk slipping into mental fatigue.

This could manifest in:

• Lack of focus: It’s easy to get distracted when you’re overwhelmed or not fully engaged.
• Negative self-talk: When the pressure is on, it’s easy to get lost in thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “This will fail,” or “I can’t handle this.”
• Physical burnout: Your body is your tool, and if you’re not taking care of it, your performance suffers.

But here’s the thing: this doesn’t have to be your reality.

The Power of Physiology, Focus, and Language

In our construction world, we’re all about practical solutions. That’s why I’ve refined the concept of getting into state into three key components: physiology, focus, and language. Let’s break these down one by one.

1. Your Body as a Tool for Peak Performance

Before you can perform at your best, your body has to be in the right condition. Whether you’re in the field or sitting down for a big meeting, your body plays a crucial role in setting you up for success. I’ll say it bluntly: you can’t perform at your best if you’re physically worn out.

The first step is posture. Are your shoulders back? Are you standing tall, or are you hunched over, physically shrinking from the pressure? The physical state of your body directly impacts your confidence, your ability to lead, and your mental state.

But it’s more than just posture. It’s also about what you’re putting into your body. Are you nourishing yourself with the right food? Are you staying active and taking care of your physical health? These factors are all intertwined. As you can imagine, a strong, healthy body equals a clear, confident mind.

At Elevate Construction, I’ve experienced firsthand how simple practices—like moving your body to some good music, doing a quick round of jumping jacks, or even just dancing—can instantly change your energy levels. This can shift you from feeling sluggish and unprepared to feeling like you’re ready to tackle the day.

2. Directing Your Energy Toward Success

Here’s a fun analogy: when you’re driving down a road, if you focus on the potholes, the car will inevitably swerve into them. But if you focus on the road ahead, you’ll steer yourself in the right direction. The same concept applies to your focus in construction.

When you’re faced with a tough situation, what’s your focus? Are you dwelling on your fears or setbacks? Or are you focusing on the solution and the path forward?

Your focus directly affects your results. If you’re focused on the negative, that’s where your energy will go. But when you focus on the goal on the outcome you’re aiming for your mind and body naturally align to move you in that direction.

3. Shaping Your Thoughts with Words

The third key to getting in state is the language you use with yourself and others. Think about this for a second: when you talk to yourself in a negative way, when you use words like “I can’t” or “This is impossible,” it’s no surprise that you won’t perform at your best.

But words can also empower you. Reframing your thoughts into positive action-oriented language can propel you forward. For example, instead of thinking, “This is too much for me,” try telling yourself, “I’ve got the skills and mindset to handle this challenge.” This small shift in language can create powerful results.

It’s also about the words you use with your team. When you set the right tone for a meeting, when you frame things in a way that encourages growth and collaboration, you elevate your team’s state too.

Building High-Performance Teams by Getting into State

As construction leaders, we’re not just responsible for ourselves. Our ability to get into state also sets the tone for our entire teams. That’s why I emphasize the importance of building high-performance teams by getting everyone into state.

By getting your team members into a state of peak performance, you create an environment of collaboration, trust, and excellence. When your crew is in state, they’re mentally prepared to face any challenge. They’re ready to solve problems, make decisions, and execute plans effectively.

You can implement these strategies with your team, too. Encourage them to focus on their physiology making sure they’re getting enough movement and taking care of their bodies. Help them focus on the goal teaching them how to direct their energy toward success rather than dwelling on challenges. And finally, cultivate positive language helping them to speak to themselves and each other in ways that foster progress and growth.

How to Get into State Every Day

If you’re ready to elevate your performance and take your leadership to the next level, it starts with being in state. Here’s how you can put it into practice right now:

• Physiology: Stand tall, breathe deeply, and move your body. Make sure you’re eating the right foods and staying active to keep your energy up.
• Focus: Stay focused on the solution, not the problem. Shift your attention from fear to the goal.
• Language: Use positive, empowering language to reinforce your belief in yourself and your team.

If your project needs superintendent coaching, project support, or leadership development, Elevate Construction can help your field teams stabilize, schedule, and flow.

A Leader’s Call to Action

Every great leader knows the importance of getting into state. It’s not just a mental exercise it’s a physical, emotional, and strategic shift that you can make to set yourself and your team up for success.

As I always say: “If you’re not in the right state, you’re going to waste time and energy.” Getting into state allows you to tackle the challenges ahead with the right mindset, confidence, and focus. It allows you to lead with clarity and inspire your team to perform at their best.

So, I challenge you today: start with your physiology, focus on your goals, and use empowering language. Get into state, and you’ll see how much easier it is to navigate the complexities of construction.

FAQ

What does it mean to “get into state”?

Getting into state means preparing yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally to perform at your highest level. It involves controlling your physiology, focus, and language.

How can I help my team get into state?

By leading by example taking care of your own physiology, maintaining focus on the project goals, and using empowering language you can inspire your team to adopt these practices as well.

How can box breathing help me get into state?

Box breathing helps regulate your breath and calm your mind, creating a state of focus and readiness that will enhance your performance during high-pressure situations.