Can you see yourself on the same level as those you consider “at the top” of your game?
If you do, you’ll participate as if it’s the ninth inning and the game is close. The intensity and passion you will summon will be different than if you perceive yourself winning or losing by a lot.
Many times, when you’re at the top of your game, you can get relaxed, take it easy, and slow your pace. When you perceive yourself as losing or on a downhill roll, you can allow yourself sloppy thinking and give up.
When the game is close, we turn up the volume, bring our intention to the surface, and jump in with everything we’ve got.
Whether you recognize it or not, the clock is always running, the game is close.