Operational Readiness is the ability to effectively perform with excellence in challenging situations. Based on research with Olympic athletes, Police, Air Traffic Control and Surgeons, a Think Tank was done with Ottawa Homelessness Services Front Line Workers to figure out how people succeed and sustain work in this challenging field. This research identified the important balance of physical, technical and mental readiness for performance excellence and resiliency. Looking at: challenging operational situations; the importance of readiness; and mental readiness. This isolated seven themes for critical success: commitment, self-belief, positive images, mental preparation, full focus, distraction control, and constructive evaluation. In this training session we will go over those elements, what has worked for the people in the Think Tank, and how to apply them to your work environment & your style of learning.