In the late 80’s there was a video game developed by Sega called Altered Beast.  The player(s) control a centurion, and as you make your way through the levels fighting creatures you begin to progressively increase in both strength and size. When you get to a certain point near the end of the level, the centurion turns into a beast, hence the term, “beast mode”. It’s a state in the game, where you are fully powered up, close to invincible and can dominate your opponents.

The term “beast mode” has been more commonly adopted in a sport like football. For example, certain players can enter beast mode – where it seems like the athlete is unstoppable for a short period of time. Here is a highlight video of Marshawn Lynch during an NFL playoff game in beast mode.

A special type of person can enter beast mode when needed.

The challenge is identifying those rare individuals who have it within them to achieve this almost superhuman state of being. It takes a certain mindset. For example, being good at programming is insufficient qualification for becoming a world class software architect. A great programmer is worth thirty times as much as a good one. Extraordinary developers can enter beast mode where in one week, they manage to build, test and deploy what might have easily taken a full team an entire month. They are tremendously resourceful, disciplined and can quickly adapt to every challenge the technology has to bring.

Have you ever turned on your inner “beast mode”?

When the project deadline seems unrealistic, or the expected outcome is downright impossible – these individuals step up to the plate, roll-up their sleeves and deliver. Beast mode is a beautiful thing when you have individuals on your team that can turn it up under pressure, and perform at a level that defies even your own belief. These people further validate that if the human mind can conceive and believe … it can accomplish.