How You Can Accomplish the Difficult
7 Winning Moves on the Success Trail of Life
I’ve been there many times with this question in my head, “Is it even worth it anymore?” Whether it’s been after another demotion on my quest to reach the major leagues or on mile 20 in my marathon adventures, the query comes often.
I certainly do not have all the answers to the accomplishment question, but I have gathered some ingredients that helped me reach the major leagues and finish 16 marathons.
So how do you keep going when times get tough?
1. By continually reviewing your goal and ensuring it creates the identity you wish to have. If it doesn’t, perhaps it wasn’t a pursuit worth chasing in the first place. If it is, convince yourself it’s an image of yourself that you want others to perceive you as. Then, you have a higher chance of going for it by making it more than for yourself. Remember, you shape your attitude and are the driver of your identity.
2. By having the proper perspective. That viewpoint says, “Whether I attain it or not, I will enjoy the toil and process no matter what. Enjoying the good and bad times is critical to any difficult endeavor, knowing positive outcomes are unpredictable and elusive. Remember, it’s trite but true, “it’s the journey.”
3. By displaying the courage of a champion. The victor knows that failure is an inherent part of striving, but they never let it deter them. There is always a risk when taking on a challenge, but those willing to go for it win because few things are better than knowing you are courageous. Remember to employ the heart of a lion.
4. By having the focus of one who hates to lose. The most significant deterrent to success is failing to have the necessary relentless attention to even the smallest detail. Remember, concentration trumps doubt and nervousness.
5. By trusting in self and work ethic. If you don’t believe, others certainly won’t, and the best way to gain trust is to be willing to outwork the competition. Remember, the prize never comes without sweat.
6. By adapting as needed. Rarely, if ever, will things go as planned. Those with a highway or my way approach usually get lost and forgotten. Remember, every day is a learning experience and those who continually learn prosper in the long run.
7. Having an undying commitment. If you can get to the point of doing it because "I must," it becomes you and provides the necessary devotion to see it through. Remember, the ultimate contract comes from saying this is who I am and must be.
Finally, included in all the above is sacrifice. One must be willing to forego “the easy way out” because easy never produces the best possible outcome but only regrets. Included in sacrifice is being able to say no to the things that may be enjoyable but deter the overall quest for success.
Happy Trails!