Some people have a difficult time settling for just being average. And to achieve success in anything you can’t be average. To go beyond what average people do, you have to go beyond their self-imposed limitations. I’m talking about making sacrifices. While everyone is out partying and having fun, you’re studying and expanding your base of knowledge. While people are dedicated to their lack-luster “jobs”, you dedicate yourself to mastering a marketable skill; a skill that can make you money and lead you into a business; or using that skill to take you into your dream career. When we talk about great people and I mean in every field – the Michael Jordans, The Oprah Winreys, the Steve Jobs, the Guy Fieris, the Patti Labelles, the Warren Buffets, etc. We’re talking about people who've made a lot of sacrifices. Every person that became great made a decision to master a single thing. Now, that’s not all they do, but that single thing led them to becoming great. And to this day, they are mainly known for doing one thing extremely well. For those of you who read my books, blog posts and listen to my podcasts, you know I accept that what you put out into the World, comes back to you. If you make average efforts, your returns are average. If you make no efforts, your returns are nothing. Let me tell you a little about myself so that you get a clearer picture of what I’m talking about. I am a communicator first and foremost. Now there are many ways to use the skill of communication. For me, I write, I speak in public, I make sales presentations, I market and promote, and I also teach. All of these are branches that grow from a single tree called communication. Since I've accepted that I’m a communicator, I dedicate a lot of my time to mastering that skill. And I do this is one way or another every single day. For example, I write something almost every single day. Sometimes all that comes out is a paragraph but that’s one less paragraph I have to write tomorrow. I practice my tonality and delivery when designing speaking engagements. Even if I don’t have a speaking engagement coming up, I still practice. In fact, I usually practice while I’m driving. I don’t waste time listening to music, I spend that time practicing to become better at what I've chosen to do with my life. People in the cars next to me might think I’m talking to myself, but I pay it no mind. They’re probably doing the average thing... thinking and worrying about some life problems while hurrying to their destination, for example. Sometimes I turn my car into a university-on-wheels. I listen to audio books and podcasts to soak up information that I find useful. I study marketing techniques, I study great orators and I also listen to motivational speakers. Not because I need motivation (although sometimes I do), but I listen to their tonalities, word choices, delivery and the overall structure of their presentation. I want to constantly get better because I want to master my craft. In order for that to become a reality, I completely submerge myself in it. I've followed the examples of above average people and based my entire business model around my skill-set. And that skill is the communication of ideas and concepts. Is that all I do? No, but that is the area that interests me the most and love studying. The power of words has always fascinated me. Now let me give you a “secret”. When you think similar to above average people, there do come times when you need to keep yourself inspired and motivated. Once you know yourself, know where you want to go and have made the firm decision to get there, you’re running on fuel. This fuel is the mental and emotional energy you need to stay moving. And when you feel the tank getting low, you need to “gas-up” the tank. You know your tank is running low when you find it difficult to stay focused. Your tank is running low when you come up with excuses not to put in the necessary work. Your tank is running low when you lose sight of the vision that inspired you to get started in the first place. Check out this quote: “What you’re looking for is also looking for you.” I would only add, "When you're clear on what you're really looking for." This is just a reinforcement of the fact that people only accept out of life what they expect. Life can only give you what you ask for. And if don’t know what to ask for, or you’re not asking for anything then you end up with what everyone else ends up with – the average. Find things that keep you motivated. For me, I study books (mainly non-fiction) and watch movies that show people being great – doing things (and thinking) above average. Although many of the movies are fictional, they help me remember that I have to always push beyond the average. I know Players in the Game that study Greek Mythology. This does nothing for my personally, but they find motivation in the stories of Greek gods and goddesses. The physical appearance of their bodies also inspires them to continue working-out. I know other Players that are motivated by legendary sports figures and musicians and the stories of how they overcame their struggles. The point is finding something that works for you - music, movies, books, etc. And when you do find them, let them be part of your mental diet – what you constantly feed your mind. Especially use them when you feel your tank getting low. They should compliment your agenda (goals and/or Purpose). If you’re on the road to greatness, average thinking just won’t do! You must be constantly thinking about your next level and how to get there. After all, we do become what we think about. Keep it moving… until next time… Curious about the Game? Subscribe to the Uncommon Sense Adviser – Higher level Game to help take YOUR Game to the next level. Also receive news, discounts on future books and products along with early access. Join now by clicking [HERE].
2 Comments
Starr Claiborne
6/8/2015 02:22:37 am
This is a great post and reminder to keep yourself motivated using the things which inspire you!!!
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6/8/2015 03:34:06 pm
Thank you Starr for taking your time to comment. I'm glad this post did what it was supposed to do. And that is to make you discover and surround yourself with things that keep you constantly inspired. Thank you!
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