Instructor Certification Programs
How to Cultivate and Keep a Winner's Edge
It's a question as old as time itself:
Are winners born under a special star or do they create their own success? I think it depends on a lot of different factors and although I'd love to be able to tell you here and now that I have the definitive scientific answer, I won't lie:
I really don't know for sure. But I can give you a definite qualified maybe. I think.
But I'll be happy to bet on one sure thing: A person with a positive attitude will always win out over someone who dwells on the negative.
Volumes have been written about what separates super-achievers from the rest of us, but the experts seem to agree that highly successful people share at least one important characteristic: an unsinkable attitude.
If attitude is the key to long-term, life-altering success, then we all have a super-achiever potential. Unfortunately, many get in their own way along the journey and have their heads lowered so much they don’t see the potential in front of them.
Zig Ziglar always comes to mind with a statement he once made: “It is your Attitude, not your Aptitude, that determines your Altitude.” GREAT words!
But before we can release that winner within, many of us have to change negative thought patterns that have been years in the making. Not easy. I know.
Where do you begin?
Well, you can start with the three "D"s - discipline, desire, and dedication - and then make five very important changes that will help you achieve those higher levels of success.
Discipline
Success takes more than just talent, according to top boxing coach Teddy Atlas. Atlas, who trained such stars as Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer, says he looks for more than strength, speed, or power. "The most important quality a fighter can have is discipline. Talent only makes for a good show on the heavy bag if the fighter doesn't have the discipline and the emotional control to execute it under pressure. Otherwise, the talent means nothing." You don't have to be brilliant, charismatic, or otherwise naturally gifted to do well - you just have to discipline yourself to keep developing the ability you have.
Desire
Desire can overcome almost any handicap. If you want something badly enough, chances are you'll find a way to get it. This is even the cornerstone or our presentations to students. If they want it bad enough, they'll find a way to get it. We just have to infuse them with that kind of motivation!
When asked what he looks for in a top gun, Lt. Col. Dennis Krembel of the U.S. Air Force says, "I'm looking for a person who wants to do the best he can with the talent he has. If he or she puts forth 100 percent effort, that's what I want. If I look at one person who's got the talent, and another who's got the desire, I'll take the person who's willing to go that extra measure." A burning desire to win helps ensure that you'll work harder to do more, sell more, and achieve more than the competition.
Dedication
Dedication helps you overcome rejection, pursue the elusive prospect, and make just a few more calls when the day ended an hour ago.
Dedication prompted Mary Matalin, television commentator and deputy campaign manager for George Bush in 1992, to fetch lunches, make copies, run errands, and do whatever else was necessary to make the campaign a success.
By dedicating herself to the success of the campaign, Matalin even turned menial tasks into small but important steps on the path to success.
To get a 100 percent return on your investment of time and effort, dedicate 100 percent of yourself to your goal.
To help you develop the discipline, desire and dedication of a super-achiever, start by making these five positive changes:
- Start every day on a positive note. Take 15 minutes to read or listen to a positive motivating message. Invest in some motivational books, tapes, or a daily calendar that features inspiring quotes or anecdotes.
- Avoid negative news. Tabloid newspapers, magazines, and many television programs focus on bad news and sensational headlines. Be selective about the information you absorb every day.
- Avoid gossip for 30 days. When people around you gossip or turn negative, change the subject or walk away. If you have nothing good to say, don't say anything.
- Keep a positive events diary. What did you do well today? What did you accomplish? Write down any compliments or praise you received. Nothing is too small or trivial to include. Review your diary at the end of the week for a motivational boost.
- Look for the good in everyone you meet. Try to compliment at least three people every day, and eliminate unconstructive criticism. Focusing on the good in others will help you find it in yourself as well.
If you want to succeed like a super-achiever, start thinking and acting like one.
Many super-achievers haven't always been positive thinkers, but they recognize the importance of attitude and make a conscious effort to take control of their thoughts and their future. To follow in their footsteps, set a goal and dedicate yourself to accomplishing it. You just might realize the super-achiever potential you didn't think you had.
Thanks for reading.
