The evidence has been made clear. In recent events, Li Na proved it as she swept the Australian Open in transcendent victory at nearly 32 years old. Brittany Bowe, U.S. inline skater who, in four years, transformed herself into a speed skater on ice, affirmed what all great athletes and business superstars already know. What is the essential ingredient for greatness, wealth, fame or riches? Namely, it is 'mindset'.
How you think determines how you act. How you act determines the results you'll get. A simple equation, yet, one that most people don't ever grasp.
In 2005, I took semi-retirement from a successful 15 year career resulting in a several million dollar payoff. I decided to go abroad and take the time to finish a book I'd started writing years earlier. I planned a trip to Italy to do exactly that.
Since I was 17 years old, I'd read and knew the benefit of possessing a positive attitude. I'd read the great classics by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, W. Clement Stone, Napoleon Hill and many other self-help and personal development authors. Their theories were proven everywhere there was a great champion of sports, business or any other life endeavor.
There was something that exceeded a positive attitude, which is the ability and choice to see things in a progressive, success and results focused mindset. I'd met many people who exhibited such a mindset. But, there were those people who defied imagination. Champions. Real champions who seemed to be able to do the impossible. What was it that they had and others didn't? I resolved what I saw and chose to call it, 'a powerful attitude.'
What does it take to have such an attitude that all great people possess?
First, let me say that it takes accepting the fact that you can't be like everyone else. A champion does not blend in with normal people. A champion is one who does not concern themselves with limitations. They don't worry about 'face' which holds so many back. They are willing to lose face in order to exceed the boundaries of where 'average' people stop.
Second, it takes focus. We say that you go 'all in.' Nothing held back. Unrestrained. You go to sleep at night with your goal or dream in mind. You wake up with that goal and dream flooding your heart. You want one thing so much that every breath that you take is full of thoughts regarding the achievement of your goal.
Third, it takes commitment. The old saying, 'no pain, no gain', has become quite common. True champions learn to manage pain and mostly, ignore it. When their minds are telling them to quit, there's a deeper voice within that says, "No. I've got more."
Fourth, it takes making who you were yesterday, your only competitor. Measure today's performance by the goal you reached and achieved, yesterday. Exceed your own goals. A true champion isn't focused on what the competition did yesterday. They are focused on their own achievements and they strive to exceed them. They choose to be their personal best in all that they do.
Fifth, a powerful attitude is a consistent attitude. You can't get inspired only because you feel good today and expect to become a champion. You have to get up and get going on days that you'd rather rest and take a day off. This is the making of a true champion. A true champion becomes who and what they are, not by how good they were on their best day. Rather, their powerful attitude is strengthened by who they are on their worst and weakest day.
Sixth, a powerful attitude expects some progress every day. People who possess a powerful attitude know that a little progress every day prepares them for long-term success. They accept small steps as long as they are making progress. They look to improve themselves and their performance by perhaps 1% every day knowing that in months, their lives and performance will be transformed.
Seventh, a powerful attitude of a true champion relies upon a coach or teacher to constantly give them direction and feedback on the journey to victory. Every person, Li Na, Brittany Bowe, Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods and all great athletes, need someone who can walk with them, hold them accountable, guide them and lead them in their personal development and training.
Success is achievable to the person who really wants it. It isn't easy. There will be difficult days. There will be days that you might want to quit. But, when you posses a powerful attitude, you will do what it takes to achieve your goals and ultimate victory. As any champion will tell you, 'it isn't easy, but, it's worth it.'
Note: If you want a free e-book copy of my book, 'Powerful Attitudes', please write me at successimmersion@yahoo.com and I'd be happy to send you one as my free gift to China Daily readers.
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