Be like an Athlete

When I was an athlete, it was common to practice, train, study the competition, give incredible effort, and do whatever was necessary, within the rules, to win.

Unfortunately, after we graduate and move into the real world, I don't think that we carry on with that type of dedication, commitment, or passion.  Part of the reason is because it is hard to commit to excellence over a long period of time.  Let's face it.  It is a lot different to run a marathon than it is to run like Usain Bolt in the 100m.

So, I have made a list of things that I think can help us not only in our personal lives but in our professional life as well.  My list is as follows:

1. Be like an athlete.  Prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Just like an athlete puts on a uniform on gameday, we should consider our work wardrobe as our uniform and prepare yourself in the morning for the rest of the day.
2. Stretch.  Athletes stretch their bodies before they perform.  However, in our professional and personal lives we need to stretch ourselves to the limit mentally and emotionally.  Do what is difficult to do.  Be willing to do what others won't do.  Develop other leaders in your organization.  Work on customer satisfaction.  Have acute clarity for 90 day goals.  Build trust and relationships.  Be world class.
3. Embrace change.  As an athlete, change is the norm.  Different conditions, teams, and plays are faced every week.  In our current economy, if we don't change personally and professionally, we will get left behind.  Change is required to get to the next level of profit, satisfaction, and success.
4. Don't do it just for the money.  Do it for the pride you feel when creating world-class products, providing world-class service, and doing genius-level work.
5. Make it simple.  I always say to my team, "A confused mind says no".  You and your employees will achieve better results faster if laser-like focus is possible.  Laser like focus can only happen when the complex is made simple.
6. Positively influence those around you.  Leadership is about influence.  Less talk and more action is required.  Grow other leaders.  The bigger your goals, the better your team (family) has to be.
7. Be obsessive about excellence.  Surround yourself with others that are inspiring to you.  Create an environment of winning.
8. Serve.  Ask yourself who you can help.  Don't ask what you can get for you.  Business and life are about producing unusual value to as many people as possible.

So, I am challenging myself and challenging you to be like an athlete starting today.  Nothing feels quite like hitting a home run, scoring the winning touchdown, or getting to the finish line before the competition.