3 Secrets to Success

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is the home of more Olympians than any other ski resort in United States. In 2006, Steamboat sent more athletes to compete in the Olympic Games than some small countries.

Todd Lodwick, Nordic combined;
Johnny Spillane, Nordic combined;
Ryan St. Onge, aerial;
Tommy Schwall, ski jumper.

The 2010 games are only three weeks away. Once again Steamboat has major competitors on the team.

Todd Lodwick, Nordic combined;
Johnny Spillane, Nordic combined;
Rebecca Sorensen, Skeleton.

Ryan St. Onge will also compete in aerials; however, this time he lists Winter Park as home.

Becoming an Olympic athlete requires hours and hours of focused practice. Many of these athletes have trained seriously since they were little tots. Jeremy Abbott, Aspen figure skater, started skating when he was two; he competed starting at age four.

When the other kids were out playing hop scotch and Red Rover, these aspiring hopefuls were practicing their skills. Success requires focused practice and constant improvement.

A violin virtuoso was greeted backstage after performing a magnificent concert. The fan said, “I would give my life to play like that.” The master replied, “Madam, I did.”

Whether you are competing in the Olympic Games, practicing to be a masterful musician or conducting your own business, you must have passion, persistence and consistency. Every successful endeavor requires long term dedication.

Passion for your pursuit is essential, not optional. Without a passion for your career, it becomes nothing more than a pleasant hobby. Treat your activity like a casual hobby and it will pay you in proportion to your effort. Entitlement attitudes rarely, if ever, achieve success. Decide what you are willing to forfeit in order to attain your goals.

Skiing all day in deep powder is a heavenly experience. If your income and future relate to skiing, fabulous; enjoy your day and perfect your technique. If your goal is to be a famous heart surgeon, skiing is a distraction. Anything which takes you away from your goals constitutes a distraction. Everyone has choices. Choose to play now and you will not achieve retirement income for later.

A coaching client recently complained that his business was failing. As he continued to speak, the reason became obvious. Working for six months at the business and taking off six months to swim and scuba was a recipe for disaster. Another coaching client declined a wonderful two month European tour in order to focus on his business.

Choose to remain extra focused right now in order to be able relax later.

1. Determine a goal and a career focus which truly ignites your passion. Lukewarm goals and desires NEVER propel you past the inevitable rough spots in your success path.
2. Remain consistent and persistent in your pursuit of the coveted goal. Constantly learn and apply the knowledge acquired. Read books of other people who have succeeded at your chosen career. Attend live events and network with other successful people in your chosen field. Practice over and over again until the skill becomes ingrained into your subconscious. Visualize yourself performing and achieving your goals. Constantly examine your performance and make the appropriate adjustments to improve. Choose your time priorities carefully.

3. Dedicate your time, effort and resources to constantly improving the skills you already possess and acquiring the new skills to make yourself even better.

Success only involves luck when you consider that good luck is when opportunity meets preparation. Olympic athletes and musical masters practice several hours per day for years for their few moments on stage in the spotlight. Successful business owners follow exactly the same pattern of behavior. Talent helps but talent alone will not take you to the podium time after time. Financial resources may speed the learning curve by placing you with the best coaches, teachers and educational materials.

You are responsible for the application of your talent, resources and effort. The final determination of success always rests at the feet of the person with passion, consistency, persistence and focused unswerving dedication.

For assistance in determining your passion and keeping you on track, join me at www.Elaine4Success.com.