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.

Secrets of Excellence

The pursuit of excellence consumes the mind of every top achiever. An athlete who has the goal of participating in the Olympic Games strives to extract every degree of excellence and efficiency possible. Mediocrity never enters the mind of an Olympic bound athlete. Being average belongs to the playground athlete not the gold medal winners.

The story of a concert violinist also depicts excellence. A lady came back stage to greet the master after a magnificent performance. She exclaimed, “I would give my life to play like that.” The master smiled, thanked her and replied, “I did.” He devoted his entire life to mastering the skill and performance excellence.

Achievement of superiority in any endeavor requires intense dedication. Study the masters, study success, study yourself to refine and enhance every aspect. Excellence is never achieved without study and extensive effort.

The “Excellence” has hung on my wall for over a decade. Unfortunately, it arrived without an author’s name attached. I do not claim it as mine, but I treasure its wisdom.

“Excellence is:

The result of caring more than others think is wise

Risking more than others think is safe

Dreaming more than others think is practical and

Expecting more than others think is possible.”

Success magazine featured David Foster, the hit man, in the September 2009 magazine. David has achieved super star status not only as a performer but as a producer. He told his mentor about the first record he produced with the explanation/apology that one track was not his favorite and another track had a small part which was not perfectly in tune. His mentor snatched the record out of his had and pointed out David’s name on the label as producer. “Never put your name on something you are not proud of having associated with you.” From that day on, David adopted the philosophy of “good enough isn’t.” Always strive for the very best. This absolute pursuit of excellence has been one of the reasons David has achieved superstar status.

Your name depicts your legacy. How do you choose to be remembered – “as one who just got by” or as “one who excelled?” Perfectionism can be a handicap as well as an asset. The goal of excellence has more to do with “bettering your best” than paralyzing yourself with lack of action until everything is perfect. Take action and continue working toward your individual excellence goal.

Employees can be grouped in three categories: white knights, milk toast, and red ants. The white knights always go above and beyond their job descriptions; they help others and work to achieve the very best results for the company and all employees. The white knights strive for excellence.
The milk toast arrives at the last minute, do their job but no more and leave at 30 seconds past quitting time. This is a mediocre attitude.

The red ants are always causing discord in the work place and complaining about everything. Red ants get fired.
Strive to be a “white knight.” White knights understand excellence. White knights receive raises and promotions, but even more, they earn the respect and admiration of everyone whose lives they touch.

Always strive to be the very best you can possibly be and celebrate each achievement. Excellence is a journey and a process. The person who strives for excellence never settles for “good enough.” They thrive on the challenge and relish each new achievement. This desire for excellence permeates the atmosphere around them and inspires others to reach for their own personal excellence.

Create your own excellence mindset. Let me help by joining me at www.Elaine4Success.com.