I don’t know about you – but I love the Olympics. There’s something intriguing about watching some of the more obscure events. Besides the jokes about the beer drinking, card playing curling team, I find myself wondering how someone decides to pursue the sport of Nordic bi-athalon. I mean, we all see figure skating, and hockey inspiring kids to ask for skating lessons or to join a youth hockey league, but how many kids watch the cross country event and jump up dying to spend hours training for that?
You really have to want it.
Being an Olympic athlete doesn’t just happen. We all know how dedicated and hard working the athletes are. Yeah, Sean White has a great time snowboarding. It doesn’t look like hard work or any big sacrifice. But it is. Something makes them want to train longer, try harder and compete. Being the best of the best has always required effort. Make that extra effort. Physical abilities and talent aside, if you don’t want it – it’s just not going to happen.
Do you want it?
I work with and talk to business owners every day. Smart, dedicated and inspiring people. Women and men who know what they want and understand it is going to take effort to get there. And still, so often that they are willing to settle for good enough.
What makes the difference?
It can’t just be desire – there’s seldom a shortage of wanting to be the best. I think it comes to the idea of belief. Fortunately, young athletes often don’t know what isn’t possible. If you’re over 28, (or even younger) you’ve been told outright, or indirectly that you aren’t going to be the next Donald Trump, or Oprah. Heck, you probably aren’t even going to be the top of your class, or the most valued employee where you work. So being the best, and refusing to settle becomes harder to do.
Decide what you’re willing to do.
Like you, I have goals and dreams. Most days I love the journey and enjoy what I’m doing. But there are the other days. You know the ones. When the tasks seem overwhelming or the writing won’t happen or you lose a sale. The day when it all seems so hard and you wonder if you’re in the right place, or doing the right things.
I’m writing this list for the time when you need a spark. When one of those days pops up, or when you feel it creeping in on you, look at things from a new perspective.
Take 30 minutes and pick something from this list and then do it.
Call someone you’ve wanted to meet but haven’t.
Email someone you met at an event or social function. Just to say hello.
Pick up the phone and call (gasp) someone you’ve always admired and let them know. You won’t faint and chances are you’ll make their day which is a sure way to get motivated.
Hand write a note to someone to let them know how they’ve inspired you. Then actually mail it. (That’s the part I have trouble with)
BrainstomThe act of writing down ideas almost always unlocks my stifled creativity. But here’s the rule. Pick somthing you want to work on, and don’t stop writing until you have 100 ideas. Anything and everything is fair game. Don’t edit, just write what you can think of. Now, go back and pick 2 or 3 and do them. I know you may be saying “but I don’t have time for that”. Take the time. Nothing inspires like new ideas.
Face a fear.
Not all of them at once. Pick something you’ve told yourself you couldn’t do, then do it. Nothing will seem (as) overwhelming again.
Finally: Figure Out What You’re Willing To Do
When you’ve emerged energized an motivated, now make a list of what you’d be willing to do to make the big dream happen. A few ideas to get you started:
Attend networking events.
Write 100 blog posts.
Ask for someone to invest in you.
Ask for help.
Invest in a class or training.
Learn a new skill.
Develop a support team that will have your back when you need it.
Sell a luxury item to invest in YOU.
Take that next step that you already know you should be doing.
There is no right or wrong, just what you’re willing to do. Focus and intent become clear. How badly do you want it? Are you on the right path, or do you need to make a change?
What will you do to make your dreams happen?
What does reaching for the stars look like for you?
Do you have an Olympian size goal?
Are you tired of settling?