In the NFL, we have a way to gauge if you performed well or not by two standards: winning or losing. By using this approach, you could never cheat yourself on success. If you did not perform to expectations at practice, well, then you lose the battle that day. If you did not play well against an opponent on Sunday, then you lose the battle that day as well. You could have done some exceptional things in both circumstances, but if you did not meet the criteria in which you are graded on, it still is an ‘L’ in the right column. No one wanted to be that guy, that guy on film, who, play after play, you wondered if someone else had stolen their uniform and identity because it was obvious that their performance lacked the set expectations.
Holtz a winning or losing mind-set with no in-between makes you more aware and conscious of the importance of getting things done and performing well at the task at hand. My coach and mentor Lou Holtz at the University of Notre Dame always stressed and talked about the importance of WIN, which stands for What’s Important Now? Just think, what if you had an outside firm or perhaps my team take a look at your daily production and focus-would you be put on the spot? Would you feel the pressure? Could you stand behind your daily activities and know whole-heartedly that you are getting it done daily? See, in football, there is no place to hide; the camera in the sky does not lie nor do your peers.
What if you created a “To Get Done List” and on this list for Thursday were 4 items and you only accomplished 2; would that be considered a WIN in your book? If so, you are cheating yourself. The goal or “Game Plan” was 4 not 2. I would find it very difficult to count 50% as a win and you should too. This is how critical you need to be of yourself to reach a new heights. When no one is watching and the camera is not on you, this is when you should be at your best because it’s personal, it involves your commitment and honesty.
Successful and highly productive people don’t place value in ‘I did OK, I had a sub-par day, it was decent’. This language, in actuality, is self-sabotaging and it limits your power to be effective and efficient. Instead, give yourself a small pat on the back for taking action but realize that you had a goal of 4 and, to have won the battle on this day, all 4 items would have needed to be completed. To achieve new levels of mastery, success and greatness calls for a new way, a new outlook, a better system or process to gauge your performance so you can have a life of endless possibilities.
Starting today, challenge yourself to WIN every day in life. Grade yourself daily and be hard on yourself. Once this process becomes habit-forming, watch how ultra-productive and focused you become. Then, watch your success explode!!!
Kory Minor is a Motivational Speaker, Coach, Leadership Strategist Author, Make A Touchdown Of Your Life! He was University of Notre Dame Football Captain 98′, Honorable Mention All-American 98′, Butkus Award Candidate 97′-98′ and NFL Alumni, Carolina Panthers 99′-02′ . He is a member of Denver Speakers Bureau. To have Kory uplift audiences at your next meeting, training or conference, please contact Karen at (303) 478-6652 or karen@denverspeakersbureau.com .
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