 or
every champion there are hundreds of others with just as much – or more
– pure talent who never rise above mediocrity. Champions reach the
winner’s circle through work. Working to achieve meaningful goals is the
most satisfying and rewarding way you can spend your time and energy.
To become successful, choose to be one
of the few people willing to spend countless hours preparing for victory.
Achievements do not come spontaneously; they must be rehearsed. You must
practice being a champion before you can reap the honors high-performance
living provides. Put into practice these basic
principles of success:
-
Learn and master the
fundamentals in your chosen endeavor. Ask an expert to
evaluate your performance and offer suggestions to improve your
effectiveness.
-
Condition and improve your
mind and body every day. An organized plan and daily practice
bring your dreams into reality. If you aspire to be a writer, for
example, enroll in a writing course, or join a writing group. Above
all, keep improving in your chosen area.
-
Work on weak areas until they
become strong points. If you have difficulty with public
speaking, practice speaking in front of a group frequently. Force
yourself to speak up in class or in a meeting when you have something
to contribute.
-
Add the element of competition
to your practice sessions. In sports, practice against tough
opponents. If an opponent isn’t available, create your own pressure
situations. While practicing your music in your living room, imagine
yourself in Carnegie Hall flawlessly performing your selections.
Visualize yourself at Wimbledon playing tennis instead of on your
practice court. Your mind does not distinguish between real and
imaginary pressure; it responds by preparing your body to meet the
challenge.
-
Strive for perfection in your
practice. True winners practice until each step, each phrase
and each skill is exactly right.
When you set challenging goals and discipline yourself
to work toward them, you turn your desires and dreams into reality!
Paul J. Meyer is an entrepreneur (owner of more than
40 companies) and author of more than 20 full-length personal and
professional improvement programs and courses translated into 21 languages
and marketed in more than 60 countries.
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