Be The Best Or Quit ...

Sacrifice

I'm reluctant to put too many words to this picture, as it speaks a thousand all by itself. These hands represent pain, struggle, passion, discipline, and a sacrifice only 1% can relate to. This person is obviously willing to do whatever it takes to reach a higher level, even if it means tearing up her hands to do it.

This picture represents early morning practice, afternoon workouts, and late night immersion towards a goal most wouldn't attempt to reach. It tells a story of hour upon hour of frustration, knowing that success can only be born from this temporary self doubt. When the blisters turn into calluses, the doubt will turn into a belief, more powerful than words can describe.

When you look at these hands, what's your first reaction? Do you wince or feel excitement, fantasizing about sacrificing the same for your goals? The answer will determine your future!

Are You Willing To Sacrifice?

Who you were isn't who you are. Who you are doesn't have to be who you will become!

Your Confidence Dictates, Not Their Fear

Never, EVER tell someone he can't do it! Success is in the trying -- the daily grind of figuring it out for himself. The argument is always, "He should know how unrealistic his goal is..." Realistic is defined on an individual basis, and means something different for everyone. The majority would cower at my specific long term goals, telling me I'm out of mind for wanting to accomplish so much. For them, maybe it IS unrealistic in their world, but for me ... that word doesn't exist.

When they tell you it's too difficult, remember all they're doing is reflecting their own fear and jealousy upon you. Their insecurities should never dictate your decisions. Your passion and discipline to accomplish should be defined in the mirror ... YOUR mirror!

What do you see, long term? How emotionally connected are you to that picture? How often do you spend making that visual more and more detailed? It's your dream. Live it. Daily.

One Cheerio In Front Of The Next

Very often, we can lose sight of the long term picture in the midst of the daily work needed to attain that picture. One day. One step.

Decisions Create Opportunities

When you make the decision to step away from your comfort zones and choose 1% over mediocrity, amazing opportunities will instantly appear. There's something about a passionate, committed decision that brings change in our normal routine. Risk it. Make it.

Pain - Temporary, Inevitable, Mandatory

I posted this super quick snippet on my FB page, but wanted to also share it with you here.

Pain: A negative word for most. An extremely powerful word for the 1% Elite. The majority view pain as a setback or failure; a roadblock that makes them feel destined for mediocrity. The 1%, conversely, have written their success stories based on this pain. They've learned to not only accept struggle as part of the process, but also invite it as a crucial ingredient to the puzzle.

Nerve endings that scream on a daily basis have defined the paths of many men and women committed to excellence. "No pain, no gain" is a cliche and doesn't mean much in the minds of most, but in the lives of the highly successful, is the headline that glows in neon wherever they travel.

The mistake the majority make is believing that the struggle they face is permanent, whereas the ones who keep punching understand pain is temporary, inevitable, and mandatory. Succeeding in the face of such pain is simply a mindset - a decision that's made early on that guarantees success, no matter what it takes ... period!

Your Circle Dictates Everything

I can't overemphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with people who think, believe as strongly, and expect greatness as passionately as you do. Who you spend quality time with is who you'll eventually become. Attach yourself to like minds with similar, lofty goals.

If you decide to separate from the pack, there will come a time where you'll need to cut ties from friends who want you to "be realistic." Separation from the majority includes anyone who settles for less on a regular basis, doesn't mind mediocrity, and won't risk stepping out of comfort zones.

The environment you create will determine the opportunities you're afforded.

He Said I'm A Punk

Sometimes, the best thing that can happen to you is getting "called-out" by someone much more successful. This, I think, happened to me recently. I wanted to share it ...

Don't Waste Another Second

Everything you do today will affect your tomorrow ...