Edging extraordinary- Beyond the mediocre

Do not be satisfied with the stories that have come before you. Unfold your own myth - Rumi

There is an inherent desire in most of us to achieve. We dream and we want to realize that dream quickly, and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. So why is it that some race to the top and others are still left behind, reeling from effects of situations they feel they cannot overcome? Why do some people initiate what others thought as impossible and go far beyond not only bringing change but championing it?

It is the question many have asked for centuries. Is it that this select group were born with a special destiny? Or did the ones, who were left behind, not dream big enough? Destiny or Fate may impact a part of our life, but there are other dynamics that do distinguish the extraordinary amongst us.

Don’t just dream Big. Dream Bigger.

If you are not dreaming about where you want to go; If you are not preparing for all opportunities that come your way ; If you are not replacing your “why should I “ to “Why shouldn’t  I ?”, then how can you define your path to realizing this dream. It boils down to one question. Do you even dream or do you have big enough dreams? And even if you do dream, how much time and effort do you put in realizing it, before someone else comes in and races to the finish line, leaving you behind.

A common trait in outstanding individuals is that they own the dream they dare to dream. It is a matter of personal commitment to themselves. They feel like this not because someone expects this of them, but these are the very demands they place on themselves. It is not just a matter of fate but the payment to be made, to receive the success they so crave. And this is where it gets a little interesting. You cannot expect to receive if you don’t push yourself to give.  

Prepare, prepare and …prepare a little more

So what is giving?  It is all about providing value. To give unsurpassed value to all that you do, what you say and how you think has to be a reflection of this very philosophy. You might need to put in more hours in a day or sacrifice your short term gains, to activate this transcending grace. You will need to work harder to get better at your craft, but if this is part of your commitment to yourself, it is what you need to set you apart from the rest. The more invaluable you are, the more you will be closer to being extraordinary.

You cannot just become extraordinary. It comes naturally to the ones who challenge their limitations and fears, and outgrow them. It is part of their being, to take life seriously and to quietly and sacredly work to carve their edge. Whether it is intensifying their knowledge, or practicing endlessly at their talent or just being more focused with stubborn determination; they know that it needs to be done. It is a matter of accomplishment to know that you have provided the most value you could, in a day. It is this very adrenalin rush that this preparation needs. Not as a one off, but on a daily basis. Push and Push harder for results, because it is usually the ones who seek, who eventually find what they are looking for.

Raise the standards of extraordinary

Once this philosophy starts to warm up, it should convert to a lifestyle. You must raise your standards and not be easily satisfied with less, from yourself. This is life and you get only one chance at it. You will only be at this present moment in time, just once. Think about it. Just once.

I am a firm advocate that whether you think you can or think you cannot, you will be right. It always boils down to what image you inculcate of yourself, within. Your beliefs and values dictate this image and this in turn, influences how far you will go in achieving your dreams. You must keep believing in the one ally to your cause. YOU. A lot of times we undermine ourselves and push realizing our potential aside with fear or plain laziness. The only differentiating factor is choice. Make it a choice today, and at this very moment, that you will let go of the past and move forward with self-reliance and a reactivated passion to give it your best. These are the exclusive standards you will proudly live up to, daily. It is not about getting through a day, but about giving your very best shot again and again and once again.  

Create your own story

With this new found philosophy, start writing the new chapters of the story of your life. It is an exciting journey where you will prepare for the opportunities that come your way, and will help you carve your destiny to achieving your dreams. Don’t look around for answers. You already know what you need to do. Just believe and persevere to the cause.

If you need an example for a journey of transformation, you need to look no further. The franchise I am spearheading, is the exact realization of this very philosophy. Dubai Islamic Bank has come a long way in 40 years, all with a simple mindset change, towards commitment to excellence. It was a simple matter of choice- To make our own success story and find our own answers. Looking within, we transformed ourselves and cleaned up the house, while streamlining processes- All with a vision of progress powered with a focus on innovation and growth.  The rest is history. The bank hit the highest profits last year, in its 40 year history, and has its eyes now set towards not only regional but global expansion and growth. There is no stopping as achieving what was thought impossible, is what drives it.

You must believe now that to have more expectations from life, you must demand outstanding commitment from yourself. Often, we don’t find reasons for other people’s success; these are excuses for our own failures. Take the bull by the horns and push off all fears. They are only illusions that hold you back. You were meant for greatness. You were born to be extraordinary and all opportunities and obstacles are only shaping mechanisms- So that you become more than you are. To become what you are destined to be. Extraordinary.