Winning Takes Effort!

Call me “Captain Obvious” if you want to, however if you want to win, you must put out consistent effort!

In fact, if you’re trying to win something, you not only have to put forward effort, you must put forth more effort than everyone you’re competing against.

Be a Champion!

Champions don’t just show up on the day of the competition and compete either. They spend countless hours honing their skills and training.

Honors students don’t just show up for the test and wing it. They spend time studying, taking practice tests, reading and researching as needed to prepare.

Top performing sales professionals don’t just sit down in a sales meeting with a client and expect to be given a signed deal. They research their products, the industry trends, the client’s needs and build relationships with both prospects and vendors to make sure they can not only produce clients but satisfy the demands and expectations of the clients after they order.

So why the article?

Too many people seem to think that winning in life is a gift and not a reward. As if the world owes them anything but the opportunity to work for what they want.

Finding a job is hard, it’s true. The better the job, the more it offers the harder it seems to be. I’ve found too many people asking me for help to find a job honestly just want me to get them a job. They treat me like I’m a genie in a bottle. Sorry friends, but jobs are something you earn, just like the salary you get for working after you secure it.

Do you know people who complain about not being promoted at work but then you don’t see them taking courses, reading books, attending certification training or doing anything else to increase their value to the company other than punch in and out every day? 

Champions are Self Made

If you want to be what Michael Jordan is to basketball or what Tiger Woods is to golf, you must put in the countless hours of high-level effort that they did. It’s not enough just to be gifted. You must develop your skills and you must push to improve. Saying you want it isn’t enough. You must dig deep and drive for it. Press toward the mark and achieve it over time. That takes effort and a lot of it.

No Regrets

I don’t know anyone who ever regretted giving things all they had. Even when they fell short of winning, at least they knew there was nothing else they could have done more to prepare and train for that event. Too many now are regretting their falling short, knowing they didn’t give it their all.

Do not fall short because you were unprepared. You can’t control the outcomes of life, but you can control your effort and preparation.

Also, just because I was the best at something in the past doesn’t mean I can take a break or relax for the long haul, resting on my laurels. Everyday someone is coming for the crown. They want to be the best student, sales professional, entrepreneur, athlete, boss, spouse, (fill in the blank) that there is and steal your crown. Don’t give it up, don’t tread water and find yourself moving backwards. Rest as appropriate, get the sleep and fuel you need, but don’t stop working to better yourself. Don’t settle to just be OK. Give effort. Push yourself. Chisel off the rough edges and refine yourself into a work of art.

Sage Advice from Your Coach

If you are not sure how to become a champion, but you're willing to work for it, perhaps you should seek out the help of a mentor or coach. Many who have been champions are happy to help be a guide for those coming up behind them. Seeking advice and their wisdom is not weak, rather smart. You don't have to reinvent the wheel all the time. Sometimes following the path of a trailblazer can help you get further faster. Best of luck as you pursue your goals and put forth the effort it takes to make them come true.