I am convinced that most everyone wants to win, but we usually don’t like the preparation that it takes to be a winner. The consistency that it takes, the discipline, the determination and energy needed is not always to our liking.
One of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time, with teams wining 10 College National Championships for UCLA, (not yet duplicated by any other in history) was coach John Wooden. He was asked what he missed most about coaching after retiring. He said he missed the practice times more than the actual games. The practices determined how they would play the game. They prepared all players for the game. They prepared to win. Coach Wooden mentioned he missed the process of doing what they needed to do, so that they could get to where they needed to go. Most anyone can be extra good once in awhile, he observed, but during the practice of the drills, and performing the basics over and over they found the key to improvement. In consistency, they found their power. Coach Wooden knew that consistent practice was the key to winning. What a great philosophy.
Why do some people fail? If you are comfortable today with what you were comfortable with yesterday, you are already in trouble. Most of us were taught the differences between right and wrong while growing up, and that wrong behavior had its consequences. You have to be intentional with what you do, and with who you are. This requires constant effort to keep your mind in possibility thinking and constant effort to improve yourself. What you do must be intentional.
The more valid the reasons you have to accomplish your dream the higher the odds that you will succeed.This question begs our answer concerning ownership. Do you own your dream? Is it yours? Is it personal? If your dream isn’t really your dream, it won’t work. But if by some chance you actually reach it, you won’t keep it for long.
I have met several who have told these stories to me: Following a dream that others suggested, perhaps a parent or someone else they admired. But it wasn’t a dream owned by themselves. The time to switch to your dream is now. Then realizing who you really are, you will be happier and more fulfilled. Get around people accomplishing what you would like to accomplish. Learn from them, be inspired by them, and you will accomplish your dream just as they do. Because they have a vision, you will either be inspired or expired by their association.
The next step is to develop your passion, courage, and boldness. Break loose from control. If you want to rise higher, spend your time around those higher than yourself. Go for the top 5% of people who are achieving, it’s called association. You will get to the top of your dream, better known as “your sweet spot” by watching others achieve and then achieving your dream for yourself. You will eventually find yourself in the right zone.
If you really want your dream to be accomplished, you have to live with intentional focus on your dream. This really is simple, but not easy. Most people don’t achieve their dream, due to ignoring this principle. Most people don’t lead their life, they accept their life. They accept their life as it happens to them, and end in a place that is not worthy of their time and effort.
You have to be intentional with where you want to go in life. There will be many distractions. There will be many challenges and opportunities to change your direction. With commitment to your own vision it becomes your “calling”. Your purpose is certain. Your giftings will arise.
Be prepared to win. Be intentional with your life. Live life intentionally with purpose. Center it around your dream. Make all necessary changes, and these changes will be your rewards to a life lived with intention and purpose.
Look for the seeds of opportunity as you go along. Never fear being different, your dream will lead you, it will answer the questions of purpose for your life. Live life to the fullest. Learn to embrace every adversity that comes into your life. Opportunity comes “clothed” as an Adversity. Dare to be different. Dare to move ahead. Be prepared to win! See you at the top.
Coach Jack