Think back to when you were an aspiring athlete. I think you probably had at least a fleeting notion of being a superstar athlete at some point during your childhood. Don’t we all?
You probably plugged away on your own, honing your craft for game day. You’d hit the driveway every night to shoot baskets relentlessly. Inside, outside, turn-arounds, fade-aways, layups, and threes. You’d play it all out in your mind, evisioning an ever dwindling clock as you started the final play. You would feint left, go strong to the right, pull up and drain the game winner just as time rudely sang out with a buzz. Then you’d do it all over again with a different finishing move and perhaps a different outcome.
Now, think back to what ultimately made you better. Think beyond the practices and the never-ending individual sessions in the driveway. In order for you to take your game to the next level, you had to play against the next level.
You achieve greatness when you push yourself beyond the ordinary. (Tweet This!)
As a kid playing a particular sport this meant playing against kids older than you. Sure you could dominate your little brother and his friends, but the true challenge rested in taking on your older brother and his friends.
The game was more physical. It would push you to your limits. It even tested your mental ability to overcome doubt, fear, and the customary insults. But at the end of the day, your game was better by playing with those that were older, more experienced, and stronger.
In business, and in life, you should follow that same mantra.
Level up.
You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with – Jim Rohn
You should surround yourself with others that are striving for greatness. This may be intimidating at first but remember, everyone is plugging away on their own journey. Some just happen to be further ahead on the timeline. Likewise, you are ahead of others. Look for those that are ahead of you and engage with them. Level up. You will be challenged, you will question yourself, and you will face uncertainties but you will also see incredible growth.
Just as you conquered your fear when you walked out on that court with the big kids at the playground, you can also stomp down the apprehension and hesitation that is holding you back from greatness today.
Take a chance. Jump in the game with the big kids and see how it can impact your life.
Interesting post.
I like to be around smart and passionate people. It inspires me to strive to join those ranks.
Absolutely Larry! Especially those that are passionate. Smart people can sometimes be drab. But, if you combine smart AND passionate, look out!
What a great post! I am posting this on my Wholly Pops fan page. My dad customers should get to know YOU!
Thanks so much Carolina! I’m not sure if you remember but we met at NMX. We were sitting next to each other at the session for parent bloggers. I got one of your beautiful business cards. Hope everything is going well. What’s next for Wholly Pops?
Great post Jeff – I’m sure we can all push our limits and “level up” in many aspects of our lives! I can think of a few for myself
Indeed Crystal. It’s tough though. You have to set yourself up for some level of failure as many of these higher level folks will not get back to you. But, we forge ahead as we do with anything in our lives.
A brilliantly simple but effective idea, very nicely written. I’ll be definitely be sharing and trying to follow this advice