Do you remember those Mo Faro Marathons of the past Olympics?
The nail biting last moments, before he dashed against the end line, smashing world records?
I have always been fascinated in understanding the habits, rituals and beliefs of winners. The very best athletes in the world push themselves beyond anything we can comprehend in races decided by hundredths of a second or fraction of an inch. What is it they have done differently? What sets them apart?
One thing I have learned when it comes to winning and success is that people want to achieve great things and want immediate success, but they want it to be easy and without any real challenges. Unfortunately for many, greatness is not something which magically appears in our lives. It takes significant accountability, focus and a growth mindset to be able to achieve greatness.
So, what does it take to adopt a growth mindset?
One of the most effective ways to capture new knowledge, new skills and new ways of doing things, is to pay close attention. Study the behaviours, actions and practices of the top performers in your particular industry/ profession. Focus on the details, because it is these details that often sets the great apart. By observing and paying attention to what the best are doing, you will also learn to become the best.
Peak performers understand that detail is important, and that being detail-oriented is what keeps the competition away.
Winners consistently strive for improvement. Mukesh Ambani, referred to by Forbes as one of the most powerful men in corporate India, shared that regardless of whether his job was to photocopy documents or deliver snacks and tea at board meetings, his dad would ask “Are you delivering world-class performance?”
Developing a mindset of continuous improvement is what sets winners apart. Winners aim to take pride in each task they complete, regardless of how seemingly trivial or non-important that task may be.
Taking pride in all aspects of your work, study and life are critical if you want to become the best at what you do.
- HABITS & RITUALS
The most successful people condition themselves into the practice of lifetime habits. Winners typically follow a stringent morning routine which gets them into the right headspace for the day ahead.
Jocko Willink is a former Navy SEAL commander, and executive coach. Jocko sets his alarm for 4:30am, heads straight to the gym for a gruelling workout and jumps into the shower at 6:00am to get ready for the day.
Oprah Winfrey starts her day with 20 minutes of meditation, which fills her with “Hope, a sense of contentment and deep joy.” She then hits the treadmill to get her heart-rate pumping.
To each one his own routine. But, the point is to Own your Routine.
Winners are disciplined in the practice of habits and hold themselves accountable to their mission.
- CONSISTENCY
People with a growth mindset are fundamentally sound, mentally tough and never call it quits. Winners adopt an undeniable consistency in what they do. They take action every single day, regardless of whether they feel like it or not.
Winners get up, show up, and never give up.
Successful people often adopt a positive growth mindset. They learn to listen to themselves and remain focused. Winners ritualise the practice of focusing on success and winning. They train their minds to visualise and think in a new way that leads to increased self-confidence and improved performance.
Learn to believe in yourself and remember that winners think, execute and thrive.
Quotes we can use
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up”‘- Nelson Mandela.
“If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it”- Muhammad Ali
Photo by RUN 4 FFWPU: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-running-on-black-asphalt-road-1555354/