From the book I’m currently reading, “Fail Up,” by Tavis Smiley.
One of my biggest challenges, growing up, was doing something before I could clearly see a mental picture, or knew I would succeed. What I’ve learned (and am still learning), is the unknown is often they key that opens the door to our next successful venture.
This is a text a student sent me, frustrated with the beginning of his professional athletic career. He’s realizing the struggle and pain needed to endure isn’t a dream – it’s real, and is what separates the ones who make it from the ones who talk about what if …
Whatever your situation, know that your struggle is temporary, but it will test your commitment and dedication to the process!
The US Open symbolizes mental and emotional strength – the ability to grind through 4 days of defining moments. For some, it’ll be their first opportunity at history, for others, a chance to add to their Major wins … but for another, this means MOMENTUM. For him, the US Open signifies legacy, defined as “best of all-time.”
When Tiger Woods talks calmly about winning his first Major is five years, don’t believe the hype – he’s not calm inside, he’s on fire! He eats, sleeps, dreams, and bleeds Jack’s record. This is what legends do – they immerse themselves in every ounce of the task. This record he so “calmly” talks about is part of his DNA. His dad embedded history into him from birth. While most are trying to “do their best,” Tiger’s guaranteeing to go beyond his best – past anyone’s belief of possible!
What you do when no one’s looking will determine your long term success. Are you doing the minimum or more than is expected?
Luc started immersed in fear, but is now one of the top underclassmen recruits in the U.S.
Check out his video on the HOME page: “Fear: Meet Luc.”
NEVER BACK DOWN FROM YOUR BELIEFS!
The 1% Lifestyle is about thinking, saying, and doing what no one else is willing.
BE the change. LIVE the change.
I’d literally die for my family, if that meant they’d live to see another day! THAT’S drive, hunger … my reason for getting out of bed.
What belief, dream, or promise would you give your last breathe for? Make what you’re doing bigger than yourself – something that leaves a mark in your wake.
Success for self is empty success, but sacrificing for the people behind you or those who sacrificed before you … that’s genuine success.
When you wake up each morning, make it not about what you do, but rather, who you ARE!
I was buying coffee from this woman, when I noticed something on her arm. When I asked to see her tattoo, she showed me these!
“Before courage, there’s fear!”
The majority want to be fearless, but don’t want to battle through the fear to get there. What I’ve learned living years in the shadow of fear … courage becomes much sweeter on the other side.
You’re human, you’ll feel fear, but know it’s a CHOICE. Choose courage, instead!
Congratulations to Max Gray for his inspiring Success Story ... He's the winner of a 1% T-shirt. "Sophomore year, my summer was going great. I felt unstoppable! During one of my team scrimmages, I dove for a pas, caught it, and landed weird. I got up and knew I was hurt, but kept going. I was new to varsity and wanted to keep playing, but just couldn't. I took a week off - I couldn't walk, sleep, or do anything without pain. The doctor said I was fine - just a sprained back. I began playing, but it kept hurting. I went back to the same doctor, but he kept saying it was just sprained. I didn't believe it. Was I really THAT weak? A sprained back, and I'm in THIS much pain? I hated everything. I finally went to a different doctor, who looked at the same MRI and said it was FRACTURED! I had been playing for 2 months with a fractured back. I remember being in so much pain, but nothing compared to when he told me I'd never play football again. I was depressed, I cried - it was extremely hard. I was stuck in a back brace for 6 months. I had no motivation until one day I realized I couldn't give up! I watched videos from Giavanni Ruffin, which inspired me a lot. I was finally able to do little things like push ups and sit ups. Every day, I was doing everything I possibly could. It hurt, but I knew the pain wouldn't last forever - I kept pushing myself. I would go early before school every day and just run, work out, and think. It was tough because there was still doubt in me that I couldn't play again. I eventually started track season, and hurt it again on the hurdles. I found a way to fight back and made it to bi-districts. Now, I'm here ... taking no days off, making sure that never happens again! I truly feel blessed to be able to play football and be a State competitor in track. I'm a fighter! I'm striving to be a kick returner and wide receiver at the college level. I'd be humbled to play ANYWHERE!" -Max Gray (@alldaymaxgray)
DO THIS:
Replace “goal” with guarantee! Instead of saying, “My goal is …” Make your focus, “I guarantee (this) will happen.”
Goal leaves wiggle-room for quit – the word has been used so often by so many, it doesn’t emotionally resonate as powerfully as in the past. When you write out your weekly, monthly, or yearly guarantees, there’s a completely different emotional reaction that takes place. The key to achieving anything is being emotionally connected. There was a day where “my goal is …” did the job, but today isn’t that day any longer.
Try something new – step away from the majority and attach yourself to fearlessness. If you want what they don’t have … you gotta do what they won’t do!
If you’re not being hated on, you’re not risking enough. True separation from the majority means having that majority think you’re out of your mind. They can’t wrap their heads around sacrificing what it takes to become the 1% and live the 1% Lifestyle.
“Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”
Never be afraid to hold strong to your beliefs, even if (especially when) the 99% are doing their best to knock you off that platform. Changing circumstances for yourself and those around you comes with a price – if you count the cost, you’ll never pay the price.
Don’t ever quit on your dream!