Some people are natural winners. They are talented, make the right decisions and always know to work hard enough to put themselves in the right position to capitalize on the opportunities in front of them.
Others make poor choices. They make excuses and point their fingers at everyone else around them as to why they aren’t getting what they want out of life. They have poor values and only care about themselves with total disregard to the people around them.
Then there are those who have NOT YET discovered how to win. These are good people. People who care about others and are as kind as could be. Yet they just never seem to get ahead. They are stuck in a never-ending rut, and regardless of how well intentioned they are they just never seem to be able to take that step in their lives that can propel them to the success they deserve.
Winners win, losers lose, but those who have not discovered how to win are somehow trapped in this grey area of a life of mediocrity. And in my opinion that is due to several reasons.
They say YES too often
Remember that whenever you say “yes” to something you are saying “no” to something else. Even though your “yes” may be well intentioned, you may be saying “no” to something that is essential to your success.
For example, you may say yes to picking up a friend from the airport, but since you have to pick up your friend you skip out on starting the project you have been planning. Skipping that project just once can lead to you skipping it again and again. This snowball effect leads to you never getting your important work done.
You develop a habit of putting others before your own personal dreams or goals.
This may seem selfish, and in a way, it is. But it is imperative to your own success and happiness.
I am not saying that you can never do favors for people. You certainly should always be willing to lend a helping hand. However that should not come at the expense of you holding yourself back. So be sure to prioritize and make time for you.
Then only say yes to things that are important to you.
They give in to instant gratification
Cookies are awesome. Ice cream is awesome, as is pizza, burgers, fries and alcohol.
But if we give in to eating something just because it tastes good, with total disregard to our health then you will never be truly happy.
If you are happily married with children but you decide to risk that to bang hookers on the weekend then you are acting solely out of impulse without any thought of the consequences.
You have to keep your thoughts set on the bigger picture and what will ultimately make you happy. Not just react to fill an emotional need. If you keep your eyes on the prize and keep your actions aligned with your values then you will most likely come out on top more often than not. And I don’t mean on hookers.
They start their day on someone else’s terms
Many people wake up and the first thing they do is check their email, text messages and social media.
They immediately start their day by being reactive rather than proactive. Instead of taking time to better themselves first, they spend time reacting to their ex-girlfriend’s Instagram picture of the new guy she’s been banging.
That ain’t gonna do shit for your productivity.
Having a morning routine has literally changed my life.
Meditating, walking, reading, journaling and reading my goals first thing every morning has kept me focused and starts my day off with a few small victories. Doing so builds momentum for the rest of the day.
You need to make time for the shit you say you don’t have time for.
No time to work out? Bullshit.
Wake up an hour earlier and get it done! Even if it’s a 15 minute workout. Push-ups, sit-ups, body weight squats and burpees in your living room or backyard for 15 minutes is much better than doing nothing.
Start your day on YOUR TERMS without checking your phone.
You will soon realize how life changing this can be.
They aren’t aware of their true purpose
I have worked with a lot of people over the years. Some of the best people I know that can’t seem to get ahead are those who have never put any real thought into what their true purpose on this planet is.
They work, raise a family and prepare for retirement and death.
There’s no vision, no goals and no happiness.
I am not saying this is an easy task, nor am I saying that this means you have to quit your job (if you enjoy it) and start your own business in hopes that you found your passion.
I’m saying to spend time thinking about who it is you truly want to be. Write down your goals and ask yourself why that goal is even important to you in the first place.
You want to make more money? Well how much more? And WHY? To buy a cool car?
Or will money give you the opportunity to start a new business venture that will give you a platform to help more people?
You need to be specific and you need to know why. Putting the time in to think differently than everyone else will give you the passion and that burning desire to pursue your dreams, instead of just going through life’s motions.
Because going through the motions is the best way to achieve a mediocre life. And like Ray Lewis said, “I don’t know no man who’s ok with being just basic”.
Don’t be ok with being basic.
Find what lights your fire and put your time into becoming the greatest you that you can possibly be. Money is great, but it isn’t everything. Robin Williams is a perfect example of that.
What makes you tick? What makes you jump out of bed in the morning?
Figure that out and you will be destined for greatness.
I’ll catch you guys next week.