I spoke to a group of salespeople in Kansas City last week as they kicked off their new team. It was exciting to see them get excited about making a difference through their work.
The topic they assigned me was "Simply the Best." So as I prepared, I asked myself, "What characteristics would help someone pass the "Best" test? That is, what are the characteristics of those who become the "best" at what they do?
Here are the thoughts I shared with them:
The Best are optimists. You can't get to the top if you don't think that there is a top or if you think you can't make it. One characteristic of those who reach the peak is that they always believe that things can get better or be done better. This pushes them on to be their best.
The Best have vision. They can see ahead of the pack. Their eyes aren't locked into the here and now. They see the bright future and what things will look like when they reach their destiny. While working hard for today, they live for the future! They do what Stephen Covey calls begin with the end in mind.
The Best relentlessly pursue excellence. The status quo is not for them. They want to be the best and experience the best. And that means giving their best. They go the extra mile so that in everything they do, in everything they say and think, they are striving for excellence.
The Best have a life long habit of personal growth. They don't want to stay at the level they are at. They want to grow in their work, their intellect, their spirituality, their relationships, and in every area of their life. And they discipline themselves to put themselves in situations wherein they grow. Personal growth doesn't "just happen." You choose to grow. I always suggest what Zig Ziglar does and that is to enroll in "Automobile University." Whenever you are driving around, listen to a personal or professional growth tape or CD. Over the long run you will grow. Also, read more. The old saying is true: Leaders are readers. So are those who pass the "Best" test.
The Best understand that the will be pushed by the competition - and the welcome it. Like the lead runner in the race who has someone on his heels, the best know that the competition is right behind them. They love it though because they know that the competition keeps them from becoming lazy and resting on their laurels. Instead, the competition pushes them to go faster and to achieve more - to remain the best by forging ahead.
The Best have a quest for leadership. Someone has to lead - it may as well be the best! Those who attain it get there because they want to. They want to lead and help make a difference. And they want to be equipped with the skills necessary to lead others on to a better place.
The Best leave a legacy. They aren't in it just for themselves, though they will surely reap the rewards of being the best. Rather, the build things that last beyond themselves, things that can be enjoyed by others as well.
The Best are adept at the two most important pieces of time and personal management: Prioritize and execute. Just like weight loss boils down to eat right and exercise, personal management boils down to prioritize and execute. First, prioritize your activities. The important stuff goes on the top. Then, execute: do them. The best have habits and discipline that get them to the top by doing the best things and doing them first.
The Best focus on building relationships. Success does not come alone. Everyone who achieves much does it with the help of countless others. How do the Best get others to help them? They treat them right. They embrace them and help them. People become the best because they help other people, and people like them.
The Best make no excuses. When they fail they admit it and move on. They get back up and do it right the next time. They let their actions speak loader than their words. They stand tall and do the right thing the next time. No excuses, just results.
The Best understand that the good is the enemy of the best. Yes, they could say, "this is good." But that would mean they have settled for less than the best. Many people think that good is good. Good is not good. Good is the enemy because it keeps us from the best. Choose your side: the good or the best. The Best choose, you guessed it, the Best.
The Best Dare to Dream. While others live the mundane and settle into a life they never bargained for, a rut, the Best dream of a better life. And then they take the risks necessary to achieve their dreams. They live by Teddy Roosevelt's quote: Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs though checkered by failure, then to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilit that knows neither victory nor defeat.
Want to be the best at what you do? Take inventory on the above characteristics and then start moving to bring your life in line with the characteristics of the "best." Then when you get to the top you will know that you have passed the "Best" test.
About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.
To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://chris-widener.inspiresyou.com/ or call 800-929-0434.
Mercedes Benz s500 rentals Salem ..So you've bought into the idea that you need to... Read More
Thoughts move faster than the speed of light.Expectations jump faster... Read More
Everybody wants to get to the top, whether it is... Read More
IF and WHEN were friends. Every week they met and... Read More
As a golfer and coach, I've been thrilled to watch... Read More
The secrets of our body language have been around forever... Read More
Management by Objectives, strategic planning, quality, teams, re-engineering. Passing management... Read More
If you called my office you will hear my voice... Read More
Create an environment that is so inspiring and nurturing that... Read More
Have a therapeutic meltdown It's crunch time: you're two days... Read More
Skills or beliefs; this may well be another example of... Read More
What is "success"? Why does it seem everyone wants "success"?... Read More
When I decided to have my web site built, I... Read More
Lots of people network but few reap the rewards of... Read More
There are no two greater ironic comparisons than that of... Read More
Your Head, think about what you want and move towards... Read More
"Fighting to pay the bills is hardly worth it? fight... Read More
I was hired to do some training for a sales... Read More
I spoke recently with the owner of a large clothing... Read More
Have you ever heard this? "It isn't whether you win... Read More
Are there any universal laws that most successful people seem... Read More
It's really all we have... the "Moment". Think about it,... Read More
The ultimate expression of life is not a paycheck. The... Read More
Exercising is not one of my favorite pastimes but I... Read More
Knowing when to disconnect, shut it off, unplug, or walk... Read More
Dowagiac cheap limo service ..Success can easily be compared to the "genie trapped in... Read More
So you want to expand your horizons by securing a... Read More
We set goals, strive for them and only consider ourselves... Read More
Clown around Among the Plains Indians, heyoka, or sacred clowns,... Read More
I can tell, with 95% accuracy, if you are going... Read More
I bet you want to be wealthy, but somehow the... Read More
I call the following seven belief lies of success, taking... Read More
Recently, I coached a young woman whom I'll call Mary... Read More
"Enthusiasm is worth any pot of cream ever offered."Can you... Read More
This is a little primer on how to start, survive... Read More
Most people want to be successful in life. But success... Read More
All too often, people pursue a vision of material success... Read More
Your personal image: It's the most important YOU asset you... Read More
Of course by now we are all becoming aware of... Read More
"The more you hate, the more you love."What an ironic... Read More
Challenges posed by recent economic and market shifts, though predicted... Read More
I spoke recently with the owner of a large clothing... Read More
One of the most common refrains I hear from people... Read More
Trust is a cornerstone of human existence. It is interesting... Read More
Do you remember when you were a child and no... Read More
Many among us, on many instances, have the habit of... Read More
I always say to my children, as long as you... Read More
Change is one of the biggest concepts facing today's society.... Read More
Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonalds, was over fifty when... Read More
What do you need to do to be successful? If... Read More
Success |