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Issue # 28 | To Your Success | May, 2006 |
"Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way." ----- Booker T. Washington WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR YOU? Have you ever seen a Cirque Du Soleil performance live or on television? Incredible isn't it? The other day I watched just a small portion of one of their television specials and again came away so impressed. The performers put on an incredible display as they twirled through the air and held almost painful for me to watch positions for unbelievable lengths of time. But I was equally impressed by the ones I couldn't see … those responsible for creating, structuring and organizing. The combined skills, disciplines and commitments of all those involved ensured that the end result was a precise, flawless, almost implausible demonstration of what's possible when humans approach their full potential. Equally fascinating were the facial expressions as the cameras panned the audience. In those faces I saw disbelief, fascination, awe, anticipation, excitement, and admiration. How many faces I'm not sure, probably thousands. My perception however is that most of the those behind the faces, each in their own way, recognized that they were witnessing some other standard of excellence ... a level beyond what they previously thought possible. So why is it that some achieve such a level and most do not? Why do so few of us push the envelope, stretch boundaries, and tap into our true potential? And does it matter anyway? Ahh, there's the rub … does it matter anyway? How would you answer that question? How would the Cirque Du Soleil performers? Perhaps that's what's most relevant. Not the question itself and the corresponding answer, but rather of whom the question is asked. You see, for many, those who can't imagine themselves performing at such a high level, achieving their full potential DOESN'T matter, at least not enough to pursue it. They simply wouldn't make the necessary commitments and sacrifices, develop the disciplines, and put out the required effort. It either doesn't mean enough OR they don't believe those things are possible for them even if they did. As a result they settle for something less … usually a lot less. But then there are others, often just average people with average abilities, who are not willing to be limited by such thinking. They CAN conceive of themselves experiencing that so they do commit, develop the disciplines, and make the effort and sacrifices. We see these people in many arenas of life … a distinct minority sprinkled among the masses. They are in the worlds of sport, music, business, community and parenting. They are hockey players, cellists, trades people, volunteers, executives, pastors, single moms, and occasionally even husbands. They see what's possible and are striving for excellence. Do they always achieve it? No, very often they fall somewhat short. But still their efforts take them well beyond where they would have otherwise been. The hockey player, for example, who lacked size and had unexceptional physical gifts didn't become a superstar, yet rather than never having had a professional career at all did become a solid NHL journeyman player, inspirational team leader, and respected coach. Just ask Stan Smyl. Here's the thing. If you give up before you start you'll never know what might have been. If you think that, because you're enjoying exceptional success in your business or career, have a beautiful home, lots of money and are well respected in the community, it would be unreasonable to expect to also have a truly happy marriage or loving family relationships, you're selling yourself short. Or if you think that, because you have great personal relationships, excellent health and are loved by many people, that it would be unrealistic to expect to have plenty of money as well, you're also selling yourself short. There are several important areas that make up each of our lives, such as Health / Fitness, Relationships, Community / Contribution, Business / Career, Finances, Leisure, Personal (You), and Spirituality. And just because you are enjoying success in some of these areas does not mean you can't achieve, or aren't worthy of, success in any or all of the others. Why not set for yourself some other standard of excellence, a level beyond what most would believe possible? All you need do is adopt the attitude of that minority group we talked about earlier and apply it to the whole of your life, not just some of it. Strive for excellence in ALL areas and who knows, you may just become that inspiring example for those many others behind the faces. There's a very good chance that you CAN have it all ... why not go for it? "Aspire greatly, anything less than a commitment to excellence becomes an acceptance of mediocrity." ----- Brian Tracy The ThoughtShop - Your expression of interest: Some have asked recently about when and where our next ThoughtShop program will take place … and if one will be held in the summer months. If there is a nucleus who commit by the end of June I will gladly schedule one for the latter part of July and the first part of August in either Abbotsford or Chilliwack. If you'd like to acquire the knowledge, practical tools, and step-by-step processes that can help you go from where you now are in your life to where you want to be, find a way to join us in The ThoughtShop. To express your interest, please email: reg@growingintosuccess.com The ThoughtShop - How to win at the life success and achievement game. "What you become directly influences what you get." ----- Jim Rohn To Your Success, Reg Neufeld and the Growing Into Success Training Team Growing Into Success Training SHARE WITH FRIENDS!... If you’re enjoying this free newsletter you can pass it along by simply forwarding this issue to a friend who might appreciate it? Should they wish to receive it regularly they can be automatically added to our subscription list simply by emailing newsletter@growingintosuccess.com with their name and ‘subscribe’ in the subject box. WE VALUE YOUR FEEDBACK! … Our intent for this FREE newsletter is that it be brief, informal and include articles, tips or suggestions to help you achieve the life success you desire … and for each one to be of real value to you. Also included are dates, times and locations of some of our upcoming programs. (Complete Calendar of Public Venue Events on our website.) If you have any comments, questions or suggestions we would love to hear from you. 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