“Every morning when you wake up you have a choice to make. You can choose to work hard or you can choose to not work hard. That’s it. That is the most fundamental choice you have to make each day. But if you have to acknowledge that not working hard is a choice.” – Jim Valvano
To truly pursue excellence, you need to WATCH, READ and DO!
Watch
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Given that Coach Bennett and the Virginia Cavaliers bounced back so brilliantly from last year’s loss and are headed to the Final Four, it’s only fitting we share this:
Did you notice that his composure, perspective and authenticity were the exact same in both press conferences? He handled himself with class after the biggest loss and the biggest win of his career!
Read
There is no question you must be self-aware and have positive habits to perform at a high level.
But aside from those two areas, the #1 factor that determines the level of your performance, in any area of your life, can be found in the standards you live by.
It’s been said that “The quality of a person’s life is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” This is because your standards dictate your performance.The higher your standards, the higher your performance.
What are standards?
Standards are simply the code that you choose to live by.
But in order to create your personal standards, you must first clarify your identity:
- Who are you?
- What do you stand for?
- What do you believe in?
- What are your values?
- What is your purpose?
Once you are crystal clear on these profound questions, you set personal standards to uphold your identity. And you must be very specific in your personal standards. Ambiguity fogs clarity.
And when it comes to your personal standards, you either live by them or you don’t. There is no in-between. If having integrity is one of your personal standards, it can’t be a part time thing. You either have integrity or you don’t!
Now I understand we are all flawed. Making a poor decision doesn’t mean you don’t have integrity.
Mistakes are a part of life.
Mistakes are part of the process.
So admit them. Learn from them. But don’t repeat them! The first time it is a mistake. The second time it is a decision.
Remember to give yourself some grace.
“Success comes from good decisions. Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from bad decisions.”
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Do
Assemble a group of colleagues, coworkers or teammates. Have each person write down his or her answers to the following 5 questions:
- What is culture?
- How do you define it?
- How do you measure it?
- How do you improve it?
- What is our culture?
Have each person share their answers and discuss the similarities and differences.
If your organization could use a meaningful, memorable, and impactful keynote speaker, I’d love to work with you! All of my programs are customized and personalized for each audience. Contact Michelle Joyce, my Director of Events, for more information HERE.
Thanks for taking this Full Time Out with me. I appreciate your presence!
