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A few years ago, I used to be deeply moved by a moving quote I read. American football great Jerry Rice, discussing his exceptional work ethic and its impact on his profession, shared his winning philosophy: “Today I do what others won’t do, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t.”
I consider that this view of perseverance and determination is extremely influential – for athletes, astronauts and entrepreneurs.
Similarly, a colleague of mine once returned from an industry conference feeling inspired by a keynote speaker who wowed the audience. The presenter traveled around the world sharing her business insights, exciting audiences and earning significant income from her speaking engagements.
My friend said he addressed the master orator as she left the stage, expressing his own desire to turn out to be a skilled speaker. “I wish I could do the same thing you do,” he told her. “What advice would you give to someone like me?”
He said she smiled and replied, “It’s true, my life is fulfilling. I travel all over the world, talk to amazing people, and find great joy in making an impact on the lives of so many, all while making a great living. The thing is, there are a lot of people who want to do what I do, but only a few are willing to do what I did to get here.”
The athlete and keynote speaker understand a key truth: building a successful profession, a thriving business, or a fulfilling life is not all the time glamorous and is rarely easy. Greatness requires stepping out of your comfort zone, pushing yourself beyond it, and having unwavering perseverance despite the risk of failure. For athletes, this will mean doing 100 extra reps after training.
For a speaker, this might mean bombing ten appearances in a row in front of an audience, but still showing up for the eleventh one. For entrepreneurs, this persistence can present itself in an limitless series of cold calls, all-night strategy sessions, and reading 50 business books a yr.
The math is easy. Those who consistently triumph are those that persevere, regardless of obstacles, adversity, and inevitable adversaries. Determined people see challenges and setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities for development. This attitude allows them to display resilience and perseverance while others flounder, throw in the towel or stew over missed opportunities. Building a business could appear incredibly difficult and sometimes thankless, but owning and growing a successful organization is also incredibly rewarding and value the blood, sweat, and tears.
Let’s be real. Not everyone has the relentless mindset and determination of a star athlete. Doubling down after a loss, especially a big one, will not be your natural inclination. However, developing the ability to be more persistent and fiercely committed to achieving your goals is an extremely worthwhile asset on your path to business success.
Here are seven practical ways to turn out to be a more mentally resilient and persistent business leader:
1. Be ambitious beyond your wildest expectations
Set lofty goals for yourself and your organization that can exist regardless of preconceived limitations and barriers.
Dreaming big is not only wishful considering; it’s a growth strategy.
2. Embody unwavering positivity
An optimistic attitude is clinically linked to higher physical health, lower levels of anxiety, higher productivity and increased persistence. Start by turning negative thoughts into actionable solutions. Cultivating a positive attitude can enable you to cope with challenges more effectively and improve your overall well-being.
3. Focus on self-discipline
For many of us this is difficult. (*7*) and consistency require unwavering commitment. So start small and doable, like eat a healthy breakfast or answer 10 emails every morning, and then expand from there.
4. Build your business IQ
Lifelong learning provides a regular stream of business knowledge and is a catalyst for resilient considering and progressive opportunities. Read books, attend webinars, watch videos. Be a sponge.
5. Divide your goals steadily
Don’t overwhelm yourself by focusing too much on your big goals. Instead, break these goals down into a series of achievable mini-goals and actions that can get you there.
6. Build a strong team
By surrounding yourself with the right people, you possibly can delegate, lean in, or fire yourself when needed. Your ability to adapt depends greatly on the strength, support and alignment of your leadership team.
7. Find time for yourself
Even the most persistent athlete understands the importance of rest and self-care. The same applies to entrepreneurs. Eat right, sleep well and move to best support the clarity and focus you wish to show up.
Remember that success is not a goal, but slightly a culmination of habits and actions that move the needle forward. Whether you would like to be a star athlete, a motivational speaker, or the owner of a wildly successful business, perseverance and resilience will all the time provide you with a strategic advantage.