The Reason Why Top Performers are Top Performers…
We have the ability to set our own bar. We can set that bar high or we can set that bar low. You choose.
I read a study a few years ago that said most people that have joined the top 5% of earners in the World, first generation wealth had to overcome some type of major adversity. This could be growing up in extreme poverty, being an orphan, losing parents, friends or siblings to tragedy… hardship.
What does this mean to you?
It is often thought that the wealthiest folks in the world were born into a blessed and privileged situation.. but this simply not true. I look at my list of A-listers…and most of them were born into the projects of Brooklyn.. and had to fight and claw their way to be best in class.. it was certainly not easy…
These individuals had to overcome daily adversities that required resilience, fight, tenacity, and the internal drive to “overcome” their circumstance…
I often times listen to people make excuses as to why they can not achieve massive success (lets define success as the highest level of achievement you envision for your self) — often times speaking about their competition and those who have already made it..
Saying things like “he/she came from money”… or “he/she had more resources than I did”.. and based on the “data” that I presented… this argument does not actually act as a catalyst for massive success but as an anchor to success.
You see.. what sets the stage for the person that had to overcome hardship to achieve that massive success is that they see their life not for what it is.. but for what it can be. What it will be.
They know they have the “will” to overcome whatever or whoever is in their way. They are extremely strong willed and willing to do what others are not.
The word “no” is simply a temporary yield sign that forces a slight change in plans and approach.. but not forcing a change in effort, desire and the over-arching plan; to make it big and most importantly make it out of the current situation.
Many people give something a shot and as soon as they meet resistance strong head winds, have a set-back or even a partial failure, they confidently say, “I tried”… and then go back to living a life of mediocrity.. taking to the grave with them their Glory Days of “trying”… and never actually taking a second chance at a dream..
It is almost comforting to them to know they took a shot and never have to do that again…. Never having to deal with uncertainty or the unknown is their new goal.. or even new definition of success..
I believe this is what leads to “regret” in life.. not giving it your all… and not working/ demanding “Greatness” from yourself and everything you do.
The safe way to play is to stick a toe in the water.. and to many people have chosen that path.
Today’s writing is about “jumping in”.. doing a cannonball into the deep end the pool, not worrying about the temperature or the rules or who is watching.. and knowing that you are going to “make it”…
A close friend of mine who grew up on the streets of Argentina had to fight his way to high school graduation — literally building his street credibility each time he switched schools as a kid (over 5 times).. The first thing he used to do was go right up to the Bully of the school — and punch him. “Hunt or be hunted”… when he arrived at his first school.. he was picked on.. and said that will never happen again.
So.. he went up to the biggest and toughest kid in his class.. and made a bold statement hitting him square… Now I am not saying go into work and start knocking out your boss or co-workers.. but what I am saying is that you need to establish your alfa position within yourself. Knowing you can and will do it. Using self-talk to drive you forward. Coaching yourself to victory.
By the way.. my friend went on to achieve massive success with one of Wall Streets top private equity firms.. and is one of the best “men” that I know when it comes to “character”, philanthropy, and humility.
“You get what you accept”.. one of my favorite Tony Robbins lines.. makes total sense.. your situation, surroundings, relationships and career are all based on “what you accept”..
You want change? Accept a different reality for yourself.. better yet create a different reality for yourself..
Finally — one of my favorite T-Shirt Brands of the 1990S was a brand called “NO-FEAR”… make that your personal mission statement and you will end up “on-top”… #livelikeapro
Originally published at danacavalea.com.
Originally published at medium.com