“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place… and I don´t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently, if you let it. You, me or nobody, is gonna hit as hard as life. But ain’t about how hard you hit… It’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward… how much you can take, and keep moving forward. That´s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you worth, go out and get what you worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointing fingers saying: You ain´t what you wanna be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain´t you! You´re better than that.”–Rocky Balboa
O.K., Rocky Balboa is a little pessimistic, but he makes a good argument. In a society trending towards “safe spaces” and participation trophies, we need a bit more Rocky. We need more attitude of “bring it on!” Reality is: the world can be a “very mean and nasty place.” Truth be told, however, high performing people welcome the challenge.
Woody Hayes said that “Nothing that comes easy is worth a dime.” How true this is. We value that which we have labored hard to earn. The harder the work—the greater the sweat and blood we expend—the more we appreciate the accomplishment.
Do you have goals? Are they easily within your reach or are they “unreasonable by normal expectations”, as my friend, Dr. Coyte Cooper, suggests?
How do people react when you share your goals? If they respond: “Are you…crazy?!”, then you are on track.
The new year is just around the corner. Are you a person who makes New Year Resolutions? More importantly, are you a person who keeps New Year Resolutions? Are your Resolutions sufficiently “unreasonable”? I suggest, if you are one who makes, but does not keep, Resolutions, don’t bother. Better strategy, however, is to take the process seriously and set firm—and unreasonable by normal expectations—goals this season. Have a plan to attack your goals and succeed. Don’t give up easily.
Personally, I am not a fan or New Year Resolutions. I prefer a serious process of goal setting that may or may not be tied with the changing of the calendar. Whenever you determine to set goals, however, challenge yourself. Set the bar high and go for it. Have a plan to get you there and expect obstacles (if you can’t anticipate obstacles, it ain’t much of a goal, is it?). From here take baby steps toward success—in other words, focus on the day-to-day actions that will progress you toward the finish.
Back to Rocky, expect that the world won’t care the least about your goals. In fact, expect that most will be jealous of your success. Such people are detractors. Ignore them. Welcome those who support you, but distance yourself from those who wish to see you fail.
Know what you are worth and get what you are worth. There is no one who is without significant Purpose. Believe no one who would tell you otherwise. Anyone who would devalue another only wants to keep others down because he or she lacks the will and fortitude to succeed. You don’t need such people. Gravitate to the people who know your value. Work. Pursue your Purpose with a vengeance. Take the hits, if you must, but keep moving forward.
Carpe momento!
“Never die easy. Why run out of bounds and die easy? Make that linebacker pay. It carries into all facets of your life. It’s okay to lose, to die, but don’t die without trying, without giving it your best.”—Walter Payton