Everyone Wants to Climb a Mountain
All humans have goals that we want to accomplish in our lifetime. Each of us have our unique dreams and aspirations. The difference between those that live their best life and the rest is in the effort. If you have struggled in the past to complete a goal successfully, here are a few simple techniques that can be the difference between crossing the finish line or quitting the race.
Showing up
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are famous for the "4:00 AM Club." Both had physical talents that most of us only dream of, but it was something else that made them champions. The difference between Michael or Kobe and the rest of the NBA was their work ethic. Either would have been an all-star, but they wanted to be the best ever to play the game. To achieve their lofty goals, they both had one thing in common. They showed up every day to do the hard work required to achieve their goals. Famously refusing to quit, even when crippled with debilitating injuries. Remember, Jordan played game five of the NBA finals against the Utah Jazz with 102 temperature after getting food poisoning in his hotel. Pippin had to physically hold him up as they walked off the court, but during the game, Michael dropped 38 points in the Bulls victory. He was a relentless competitor that ALWAYS showed up.
Consistency
Try things at least twice. Just the second attempt at anything hard will be much easier. Not a little but a lot. This is true of everything, not just sports. Mastering anything takes practice and effort. Malcolm Gladwell's research shows us that it takes 10,000 hours of 'Deliberate Practice' to master anything. Do you want to play the guitar like Eddie Van Halen or climb mountains like Alex Honnold? You can do anything if you are willing to put in the work. The only limits you have in this life are those you put on yourself.
Willpower & Discipline
The difference between accomplishing your goals or letting them fade into 'could have been' is showing up. Robert James O'Neil (the Navy Seal involved in the Bin Laden raid) said that the best advice he got during BUD/S training from one of the commanding officers was "Don't quit now, quit tomorrow." BUD/S is famously known as the most physical and mentally grueling training a person can endure. During 'Hell-Week,' Seals are challenged with extreme physical tasks. They are cold, wet, and near hypothermia for seven days, with only 4 hours of sleep. Only 25% of applicants complete the program. The difference between the ones that make it and those who quit is willpower.
Everyone wants to climb the mountain, but the big difference between those at the top and those still on the bottom is simply a matter of showing up tomorrow to give it just one more try. Just that much more effort will propel you ahead of everyone walking the earth.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. What journey will you start today?
