By Bayo Ogunmupe
In this concluding column on choices champions need to make in order to gain success, I shall begin by quoting what the renowned American World War Two hero General Douglas MacArthur once said: "You are remembered for the rules that you break." Thus, in your desire to excel in life, you must choose to be consistent above all else. In this regard, I shall quote another American hero, the 30th president of the United States (1923-29) President Calvin John Coolidge, who said: "Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."
Consistency is the most fundamental virtue to achieving world class success. To lead in your profession, you need to master several complex areas. This will take time. It isn't easy. Even the most disciplined persons struggle with consistency. But if you choose to fully commit yourself to your task no matter what, you can accomplish your goal. The truth is that consistency beat talent; consistency beats luck. Consistency beats good intentions. Frankly, consistency even beats quality. The consistent performer will, over time, outperform her more talented yet inconsistent counterpart. Those interested come up with excuses; but those who are committed just do whatever it takes. World class success follows consistency.
Five, spend more time learning and creating what it takes to win than entertaining yourself. Your success will rarely exceed your level of personal development; because you attract success by the person you become. Entertainment and distraction are the enemies of creativity and growth. They prevent you from becoming extraordinary. Leaders are readers; lifelong learning is the prescription for progress. Formal education makes a living but self education makes a fortune. Education isn't about a college degree, for most of what you learn in college aren't applicable in the real-world. It's self education, that is the kind of learning that helps you develop into the next evolution of yourself. If you want world class placement, you must choose self education over entertainment.
Six, invest so much in yourself, that people think you're crazy. Every skill you acquire doubles the odds of your success. Your person is your greatest asset. The most successful people in the world, invest heavily into themselves. Self investment begets success. The more successful an individual, the more they invest in themselves. Which is why an athlete like LeBron James invest $1.5 million a year in his health and body. If you want world class success, you will need tools, abilities and competencies, the mastery of which costs money and time. Ordinary people spend their money and time on liabilities, which can't earn them income. Extraordinary people spend their time and money on assets- purchases that earn them substantial income over time. If you want to be successful spend your life buying assets.
Finally, choose freedom over security. The ultimate measure of success isn't money; it's freedom. Champions are constantly working towards a life where they can: Spend their time the way they want it. Spend their time with whom they want. Have the freedom to do what they want. The more freedom you create, the easier you will be able to evolve into a world class individual. Sadly, most people choose security over freedom: a safe job; a safe financial plan, a safe life. But security is a lie. Nothing, no where, no economy is safe in the universe. In conclusion, the key to becoming a winner is to build your performance around world class routines. Choose action against pleasure. Action creates habits and routines. Habits and routines create your life. Choose the extraordinary over the ordinary life.
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