To sustain superior performance in anything requires focus, determination and an unquestionable purpose to endure when others quit. Whether it’s a personal or professional endeavor, conquering challenges at home or at work necessitates the physical, mental and emotional capacities to create something from nothing--and feel confident doing it.
The 13 years I spent as a SEAL introduced me to some very talented and motivated individuals whose winning mindsets and unwavering character just don’t grow on trees. If becoming a top performer (i.e. "awesome") is part of your daily “to do” list, here are 14 ways to ensure you’re on the right track:
1. You don’t get nervous meeting new or “important” people. Top performers see people as just that—people. Nobody is better than anybody else, which is why talking with a CEO or President doesn’t make your heart rate flutter. In other words, top performers don’t believe they meet VIPs. Instead, VIPs meet them.
2. You embrace change. When I got rolled back (recycled) back to day one in my first BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) class from Tuesday night of Hell Week for a femoral stress fracture, my spirit was crushed. The thought of having to relive all that pain and punishment again was enough to make me want to throw in the towel. But I didn't. Instead, I mentally reframed the curveball thrown at me into seeing it as an opportunity to prove myself again. Becoming a SEAL was my focus, and all a setback did was challenge just how fiercely that inner fire burned.
3. When challenges arise, you think of how good it will feel when you conquer them. Top performers visualize success. They see it in their minds, feel it, and live it (virtually) so much that their next step is simply to do it.
I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. – Michael Jordan
4. When life curveballs are thrown at you, you take a swing. The old saying that “it is better to try and fail than not try at all” is certainly an indicator of awesomeness. High performers see the proverbial life swing as an opportunity to grow, learn and become better, rather than their non-dominant counterparts who fear risk for sake of looking weak in others’ eyes.
5. Don’t go it alone. High performers become superior performers because they realize that the only way to move from point A to B is through relationships. Nothing goes on in this world on one’s own accord. Success at anything comes through the human relationships we form on a daily basis by leveraging the skills and know-how of others towards a common purpose.
6. Top performers are willing to be wrong. The traditional knowledge is power belief is outdated. While having information is certainly powerful, true power comes from sharing that knowledge with others so as to enlighten and expand their social, emotional and cognitive bases in such ways that broaden awareness and maximizes potential for everyone.
7. You go against the grain. When people say, “there’s not much of a chance for us to…” the awesomeness inside you says, “well we better start now!” because you believe you’ll be in the winning minority.
8. You have a healthy disregard for authority. This is not to be confused with disrespect, as disrespect only serves one’s ego. I never liked our enemies in Iraq or Afghanistan but I certainly respected them. On the other hand, to disregard is to pursue your purpose despite constraints—too explore new, creative boundaries that differ from the status quo.
9. Top performers love uncertainty. They redefine the unsolved space of doubt with creative ideas that form direction and guidance. In other words, top performers create their own paths and don’t let progress stop for lack of knowledge or resources. Instead, they see ambiguity as being synonymous with opportunity because the top performer knows that as long as she can think, she can create--and therefore, she will do.
10. They don’t play the “one-up” game. That is, when people are telling stories trying to out perform the last storyteller, you don’t feel the need to chime in and deliver a better one for the simple fact that you know you’ve accomplished more challenging feats, your friends and family know you’ve achieved more audacious goals, and that’s good enough for you. Awesome people don’t have to tell anyone how awesome they are, because others already know.
11. When you speak, people listen. High performers “own” the room. Their speech is clear, concise and articulate and the message they send often creates value for people (which is why they listen to you).
12. When you look at someone passing by, they look away first. This is actually a great way to exercise your “I-want-to-become-more-confident” muscle. The next time you pass somebody in the hallway, locker room, or sidewalk, hold your gaze. Don’t be rude and stare people down, but just fix your eyes a little while longer than normal and see what happens. You'll be amazed at how your self-confidence soars.
13. Others seek your counsel. Awesome people aren’t the big dogs in the room because they like to rough and tumble. They’re top performers because they’re considered good—if not the best—at what they do; their character and competence define them.
14. The thought of winning motivates you. Period.
How do you define awesomeness?
