#1 bestselling author of The Leader Who Had No Title You
were constructed to win. You’ve been designed to wow. And you’ve been built to
inspire. As we get you to your NLWC (Next Level of World-Class), I wanted to run
you through some of the core distinctions between those who operate at average…
…and those who have the guts and acumen to aim for ICONIC… Fair Warning: This
piece is a little longer than usual. We live in a world where too many people
have given up the ability to go deep and read intensely, preferring dancing cat
videos and short bursts of cotton-candy content designed to entertain versus
educate… …my heartfelt encouragement is stay with this post until the end.
Reflect on the insights I’ve worked so hard to share. And most key, live the
message… And so…
#1. Average performers love to talk about others. Iconic
producers are obsessed with discussing their dreams.
#2. Average performers adore leisure. They know the hot tv
shows, spend their finest hours playing video games and are first among friends
to secure the latest gadget. Iconic producers are vastly different…their
addiction is learning. They invest in books, go to conferences, mastermind with
masters and do whatever it takes to make their tomorrows better than their
todays. Please remember: the more you know, the more you can achieve. Knowledge
is the greatness creator.
#3. Average
performers resign themselves to mediocrity, thinking that the elite are somehow
smarter, faster and cut from a different cloth. I call this The Myth of Genius.
Don’t buy into it. Iconic producers have a different perception. They get that
genius and legendary is not the result of divinely-orchestrated talent. Nope.
It’s a lot more about focus, discipline, sacrifice, suffering, stamina and
ridiculous amounts of hard work. They get that rising to world-class is never
easy. But it’s always worth it.
#4. Average performers disrespect time. You’ll see them
waiting hours for a great table in a cool restaurant. They buy groceries when
everyone else buys groceries. They are often late and known for
procrastination. Iconic producers understand that time is a blessing. They use
their best hours for their most important pursuits. They have a clear written
plan for the next 10 years, 5 years and this year. They schedule their days,
knowing that structure is the doorway into freedom.
#5. Average performers use victimspeak. Everything is “a
mess” or “trouble” or “a problem”. But the words you use drive the energy you
feel. And to rise to exceptional, you need to tap into your natural reservoir
of massive energy. So iconic producers leverage their words to raise their
games. Their language inspires. And reveals the fact that–deep within–they view
themselves as captains of their fate versus powerless little pawns.
#6. Average
performers stop when they’re scared. Iconic producers press ahead when stricken
by fear, understanding that persistence is the DNA of becoming a game-changer.
And that bravery is the result of practice versus a natural gift.
#7. Average performers follow the crowd. Their dominant
focus is to fit in, be liked and receive tribal acceptance. Iconic performers
care not what others think. They’ve developed the confidence to think for
themselves. They set their own dreams, run their own values and march to their
personal drumbeat. That not only causes rare-air success. It produces enduring
happiness.
#8. Average performers are pleasure-driven. Everything they
do is about fulfilling their desires and feeling good in the moment (often done
as an escape from the pain of potential betrayed). Iconic producers are
purpose-driven. They are fuelled by their Mighty Why–that singular and gorgeous
vision of a bigger future that keeps them up late and gets them out of bed
early. They viscerally understand that the secret of passion is purpose. And
that once you articulate your why, the hows automatically present themselves.
#9. The average performer is pure consumer. It’s all about
buying and having things. Their self-identity is based on the brands, labels
and badges of the moment. Iconic producers care very little about stuff. What
stokes their fire has less to do with being a consumer and a lot more to do
with being a maker. For them, their compelling cause is all about using their
creativity, energy, talents and time to produce value that not only delivers
their personal dreams but makes the world a greater place.
I sincerely hope
these nine points inspire, help and serve your rise.
Your time really is now. My respectful suggestion: release all
excuses, reasons, rationales and resentments. Today’s a fresh canvas. A new
beginning. And your beautiful opportunity to step into the life you ache to
live…
