Trait #2 - The Best Have a "Do What it Takes" Attitude

​In my previous post, I left you with an action plan towards accomplishing your goal. Whatever your desired goals may be, simply stating that you want to accomplish them will not get you very far. Sharing them in public with people close to you may elicit some pressure from your peers, friends, or family.  However, even though there may be an added burden from others, ultimately you will be left responsible for your successes or failures.
 
As we strive for greatness, there will be bumps in the road.  The journey will not be easy.  We may experience setbacks, disappointment, and heartache along the way.  How will you handle these setbacks?  What will you be willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your goal?
 
For example, let’s say that your ultimate goal is to throw the discus 150’ in college.  A respectable goal at any level.  For starters, we’ll imagine that your current personal best discus throw is 120’.  It isn’t unheard of to throw 30’ farther in college.  If you break that down into manageable steps, you need to throw approximately 8’ farther a year, over the course of your four-year career.
 
Taking it one step farther, after our first three years in college, we have increased our personal best to 135’.  Just a little off of our projections for four years.  In that last year of collegiate competition, you have a decision to make. 
 
Is my goal still to throw 150’?  If it is, then you can continue reading.  If after three years of chasing your dream you have had enough, then it would be ok if you stopped reading here.
 
A 15’ improvement in a year is a realistic goal if you are willing to make some sacrifices to achieve it.  The first three years of collegiate competition may not have gone as well as you had expected.  Maybe an injury set you back a couple of months.  You lost focus.  You didn’t seem as interested as you initially thought you were.  Now you may be at a crossroads.  I’m not sure about this statistic, but I'm guessing that 98% of college throwers never throw again after they graduate from college.  I’m guessing maybe 2% of collegiate throwers in the USA throw after they graduate.  So, if you plan on being in that 98%, and you really want to achieve your goal of 150’, you need to ask yourself some questions.
 
First, why do I want to achieve this goal?  What is my motivation behind it?  Will it give me a chance of qualifying for Nationals?  Or will it give me a shot at winning my conference championship?  Do I have a chance to score at my conference championship with a throw of 150’?  When you know what you truly want and WHY you want it, you are driven with passion to take the necessary steps to make it happen.  Why do you want to accomplish this goal?
 
Make sure the habits you have today are in alignment with the dreams and goals you have for tomorrow. ~ Urban Meyer
 
What are you willing to sacrifice in order to accomplish your goal?  What are you willing to do in order to achieve your goal?  What are you willing to sacrifice in order to accomplish your goal?  Are you willing to give up time spent with your family, with your friends, or with your significant other?  Are there any financial sacrifices you might need to make?  How about a time commitment?  Are you willing to spend more time training, watching videos, or to take more throws in order to accomplish your goal?
 
It is just as important to make sure your daily commitments are in alignment with your goals. Your commitments need to drive you towards your goal.  Your daily habits turn into weekly habits which in turn develop into monthly habits which will lead you to accomplishing your ultimate goal.

Do you have a "Do What it Takes" attitude to accomplish your goals and dreams?

​As always, thanks for reading. ~ Charles