Master These Two Things and It Will Change Your Life!

If you can be a master of two things, there is little you cannot do or overcome.  You can outperform people who are smarter, more talented, and more privileged than you are.  No one can give you these two things and no one can take them away from you.  You will attract people, resources and opportunities if you demonstrate these two things consistently.

What two things do high achievers choose to demonstrate consistently?  They consistently commit to concentrated effort with an attitude of optimism and faith.

Because it seems so simple and obvious researchers have studied it over and over again and consistently validate the positive impact of effort (deliberate practice) and attitude on performance while concluding there is little correlation between performance and IQ.

Where does attitude come into the equation.  Choosing a positive attitude fuels focus, motivation and perseverance.

How do you apply the strategy of effort and attitude to improve your performance?

1. Pick an area you want to become expert in.
2. Create a habit of deliberate practice.  Commit to practicing and studying on a daily basis.  Two to three 90 minute session would be optimal but not practical for most people.  So, block off at least 60 minutes a day.
3. Get a coach!  A coach or mentor who is expert in your chosen area is critical.  Enlist them to review your practice/learning plan, to observe your work, and provide feedback on a regular basis.  The key to growth is not just the commitment to practice but the commitment to the right practice.
4. Evaluate and correct.  Push yourself to work on and in the areas you need to improve.  To become great you must focus on what you don't know and what you don't do well.
5. Surround yourself with people and resources that support and encourage you.

Simply powerful!  The great golfing champion Seve Ballesteros sums it up well, " To give yourself the best possible chance of playing to your potential, you must prepare for every eventuality. That means practice."

If you deliberately practiced for 4,000 to 7,000 hours over the next 10 years what would you become excellent at?