If you think you are a loser, you train or work like a loser i.e. sloppily and half-heartedly. If you think you are a winner you train like one i.e. with maximum focus, great expectations, excitement and consistent effort. This article takes a look at why people think like winners or losers and what they can do about it.
Steve Siebold describes in his recent book -"177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class" - how he wanted to be a tennis champion. He had all the talent and the desire necessary but at times he lacked the belief that he was a potential champion. He writes:
"When I believed I was a champion, I trained like a champion. When I believed I was washed up, I trained like a loser."
When he was only ten years old, he defeated nearly everyone he played and, as a result, was thinking like a champion. He expected to win and so he trained and worked hard as winners should.
As he grew older his rankings started to drop and he no longer expected to win and so he started training like a loser instead of a winner.
He still had the desire to be a champion but so do lots of people. He believes that what made the difference was his belief in himself or his lack of it.
He lost some of his belief in himself through associating too much with what he calls the 'middle class' instead of the 'world class'. The middle class are too easily satisfied with mediocre results. The world class are only content when they become champions in whatever they are doing whether it be playing tennis or making money.
When I went to school at the age of 11, I worked hard and did all the work set with full attention and the desire to do well. I did so well that the principal of the school suggested I move up a whole year.
This was a mistake. I now came under the influence of class mates who did not like the fact that I had jumped a year. Some of them called me a swat and a bighead. Maybe they were right but I don't think so. Working hard was frowned on by this bunch.
They changed my thinking about myself so much that instead of thinking of myself as a champion student, I saw myself as some kind of a freak for working so hard. My effort dropped along with my self-image. Never underestimate the influence of those around you. I was lucky in the end to pass my exams and get to university.
It has taken me many years to regain belief in myself. I was helped by the great American positive thinkers like Norman Vincent Peale, Frank Bettger and William James.
One English writer who has also helped greatly in this is the multimillionaire Stuart Goldsmith. His book 'The Midas Method' explains how most of us are brainwashed at an early age into thinking there is an invisible ceiling to our progress which we will never break through.
Once we realize that this ceiling is only a figment of the imagination of ourselves and our so-called 'friends', we will be able to break through our limitations and achieve world class results which will astonish us.
We need to re-examine our beliefs about ourselves and to realize that many of them originated in the beliefs of people who thought that great results were only for the few and that our dreams were just 'pie in the sky'.
Instead of listening to the middle class or the poverty class (those who are not even aware of the possibility that they could be champions), let's start listening to the world class. Let's replace negative beliefs about ourselves with empowering ones and then start working hard to achieve our dreams.
We don't need a degree in psychology to do all this. A little bit of commonsense and observation can show us the way. It also helps to read the books of people like Steve Siebold and Stuart Goldsmith and - if I dare say it without being called a bighead - myself!
You may or may not have access to world class neighbours or friends but you do have easy access to world class writers and thinkers through the media of books, audios and video tapes. The internet has, of course, widened that access exponentially.
It is high time you and I joined the world class and made the most of the championship potential which is there in all of us.
About the author
John Watson is an award winning teacher and fifth degree black belt martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams and several other books on success and motivation.
They can be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a weekly motivational message and several other motivational books.
The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now! - Acronyms, Stories, Pictures And Quotes...Easy To Remember And Use Everyday To Grab Your Life And Soar With The Eagles"
The book can be found at this URL: http://www.motivationtoday.com
The book uses acronyms, stories, pictures and quotations to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life if you apply them.
Ezine editors / Site owners
Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site but please include the resource box above.
Did you know that our thoughts may be influencing our... Read More
There are times that we encounter fearful thoughts that can... Read More
A balanced life not only leaves you feeling more fulfilled;... Read More
In many ways the Star War movies are simply a... Read More
Look at this glass on the table in front of... Read More
The Alchemists of old worked over many years, centuries, in... Read More
A rager, or rageaholic, is a person who is addicted... Read More
You are already a winner, and so am I.Although you... Read More
When you have a case of FABS, it may be... Read More
So how do we find meaning? The first step is... Read More
The only constant is change. If theres one thing we... Read More
The image you hold of yourself determines your success or... Read More
While trying to ignore my teen daughters rap music a... Read More
Life is the greatest roller coaster ride we will ever... Read More
Normally I race around multitasking. I am always thinking about... Read More
Empty, Hollow, Nothing?.those words shout the sound of disappointment and... Read More
Byron and I started our first business full of enthusiasm... Read More
Imagine what your life would be like if you could... Read More
You already have all the resources you need to accomplish... Read More
The power of positive thoughts to affect one's experience of... Read More
There was some sunshine this weekend while I was writing... Read More
Most of what we've been taught about how to be... Read More
The mind absolutely amazes me. It will never be understood,... Read More
I Hear Voices?This is not a statement of paranormal; it... Read More
I've had several coaching clients come to me who, while... Read More
spring cleaning service Buffalo Grove ..A rager, or rageaholic, is a person who is addicted... Read More
I thought this was fitting sense I just experienced a... Read More
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More
So, do you love yourself?Shouldn't really be a difficult question... Read More
Want to improve your personal performance? Positive self-talk can help.Edward... Read More
You've heard the buzzwords: Attitude is everything! Change your perspective!... Read More
? If it takes me to periphery (Drifted into continuous... Read More
"Spiritual Intelligence" (SI) is the ability of a person to... Read More
Philosophy of Forgiveness:The most powerful tool that human beings possess... Read More
Have you ever noticed what can happen if you just... Read More
Philippians 4:6-do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,... Read More
Why do we have such a downer on Pollyanna? After... Read More
Many people find it extremely difficult to be assertive, whether... Read More
One often hears people say they can't sketch because they... Read More
I'm sure most of you remember the children's book about... Read More
When you have a case of FABS, it may be... Read More
Last time we talked about how to begin building the... Read More
It took me a long time to realise the benefits... Read More
Celebrating is a skill that adults with ADD (Attention Deficit... Read More
In order for you to make positive ground daily you... Read More
"The knowledge of actions or events before they occur; foresight."You... Read More
I don't want to say people are basically negative but?..if... Read More
What is an affirmation? One possible definition is a specific... Read More
Yuk!One thing, I really have a problem with is criticism.... Read More
When I teach private Yoga sessions, sometimes, I become aware... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |