In this CORE Communications blog post from January, we discussed ways that playing sports in the past can teach you about being successful in the business world. We feel like our blog article pointed out a lot of great similarities between superstar athletes and superstar business people, but we wanted to take it a step further and give some great tips on thinking more like an athlete (even if you aren't one at all) to get ahead in business.
1. Be Passionate: One big commonality between a lot of superstar athletes is that they are known for their passion. In order to do well in professional sports, athletes must be passionate about what they do. Imagine if Michael Jordan kind of enjoyed the game of basketball; there's no way he would have ever been the legend that he is today. Now, that doesn't mean he loved every single thing about the NBA, the game, or even his teammates. There are always parts of the business that you are passionate about that you won't love as much. Seek out being involved in an industry or a company that you can truly be passionate about. If you are already doing what you're passionate about, remember to keep that fire burning by challenging yourself at all times and focusing on your vision.
2. Practice Like You Play: Talent really is never enough. In order to be great in business or in sports, you must spend time preparing and planning in order to shine in those big moments. In the sports world, that means being focused and intense in practice, and hitting the gym as much as you need to in order to be your best. Some of the greatest athletes we know, including Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods, are known for their insane work ethic and discipline with practicing and preparing for greatness. In the business world, this equates to keeping up with industry news and changes, continuing to learn, and also role-playing and practicing out loud before sales presentations and public speaking.
3. Aim for Consistency: Consistency is not the most glamorous or exciting word when it comes to true greatness, but those who are really great in the sports or business world are consistently great, not just great sometimes. Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan wouldn't be the legends they are in their respective sports if they'd only been great every 3rd season. Sure, everyone has a bad game every now and again, but Jeter and Jordan both could be expected to be amazing no mater the day or the opponent. When people think of you, do they wonder how you'll perform that day or have they come to expect greatness from you? Focus on becoming consistently great at what you do.
No matter the field you are in, or what your goals are, if you focus on staying passionate about what you do, preparing for greatness, and being consistently amazing (not just amazing every now and again), you will be sure to succeed!
Copyright 2014 CORE Communications, Inc. Houston. Sources: Entrepreneur.com
