You Win When No One Is Looking
"The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights." - Muhammad Ali
Watching the Japan vs. Croatia soccer game brought this to mind. Japan lost the Penalty kicks before they kicked the ball. Confidence is the key.
Japan's soccer team made history by winning over Germany and Spain. As a team, they played very well. But when it comes to individual games, they needed more than collective harmony; they needed confidence.
We win when no one is looking.
1. When life gives to you
You win when you give, and no one is looking, and when you give without expectation. The countless hour of service to your community, the charity you give to without saying a word, without bragging, the smile you give to strangers.
Life gives to the giver.
2. When you win a chess game (or any game)
The 1000s of games you played, the endgames you studied, the book you read, the moves you meticulously studied. You win when no one is looking.
3. When you get a nice compliment about your teeth
The daily flossing and 2 min long brushing, the dreadful dentist visits. You win when no one is looking.
4. When your blog goes viral, or you publish a book
You win when you write every day for hours, even when you do not feel like it. You win when you build a system to keep you accountable. The countless hours learning about a topic, SEO, and storytelling. The online course you took, the 1000hs, or the books you have been reading.
The viral blog or the best-selling book is a foregone conclusion. You win with the work you put when no one is looking.
5. When you have great idea lists
All the books you have read, the questions you have asked, the meetings you have joined, the learning you have invested in. You win when you do things consistently and keep learning and when you choose what you consume.
6. Your 35th Wedding Anniversary
You win when no one is looking. A healthy 35th wedding anniversary is a forgone conclusion; when you work on your marriage every day, appreciate the other, and clean the house even when you want to go out for a drink or shopping.
7. When you get the sale
All the effort you put into building a culture focused on your customer, building a product that your customers want, the sleepless nights fixing bugs, and replying to angry customer emails. You win when no one is looking.
No comments.