How badly do you want it?

How badly do you want it?

In the relentless pursuit of success, whether in business, sports, or personal development, a critical question emerges: How badly do you want it? This query, seemingly simple, encapsulates a profound truth about ambition and achievement. As sports psychologist Bill Bewick eloquently puts it, the intensity of our desire is directly linked to the price we are willing to pay. But this journey towards success is not solely about the destination; it’s about the path we choose to tread, the sacrifices we make, and the love for the process.

“Dream big, fail forward, succeed stronger. The journey matters as much as the destination.”

The Price of Desire

Desire, in its purest form, is more than just a wish. It’s a deep-seated yearning that propels us forward, a relentless drive that demands more than just dreaming. This intensity of desire dictates the extent of our sacrifices – be it time, effort, comfort, or sometimes, personal relationships. For executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes alike, this journey is riddled with challenges that test resilience, patience, and commitment. The true cost of desire encompasses these intangible elements, making the journey a testament to one’s character and determination.

Embracing the Journey

Consider the analogy of a Manchester United footballer or an England basketball player. Their journey to success is not merely about the cheering crowds or the glory of victory. It’s about the grueling training sessions, the discipline, the strategy, and the ability to bounce back from defeats. Similarly, in the corporate world, success is not just about the end result. It’s about the strategy meetings, the leadership decisions, the risks taken, and the culture nurtured within the team. The person who loves this journey, who finds fulfillment in these daily endeavors, will inevitably surpass those who are fixated solely on the destination.

“The road to success is paved with lessons learned from failure, not just the celebration at the finish line. It’s in the journey where character is built and dreams are truly realized.”

The Role of Sacrifice

In this journey, sacrifice is a constant companion. For athletes, it might mean sacrificing personal time for rigorous training. For executives, it might mean foregoing immediate profits to invest in long-term growth. These sacrifices, however, are not burdens; they are investments into one’s future success. They are testaments to the intensity of one’s desire, signifying a commitment that goes beyond superficial goals.

Lessons from Sports Psychology

Sports psychology offers valuable insights into this concept. It teaches us that athletes who focus on their training and mental preparation, who find joy in the discipline and the process, tend to outperform those who are solely result-oriented. This principle holds true in business and personal growth as well. Leaders who engage deeply with the process of building, growing, and learning are the ones who achieve enduring success.

For executives, this means valuing the journey itself – the decisions, the team building, the setbacks, and the victories. It involves a holistic approach to leadership, where success is measured not just in financial terms but also in terms of team growth, innovation, and sustainable practices. The intensity of your desire as a leader is mirrored in how you approach these daily responsibilities and challenges.

In sum, the path to success is as important as the success itself. The intensity of our desire, as Bill Bewick aptly notes, is a powerful motivator that dictates the sacrifices we are willing to make. For those in leadership, sports, or any field of endeavor, it is the love for this journey, with all its trials and triumphs, that ultimately leads to true and lasting success. In this relentless pursuit, remember – it’s not just about how badly you want the destination, but how much you cherish the journey.

The 9 Core values every Professionals should possess

Professional success can be a daunting goal to strive for, but it is achievable. To reach the pinnacle of success in any field requires commitment, reliability, consistency, perseverance, courage, compassion, honesty, optimism, and positivity. These nine pillars of professionalism are essential for any professional to build upon in order to thrive.


Commitment

Commitment is one of the most important qualities for a professional to possess. A commitment to excellence and a dedication to one’s craft is essential for success. When a professional commits to doing the best job that they can, they are more likely to reach their goals and achieve success.
Having a commitment to excellence also means that a professional is willing to put in the extra effort required to be successful. This can include staying late to complete tasks or going the extra mile to ensure that a job is done right. Commitment can also mean having a passion for the work that one does, which will help to motivate them to keep striving for excellence.


Reliability
Reliability is another important quality for a professional to possess. Being reliable means that a professional can be trusted to get the job done in a timely and efficient manner. A reliable professional is someone that can be counted on to deliver results and is dependable. Reliability can also mean that a professional is able to handle any unexpected issues that may arise and adapt to changing circumstances.
Having a reputation for being reliable is essential for any professional, as it will help them to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers. Reliability can also help a professional stand out from the competition, as customers and clients are more likely to choose someone that they can trust and rely on.
Consistency
Consistency is another important quality for a professional to possess. Consistency means that a professional is able to consistently deliver the same high-quality results. It also means that a professional is able to maintain their level of performance regardless of any obstacles or challenges that may arise. Consistency can also mean that a professional is able to keep up with the ever-changing industry trends and remain relevant in their field.
Having a reputation for being consistent and reliable is essential for any professional, as it will help to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers. Consistency is also important for any professional to stand out from the competition, as customers and clients are more likely to choose someone that they can trust and rely on.


Perseverance
Perseverance is an essential quality for any professional to possess. Perseverance means that a professional is able to keep going despite any setbacks or challenges that may arise. A professional with perseverance is able to stay focused on their goals and push through any difficulties that may arise. Perseverance is also essential for any professional to stay motivated and continue striving for success.
Having a reputation for being perseverant and resilient is essential for any professional, as it will help them to stand out from the competition and show that they are willing to go the extra mile. Perseverance can also help a professional to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers, as they will be seen as someone who is reliable and dependable.


Courage
Courage is an important quality for any professional to possess. Courage means that a professional is willing to take risks and push themselves out of their comfort zone in order to reach their goals. Courage can also mean that a professional is able to take on new challenges and tackle any problems that may arise. Having the courage to take risks and step out of one’s comfort zone is essential for any professional to reach success.
Having a reputation for being courageous and bold is essential for any professional, as it will help them to stand out from the competition and show that they are willing to take risks in order to succeed. Courage can also help a professional to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers, as they will be seen as someone who is confident and driven.


Compassion
Compassion is another important quality for a professional to possess. Compassion means that a professional is able to empathize with others and understand their struggles. Compassion can also mean that a professional is willing to go above and beyond to help those in need. Having compassion for others is essential for any professional to reach success, as it will help them to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers.
Having a reputation for being compassionate and understanding is essential for any professional, as it will help them to stand out from the competition and show that they are willing to go the extra mile to help others. Compassion can also help a professional to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers, as they will be seen as someone who is reliable and dependable.


Honesty
Honesty is an important quality for a professional to possess. Honesty means that a professional is able to be truthful and forthright with their colleagues, clients, and customers. Honesty can also mean that a professional is willing to admit when they are wrong and take responsibility for their mistakes. Having honesty and integrity is essential for any professional to reach success, as it will help them to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers.
Having a reputation for being honest and upfront is essential for any professional, as it will help them to stand out from the competition and show that they are willing to take responsibility for their actions. Honesty can also help a professional to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers, as they will be seen as someone who is reliable and dependable.


Optimism
Optimism is another important quality for a professional to possess. Optimism means that a professional is able to stay positive and remain focused on the possibilities. Optimism can also mean that a professional is able to stay motivated and resilient even in the face of adversity. Having optimism and a positive attitude is essential for any professional to reach success, as it will help them to stay focused and motivated.
Having a reputation for being optimistic and positive is essential for any professional, as it will help them to stand out from the competition and show that they are willing to stay positive even when faced with difficult circumstances. Optimism can also help a professional to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers, as they will be seen as someone who is reliable and dependable.


Positivity
Positivity is an important quality for a professional to possess. Positivity means that a professional is able to stay positive and upbeat even in challenging situations. Positivity can also mean that a professional is able to focus on the good rather than the bad. Having positivity and a can-do attitude is essential for any professional to reach success, as it will help them to stay motivated and resilient.
Having a reputation for being positive and upbeat is essential for any professional, as it will help them to stand out from the competition and show that they are willing to stay optimistic even when faced with difficult circumstances. Positivity can also help a professional to build trust and rapport with their colleagues, clients, and customers, as they will be seen as someone who is reliable and dependable.

Professional success is achievable with the right attitude and commitment. The nine pillars of successful core values – commitment, reliability, consistency, perseverance, courage, compassion, honesty, optimism, and positivity – are essential for any professional to build upon in order to thrive. By having these qualities and striving for excellence, any professional can reach the pinnacle of success in their field.

Quotes of the day

“When you make a commitment, you build hope. When you keep it, you build trust. Trust brings out the best in people.” – Steven Covey