What You Practice You Become

If you are a good at something you practice until you get it right. But, when you choose to master it, you practice until you can't get it wrong.  With this mindset, and yes it is a mindset, you will undoubtedly realize a level of mastery above those unwilling to take their craft seriously if you choose to act. Everyone has the ability to take their talent(s) to awe inspiring levels if the choice is made to practice until that desired level becomes second nature.   

In the movie Troy (2004)  Achilles is asked by Briseis, "what do you want here in Troy, you didn't come here for the Spartan queen?  He boldly and courageously answered, "I want what all men want. I just want it more."  The way he thinks, the way he acts, the way he fights, and the disregard of opinions from others exemplify how bad he wants to be legendary. His attitude is that of one who goes out and happens to life rather than sit back and let life happen to him.  His motivation is not fleeting, ending when the Spartan queen is captured like most of the men there in battle. His creed is eternal, enduring, and unbreakable in the midst of outside circumstances.  With that, his moves on the battle field are flawless. Besides the Achilles heel (yes, this is where the name came from) there was no other signs of weakness. He was a formidable opponent and to get to that point it takes a never-ending practice both mentally and physically.  

When the Lakers lost to the Heat in a seemingly meaningless 2011 regular season game, Kobe Bryant stayed on the court for another hour and a half working on his game.  He dropped twenty-four points but was outplayed in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.  To him the loss was unacceptable.  He was quoted to say when asked why, after the hour and a half workout session on Miami's home floor, "I want what all men want. I just want it more." He was willing to do more and be more in order to have more.  Perfect practice always precedes the highest level of your defined success.

Practice ceaselessly. You will frequently hear me saying, "constantly beat on you craft."  I was an athlete turned writer so now I must continuously write.  It is up to me to elevate my game and practice, practice, practice. It starts with mindset and mental toughness. To force myself to write even when I don't feel like it. To let it become part of my everyday lifestyle and an extension of who I am now.  Achilles had the right mindset. Kobe has the right mindset.  I have the right mindset and so do you.  What time's practice start?

Author: D.J. Burns

Talent,Team, & Time (T3) - Are You Taking Them For Granted?

You've all heard plenty of "shoulda, woulda, coulda" stories in your life. You and I have even told a few ourselves, haven't we? Do these stories create admiration for the characters in them? Are you kidding me? Of course not! When you speak your version is it coming from a place of pride? It isn't. Let go, now, of creating a legacy of "shoulda, woulda, coulda's" and resolve to live out your "did it, made it, let's be more" mentality. It's a simple mental adjustment followed by intentional action. You can make it happen and I want this for you.  If you are not satisfied with your talent, team, or time (T3) then you are taking them for granted. You are taking these gifts for granted and showing a lack of value if you are not focusing with the mind set of greatness. Real greatness begins when you bring the mentality of honor and value to your T3.

1. TALENT -

Simply put, you honor your talent by continuously beating on your craft, honing your skills, and
building yourself to become smarter, stronger, and faster.  You have a gift. It is your responsibility and your purpose to take it to the highest level possible.  This is where satisfaction comes from and ,unfortunately, where great guilt is born if talent is wasted.

2. TEAM

You either bring value to your team or you bring it down. There is no middle ground. Which do you do? Do you have heart for your team? Do you relentlessly develop your skills and your attitude? Have you created a written plan that intentionally serves as a catalyst to elevating those with you? OR, do you just hope for the best? Hope without a plan is your surest way to living in "shoulda, woulda, coulda" land. Your team is your second family. They become your brothers, sisters, mentors, and great supporters in achieving a common goal.  Be there for them, honor them, and value them by constantly striving to be better.  Your mental approach affects your level of play, team chemistry, and ultimately your legacy.  When your team wins, you win!

3. TIME

Honor your time by ceasing it! Value your time by committing to elevate your talent and team because if you choose not to you are taking them for granted.  You have a fleeting twenty-four hours each day in choosing to bring a mentality of value or decline for your talent and team. Yes, it is your choice. That is what's so real about attitude! Regardless of the circumstances you can be so mentally tough that you intentionally choose to bring honor and value.  You can be THAT confident.

So, what choices will you make now that you are motivated? What plans are you creating to fully embrace your T3?  What value does your talent, your team, and your time have? What are they really worth to you?


Author: D.J. Burns