Outstanding performance is one of the keys to personal and professional success that I discuss in Straight Talk for Success. If you want to become an outstanding performer, you need to do three things. First, stay on top of your game by becoming a lifelong learner. Second, set high goals and do whatever it takes to achieve them. Third, get organized. Manage your time, life and stress well.
We had a rainy Memorial Day weekend in Denver. I was home and a little bored on Monday. When I’m home and bored I often turn on ESPN. When I turned on ESPN Monday afternoon, I caught the last 10 minutes of NCAA Men’s Division 1 National Championship Lacrosse game between Cornell and Syracuse.
It was quite a game. When I turned it on, Cornell was winning 9 – 6 and seemed in total control of the game. Syracuse scored three goals in the final four minutes – the last with 4.5 seconds left in the game. They won in overtime.
What does this have to do with high performance and career success?
Plenty in my mind. Both teams had a goal of winning the national championship when the game began. For 56 minutes, it appeared as if Cornell was going to win. However, the Syracuse guys dug deep and made some incredible plays to first tie, and then win, the game.
The game-tying goal was part athleticism, part grit and part luck. The game winner was a combination of great, aggressive defense and good offensive passing. In the end, the Syracuse players and coaches did what they needed to do to accomplish their goal of winning a second straight national championship. Good for them. They overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. It was fun to watch, as I had no rooting interest for either team.
The common sense idea here is simple. Successful people are outstanding performers. Outstanding performers set high goals, and then do whatever it takes to achieve them. On Monday, the Syracuse Lacrosse team demonstrated the tenacity it takes to achieve high goals. They won the national championship in dramatic fashion. They never quit. They kept working until the end. They made the most of a fortunate deflection. We all can take a lesson from them on what it takes to achieve high goals.
That’s my take on the Syracuse lacrosse team’s second national championship. Did you see the game? What do you think? Was it luck, hard work, a never give up attitude, or all three? Please leave a comment sharing your thoughts with us. As always, thanks for reading.
Bud
thx!