How many times have you heard that? Some of the synonyms listed for the word “mind” are, attention, tend, and take care of. When sales are down, when key employees are leaving, when customer complaints are up, there is a big temptation to look at what the competition is doing and react to that.How many business owners say they started their business to beat the competition? Most say they struck out on their own to be the best at what they do and deliver what their customers need.
Watching the Olympics brought this idea home. Many of the athletes interviewed said their primary goal was to achieve a personal best. Jesse Owens, who won 4 Olympic gold medals in the 1936 games, was quoted as saying, “the only victory that counts is the one over yourself.”
Business owners who push themselves to be better not only improve their business, they set the tone for the business, inspiring team members to do their best in delivering quality products and stellar customer service.
This does not mean ignoring the marketplace.
Runners focus on the finish line. During the race, they may take a little peak at the other racers and go right back to keeping the finish line in their sights. They understand that putting too much attention on their competitors splits their focus and can cost them the race. Winning is achieved through improvements in individual and team performance. This concept applies with businesses as well as individuals.
As motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, “You have to work harder on yourself than you do on your job”. This type of mindset embraces playing to win. Staying too focused on the competition is playing not to lose. Playing to win keeps you minding your own business, staying focused on the goal you had when you started, to be the best at what you do. Winning starts with a look in the mirror.
Wishing you much success,
Coach Steve
Find out more about how a business coach can help you keep your eyes on the finish line. Schedule a FREE 1/2 hour telephone coaching session.
Great article! Just what I needed while taking a break from my normal daily routine. Keep the good post comming.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great blog to start the business year off with a bang. Thanks Steve
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