Do you qualify for "The Stanley Cup"?

As the 2011-12 NHL Hockey season comes to an end, only two teams are playing for "The Stanley Cup"! Are you reaching the Champion Level in your life? Some people take what they can get and are satisfied, while some strive for the highest level of accomplishment. Just like some teams go home, others continue to play, but it's the ones that set their sights the highest, that want the cup more than anything and play their heart out every second, of every shift, of every game, that get the closest to "The Stanley Cup". How can you get yourself to the championships next season?

It all starts with initiative, the decision to take that first step. It all starts with initiative, the decision to take that first step. Find something you're interested in, want to get involved in, or even something you want to start on your own. Do some research and emerse yourself in it. It's important to feel strong heartedly about whatever you choose because sometimes it can mean changing your lifestyle, but doing so will allow you to completely embrace your goal with ease. That may seem easier said than done but we have to realize that anyone who has ever accomplished anything had to DO something first. We can't go anywhere without that first step and the many more that follow. Watching NHL Hockey, The Olympics or even PGA Golf, we marvel at their ability to be great in their own personal field of battle. This greatness all started with one small step, just like yours. One small step that led to another and eventually transformed into their dreams over years of focus. But they didn't get there on their own...

Athletes are part of a team. No Playoff goal was ever scored without a set up, some sort of plan or an assist. There is always a team around us, whether we choose to recognize it or not. Take a minute to look around and ask, who is on my team? Is it time you traded a few players? Are these the people who are going to help me get closer to or distract me from my goal? Who are you learning from? Who is going to have your back? You have to build your team to win. For some, this means deadening long-term relationships. Now, I know that doesn't come easily, but just like every NHL team has to make its cuts and distinguish string assignments, you have to decide which people are playing your most important positions and arrange them strategically for success. Which brings me to the next factor.

Focus: The point at which an image is formed Focus: Adjustments that give a clear vision, attention to a subject. Your mind is naturally trained to focus on the things you recognize. For example, if you buy a new a car, you'll start to see the same make and model everywhere, when you never really noticed it before. We all focus every day, the difference is, the athletes that become great use their focus to create the greater image of future victory. So what are you focusing on?

Finish something you started, or create something totally new. Choose your "one thing" wisely, find your focus, pick your players and give it your ALL. Once you accomplish one thing, big or small, it will create momentum for your confidence that will only increase with every step you take, ie: every game you win, leading you on a direct path to the Cup. So, what do you say, will you be playing for the Stanley Cup next season?

Ric

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* Individual results may vary.