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To separate yourself from the crowd, you must stand out in a sea of average. To stand out, do the opposite of average.

Getting better is hard. We all need help. Even the highest level professionals in the world have a coach. Use these tips and strategies to help yourself get a better today.


1.
Effort is the foundation.

To reach your greatest potential, you must put in your maximum effort every day.

There is no giving 110% tomorrow. Right now is what matters most.

The best part of this is you are in full control over your effort.

Give great effort today!


2.
Control you emotions.

Nothing will kill your changes at success faster than letting your emotions run wild. Your ability to control how you experience and express your emotions will directly impact your level of personal success.

Emotions are your responses to the situations you face.

Here are 3 things you can try to better manage your responses to negative situations:

1. Change the situation. Walk away for a moment to gather your thoughts or even leave all together.

2. Focus on another element of the situation. Distract yourself by thinking about something else.

3. Change what you think about a situation. You are in control of whether you view a situation as negative or positive. Take a challenge and reframe it as an opportunity.


3.
Be confident, not cocky.

Confidence is the belief you have in your ability to succeed based on your preparation. Cockiness is the arrogant assumption you will succeed based on your perceived superiority.

Your confidence comes from knowing you have done everything in your power to prepare to succeed.

You might be able to fake it to others, but you can’t lie to yourself. You will always know if you did the work or if you cut some corners.

When you have put in the work to prepare to the best of your ability, you will have to confidence to go out and succeed.


4.
Watch out for killer statements.

Have you ever worked really hard at something or been very excited about something, only to have someone “kill” your good feeling by something they said when you shared your excitement with them?

I call these actions “killer statements”.

A killer statement is anything said or done to “kill” someone’s good feeling about themselves. They can be negative comments, body language, or gestures.

For some odd reason, humans have a hard time enjoying the success or excitement of others. Many times they will disguise their responses as “helpful advice” or “playing devil’s advocate”.

Don’t let killer statements from others keep you from succeeding today.


5.
Choke up and crowd the plate.

Aaron Watson is one of my favorite singers. I love his song “The Underdog”. The lyrics are awesome.

They are packed with great advice for living life to the fullest.

These two verses are my favorite:

If you’re down in the count one strike away
Choke up and crowd the plate, put the ball in play
Keep your nose down when you win
Keep your head up when you lose
And you’re gonna lose

But don’t you forget your faith in God above
Don’t you forget your mom and daddy’s love
When you fear, when you fail
When you feel you’re gonna fall
Follow your heart and always believe in the underdog

I can’t say it any better. Follow that advice and you will definitely get better today.


Quote of the Week:

“Perseverance is not a long race. It is many short races one after another.” – Walter Elliot


Be excellent this week. Do the opposite of average!

Yancey Sanderson
Follow me on Twitter @YanceySanderson

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