Let's start with the basics.
The fundamentals.
Everybody knows these, but how many do these? The fundamentals will make you great.
To me, simple is best and most elegant.
The fundamentals are what drove Michael Jordan to shoot hundreds of free throws daily in his basement.
The fundamentals drive (pun intended) Tiger Woods to groove his stroke.
This is not rocket science.
But to master the fundamentals takes discipline, consistent action over time, and practice.
We all know the fundamentals of diet and exercise, but what percent of us successfully stick to the program? What about when a colleague brings in home-baked cookies to the office? Do you sneak in and grab one or two? I know I did.
The secret is fundamentals applied consistently over time.
Look at it this way.
All of us are consistent.
Humans are boringly consistent and predictable.
But the difference between greatness and mediocrity is what you do consistently over time.
Inconsistent people are consistent in their inconsistency.
Did you catch that? Teens who think they are rebelling against authority all look pretty much the same to me.
I saw a teen in shorts yesterday when it was 23 degrees out.
Yep, your typical teen.
If I am going to spend my time to be consistent at something, why not those fundamentals that will take me to greatness? The average person is consistent in exercising occasionally, watching what they eat occasionally, setting a goal or two occasionally, and sticking to a budget occasionally.
This is the formula for mediocrity: fundamentals applied inconsistently.
Does not work and this is why 80% of the population lead lives of quiet desperation.
An average person will read this newsletter and think about it for a minute or two then completely forget about it.
Too much information coming at you all the time.
I know because that is what I did.
I bet this is not the only self help newsletter you get either.
Consistent action over time is the key.
Start somewhere.
Read this ten times a day.
Think about changing your life.
Please do not toss this aside only to find it one year from now telling yourself you should make some changes.
Do you want to be mediocre or great? Make a decision.
The choice is yours.
Nelson Mandela said the most difficult task in life is changing yourself.
Believe it or not, your life will be easier.
Applying the fundamentals consistently on a daily basis just makes life easier.
You will feel more in control of your life and feel more self confident.
Bottom line point: the secret to success is fundamentals applied consistently over time.
Next action step: really, truly decide whether you want to be mediocre or great.
Your Life Is Easy Coach, Jeffrey A.
Betman, Ph.
D.