This is where “self talk” comes in handy. The higher achievers must continually remind themselves of what they’ve done, what remains to be done, how to improve their performance and so forth. That’s the look back across the mountain view as you climb your way up. Higher achievers also have to remind themselves that they are risk takers, movers, makers and shakers, and therefore are in the “kill zone” with respect to criticism and risk of setback.

It takes courage and vision to “make dust,” but the alternative is you “eat dust,” and that idea keeps many of us moving forward toward achievement. We all have choices to be watchers or doers, and choices have consequences.

Some keys to success for me are:

- think it through and plan it well
- realize what I can do and what my limits are
- challenge myself to learn, grow and achieve
- recognize that being uncomfortable is often necessary for achievement
- follow my vision of success, even in a storm
- stop listening to those sitting on the bench
- encourage others by your words and example

Once an employee of mine came to me with a concern about comments and criticism he was getting from students in a class we were teaching together. I simply told him that the reason we were up in front teaching the class was because we were capable of doing it, and the reason some students were “throwing eggs” at us was because that was what they were capable of doing. I told him that if they had anywhere near our drive, skill, knowledge, experience and courage, they’d be teaching the class. Instead, they were doing what they were good at – criticizing the achievers around them and sitting on the bench.

Clair