How Champions Think Ch 18

Creating Your Own Reality

• Exceptional individuals create their own reality, differing from average individuals who rely on perceived odds and external factors.
• Average individuals set goals based on a 50/50 chance of success, considering all potential obstacles.
• Exceptional individuals have a vision and ignore perceived limitations, focusing on achieving their goals.
• Exceptional individuals create their own reality, often facing skepticism initially, later met with recognition.
• Individuals often limit themselves by accepting the perceived limitations of others or themselves.
• Example, students in an inner-city school lacked belief in achieving an International Baccalaureate diploma, resulting in poor performance. Exceptional students' belief in their potential led to success in obtaining the diploma.
• Limiting beliefs are common in various fields like sports, business, and personal life. Restricting oneself to realistic goals limits actual potential.
• Realistic short-term goals are acceptable; however, long-term unbounded goals inspire exceptional achievements.
• Individuals should not be limited by their current circumstances. Example: A job at Walmart can lead to promotions and new realities.
• A person facing a tough job market can become exceptionally aggressive, seeking opportunities as unpaid interns to demonstrate their capabilities.
• Exceptional people often start in a less-than-ideal position, working hard to prove their worth.
• The author's concept implies a secret club of exceptional individuals who don't limit themselves. Lady Gaga is presented as an example, creating a persona and achieving fame.
• Exceptional individuals often defy expectations, much like coaches leading underperforming teams or individuals achieving seemingly unrealistic goals.
• Winning and losing in life is self-determined.

Exceptional Individuals

• Exceptional individuals disregard perceived limitations and create their own reality.
• They are often initially met with skepticism but are remembered for their achievements later.
• They tend to work hard to demonstrate worth and overcome initial skepticism.
• Examples include successful coaches taking over losing programs or individuals achieving seemingly unrealistic personal goals.

Average Individuals

• Average people set goals based on perceived odds, often failing to consider their potential.
• They readily accept perceived limitations, limiting their achievements.

Creating Your Own Reality

• Focusing on realistic goals can limit potential.
• Coaches, managers, and individuals can face a challenge to guide exceptional people through seemingly unrealistic goals by supporting their belief and persistence.

Specific Examples (Individuals/Situations)

• Golfer's realistic goal of keeping their playing privileges limits their ambition to win
• Financial advisor at Merrill Lynch limiting income goals to $150,000 is a self-imposed limitation.
• Individual who wants to get fit but thinks walking around the block is a suitable goal has limited ambitions and fails to consider further physical achievement.

Advice for Creating Your Own Reality

• Focus on achieving ambitious goals rather than settling for what's considered realistic.
• Be exceptionally brave and aggressive in pursuing and demonstrating your potential.
• If you are in a less-than-ideal job situation, seek to excel, demonstrating capabilities to secure better opportunities.

Key Concepts

• Belief in one's potential is crucial for achieving significant results.
• Working hard towards goals is crucial for achieving success.
• Individuals should challenge conventional notions of "realistic" aspirations to unlock their full potential and create their own realities—even if others think it's unrealistic.