What Does It Take To Be a Winner?

Last night I saw the movie "Julie & Julia" and was inspired by the story of a woman who set (and attained) a seemingly impossible goal for herself: to cook 524 recipes from Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days.

It made me think about how it's our human nature to love seeing people accomplish amazing feats--completing marathons or triathlons, finishing Iron Man competitions, winning Olympic gold. What is it that fascinates us so about performing such feats? What is it about the sheer determination of accomplishing a goal that seems "out of our reach" that keeps us on the edge of our seats?

Here are some of my reflections about what it takes to be a real "winner" in life--someone who sets big goals in life and follows through and accomplishes them (and inspires others along the way):

1) FOCUS: In a increasingly ADD world, in which life seems to be ever full of distractions, that kind of one-pointedness, single-mindedness, and focus seems to be rarer and rarer. It's all too easy to get caught up in whatever comes up in the moment.

2) COURAGE: To say that this is my goal and I am going to do "whatever it takes" to reach it, even if that means potentially sacrificing my relationships, health, and sanity takes a kind of courage, strength, and chutzpah that characterizes most winners in any field.

3) DISCIPLINE: For many people, to do ANY one thing every day, without fail, seems unattainable. Doing so develops what I like to call "spiritual muscle," and it makes you strong from the inside out. (note: once you're able to do it in one area, that "muscle" translates into other areas of your life)

4) FAITH: To undertake, and complete, major life projects takes a certain amount of belief--in yourself, in your goal, in the Universe. There has to be a part of you that knows you will be successful in reaching your goal, that knows you can do it and that you will do it, and that knows it will all be worth it when you are done.

5) PASSION: Nothing of any monumental importance can be accomplished without a great love for what you are doing. You have to have a feeling of fun, energy, and excitement, Your goal has to make you come alive; otherwise it will not sustain you over the long haul. Winners often have a sense of purpose about what they are doing, a feeling of calling or mission about their work. This is what fuels them and keeps them going when the going gets tough.

Remember, just because there are "winners" doesn't mean there have to be "losers." In the new human paradigm we are creating and moving toward, we can ALL be winners, helping each other live into and up to our greatest visions for ourselves and our lives.

Play Time: What do YOU think it takes to be a "winner" in life? What are some ways that you are a winner in your own life? What are some goals or dreams you are working on? What is your greatest vision for yourself and your family? Please leave a comment, as I would love to hear your reflections on this topic!