I am a Carolina Panther fan. If you are a fan of some other NFL team this article is about speaking to a principle, not about the Carolina Panthers. I am using their success thus far, 8 – 0; half way through the season. As I have watched each game, I have noted the remarkable timing that each player has executed relative to their specific positions on the team. As each player has contributed, out their training and discipline; the team collectively has been successful. The success of the team has been connected to each team member playing their position, using the skills that they have worked on, polished and developed over time. The success of the team has not been a fluke, as some may regard; but as a result of a commitment to excellence.
Several months ago I wrote and published a 2 part article How to Be Successful in a Training Camp Part 1 and How to Be Successful in a Training Camp Part 2. In this article series I spoke to what goes into being success full in a training came, which translates into success beyond the training camp. The Carolina Panthers, as well as all NFL teams; participate in training camps before the beginning of pre-season play (4 games) and then the actual 16 game season. As I have watched the Carolina Panthers play I have seen demonstrated how preparation, commitment and ongoing discipline has resulted in a perfect 8 – 0 record. Watching the 8 games has inspired me to stay committed to preparation, commitment and discipline.
Today’s Thought
In the event that you have a goal in mind — being the best you can be — define those goals and stay diligent in your preparation, commitment and discipline. Several years ago I wrote an article Neuroplasticity, Small Successes and Learning / Relearning Skill Sets that you may find helpful as you work toward a goal through preparation, commitment and discipline. Bruce Lee summed up this process — the pursuit of excellence:
“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who had practiced one kick 10,000 times.” Bruce Lee
The 10,000 rule is one that I have found to be true. Muscle memory develops over time, giving the individual the ability to execute a skill through procedural memory. Procedural memory allows the individual to execute skills and ability without thinking about them. Procedural memory, through executing endless repetitions; gives the individual the ability to excel, perform instinctively and achieve excellence in their chosen pursuit.
The Carolina Panthers and the way in which they have played in the 1st 8 games of the season have shown themselves as a testament to the pursuit of excellence. We too can be a testament to excellence by staying committed to our preparation, commitment and discipline. We too can achieve our chosen pursuits by determining not give up in the face of struggle and setbacks. By committing ourselves to the 10,000 rule we can achieve excellence.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with the 1st step. Once we start walking before long we will be able to look back and see how far we have come, because we did not give up.” Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA
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