Hey, Moguls. I want to share a really potent concept with you today.
It's all about the short distance between failure and success, and it’s been shaping me personally during the last couple of years. Perhaps it can do the same for you, too.
Here it is...
You know how we all struggle to find the magic sometimes, right? In business? In relationships? In life?
Well, if you're like me, the longer and harder the struggle, the more you begin to flirt with a frustrating and discouraging notion. You begin to wonder if personal success in the area of _____________(fill in the blank) simply isn't in the cards after all.
(“Maybe it's just too far out of reach…”)
But here's a stark truth for you to consider:
When something seems impossible, when it seems like nothing's working and nothing is ever going to work in the future, the truth is you're usually only a few millimeters away from making it happen.
Weird concept, I know. But 1,000% true, more often than not.
To really drive this home, I want you to invest exactly 8 minutes (and 18 seconds) in watching this short clip from Tony Robbins' "Get the Edge" talk...
Here, watch this right now...
There ya go. Pretty powerful concept, isn’t it?
This really had a huge impact on my mindset ever since I really took the time to internalize and digest it.
And this actually reminds me of another similarly powerful principle… the “1 Extra Degree.”
One Tiny Degree, Monumental Results
Did you know that at 211 degrees, water is hot? At 212 degrees, it boils. When water boils, steam is released, and steam can power a train. Isn’t it remarkable that one little bitty degree – such a small margin – can make such a huge difference?
Think about it like this… The margin of victory between an Olympic Gold Medal and no medal at all is extremely small. In the 2004 Men’s’ 800m race, it was only 0.71 seconds. In the Women’s 1,000 meter speed skating race one year it was only 0.07 seconds.
Degrees and seconds don’t do it for you? Okay, okay… I get it. Then I bet money can put it into perspective! How about this one…
At the Indy 500, the average margin of victory for the past 10 years has been just 1.54 seconds. On average, the winner took home $1,278,813 while the second place prize was $621,321. The first place winner earned more than double the second place prize because of less than 2 seconds.
Now I’ve got your attention, don’t I?
-smile-
By going the extra degree – these competitors became champions.
The one extra degree, millimeter, millisecond in business (and in life) is what separates the good from the great… And even the “great” from the merely “exceptional”.
You are responsible for your results – much like Tony says. Only you have the ability and wherewithal to change your life, so go for it. There’s an investment in your most valuable asset…YOU!
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life… We can never help another without helping ourselves.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Of course, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and you may feel like giving up. We’ve all been there. But that’s the difference in those who become successful; they power through it.
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher
Make it Happen
So, how can you apply these concepts in the real world?
If you add just a few “extra degree” hours each month to your professional development, and if you add just a few extra hours each month to your company’s efforts, then it all adds up to a full workweek of added benefits and contributions during the course of any given year.
Or, once a week, you can intentionally “go the extra degree” to help a friend, make a family member feel special, or do a good deed for a coworker. Throughout the year, that allows you 52 opportunities to offer kindness.
Perhaps you can eliminate 30 minutes of TV each day – that’s 182.5 “extra degree” hours each year for you to spend with your family. Priceless.
A little bit here, a little bit there, a little over there – it all adds up to a big difference.
Now that you’re aware…what degree will you take to make a difference?
Share some additional ideas for practical action in the comments below.
Invest Some Time in Yourself – You are your own greatest asset (and maybe cheerleader!). Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses so you can fully engage yourself in achieving your goals.
Apply the “1 Degree” to your Life – Really think about where a little extra effort or time can have a big impact on your personal life or career and apply it!
Be Awesome! – You’re awesome, right? Now believe it, take the extra degree and go make things happen.