Tag Archives: reward

“Effort only releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.”

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“Effort only releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.”

—Napoleon Hill, 20th Century American self-help author

Image from Unsplash by Scott Graham

My son Dan is very smart. In school he always got top grades with very little effort. As his dad, I always encouraged him to apply himself fully to realize even more of his potential.

One morning during his freshman year in college I tried getting him up early for an exam he had that day. Unfortunately, he dismissed my unwanted coaching as nagging, indicating that he already had a solid “A”.

The following year he transferred from Oakland University to the University of Michigan where he was no longer the sharpest tool in the shed. Seemingly overnight “B’s” replaced “A’s” and his ego took quite a hit.

With this rude awakening he then applied himself with considerable resolve to receive what he said was the best “A” he ever earned.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the most rewarding moments of your life? How often do you notice the correlation between your tenacity to never give up and the sweet satisfaction of realizing more of your potential?

Aim higher in case you fall short

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“Aim higher in case you fall short.”

—Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games

Image from Unsplash by Ricardo Arch

I bet you learned a lot about gravity well before you studied the work of Isaac Newton in school.

The world of sports — especially the ones with balls — all taught us to aim higher than our intended target if we wanted to hit the mark.

What are some of the ways you direct your aim higher than your targets knowing well that there are various forces pulling you down?

What personal and professional games are you playing where both internal and external factors get in the way to trip you up or block your path?

EXERCISE:

Where do you need to aim higher and shoot for the moon?

Even if you miss, you might just land among the stars.

When you lean in, your risk being hit

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“When you lean in, your risk being hit.”

—Rich Litvin, co-author of The Prosperous Coach

Image from Unsplash by Nicholas Green

In how many areas of your life do you sit on the sidelines as a spectator?

Where in your personal or professional communities are you playing it safe, avoiding the bumps and bruises of the players on the field?

Whether it is in your career, a competitive sporting event, or even in a significant relationship, leaning in has its risks.

What potential rewards will never be realized if you are always keeping your distance?

EXERCISE:

Where is it time to lean into something of great importance or urgency?

How can you best prepare yourself for the possible hits you may receive in your efforts to reach some worthy objective?

“Doing your best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

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“Doing your best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Serena Repice Lentini

What percent of the time do you give your personal and professional activities your very best?

How often do you feel stretched and notice the burn physically, mentally, or emotionally as you take on a particular challenge?

In grade school, I had the opportunity to visit New York and climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. The 162 steps to the top seemed like a million. I recall the heat and shaking in my legs as I tried to keep pace.

No one was stopping to catch their breath on the various platforms, and I sure didn’t want to look like a slacker in front of my friends.

Twenty minutes or so from my first step, I received my crowning reward, seeing the panoramic view of New York’s skyline, including the twin towers of the World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world are you holding back your best efforts?

Where would taking those extra steps place you at a higher point to both see and pursue even greater personal and professional excellence?