The Best Test

I spoke to a group of salespeople in Kansas City last week as they kicked off their new team. It was exciting to see them get excited about making a difference through their work.

The topic they assigned me was "Simply the Best." So as I prepared, I asked myself, "What characteristics would help someone pass the "Best" test? That is, what are the characteristics of those who become the "best" at what they do?

Here are the thoughts I shared with them:

The Best are optimists. You can't get to the top if you don't think that there is a top or if you think you can't make it. One characteristic of those who reach the peak is that they always believe that things can get better or be done better. This pushes them on to be their best.

The Best have vision. They can see ahead of the pack. Their eyes aren't locked into the here and now. They see the bright future and what things will look like when they reach their destiny. While working hard for today, they live for the future! They do what Stephen Covey calls begin with the end in mind.

The Best relentlessly pursue excellence. The status quo is not for them. They want to be the best and experience the best. And that means giving their best. They go the extra mile so that in everything they do, in everything they say and think, they are striving for excellence.

The Best have a life long habit of personal growth. They don't want to stay at the level they are at. They want to grow in their work, their intellect, their spirituality, their relationships, and in every area of their life. And they discipline themselves to put themselves in situations wherein they grow. Personal growth doesn't "just happen." You choose to grow. I always suggest what Zig Ziglar does and that is to enroll in "Automobile University." Whenever you are driving around, listen to a personal or professional growth tape or CD. Over the long run you will grow. Also, read more. The old saying is true: Leaders are readers. So are those who pass the "Best" test.

The Best understand that the will be pushed by the competition - and the welcome it. Like the lead runner in the race who has someone on his heels, the best know that the competition is right behind them. They love it though because they know that the competition keeps them from becoming lazy and resting on their laurels. Instead, the competition pushes them to go faster and to achieve more - to remain the best by forging ahead.

The Best have a quest for leadership. Someone has to lead - it may as well be the best! Those who attain it get there because they want to. They want to lead and help make a difference. And they want to be equipped with the skills necessary to lead others on to a better place.

The Best leave a legacy. They aren't in it just for themselves, though they will surely reap the rewards of being the best. Rather, the build things that last beyond themselves, things that can be enjoyed by others as well.

The Best are adept at the two most important pieces of time and personal management: Prioritize and execute. Just like weight loss boils down to eat right and exercise, personal management boils down to prioritize and execute. First, prioritize your activities. The important stuff goes on the top. Then, execute: do them. The best have habits and discipline that get them to the top by doing the best things and doing them first.

The Best focus on building relationships. Success does not come alone. Everyone who achieves much does it with the help of countless others. How do the Best get others to help them? They treat them right. They embrace them and help them. People become the best because they help other people, and people like them.

The Best make no excuses. When they fail they admit it and move on. They get back up and do it right the next time. They let their actions speak loader than their words. They stand tall and do the right thing the next time. No excuses, just results.

The Best understand that the good is the enemy of the best. Yes, they could say, "this is good." But that would mean they have settled for less than the best. Many people think that good is good. Good is not good. Good is the enemy because it keeps us from the best. Choose your side: the good or the best. The Best choose, you guessed it, the Best.

The Best Dare to Dream. While others live the mundane and settle into a life they never bargained for, a rut, the Best dream of a better life. And then they take the risks necessary to achieve their dreams. They live by Teddy Roosevelt's quote: Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs though checkered by failure, then to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the grey twilit that knows neither victory nor defeat.

Want to be the best at what you do? Take inventory on the above characteristics and then start moving to bring your life in line with the characteristics of the "best." Then when you get to the top you will know that you have passed the "Best" test.

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

---

Finding Time For Success: Important Vs Urgent

If you have a choice each day in the tasks... Read More

Mastering The Habits Of Success

The difference between success and failure is based on behavior.... Read More

The Best Way to Perform the Miracle of Success

These days success is a hotly debated subject. Nevertheless, people... Read More

Have You Given Away Your Power?

Does your life feel less than fulfilling? Are you waiting... Read More

A Pyramid of Success

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a... Read More

Reach Your Goals - Have A Theraputic Meltdown

Have a therapeutic meltdown It's crunch time: you're two days... Read More

How To Create What You Want...And Want What You Create

Something For You To Consider?How To Create What You Want... Read More

Career Management and Life Planning Tools: Eight Powerful Questions About Your Future

"Most people don't plan to fail. They just fail to... Read More

I Would Give Anything To ?

A couple days ago I was listening to a CD... Read More

Education Leads To A Healthier And Happier Life

Do you feel you lead a healthy and happy life?... Read More

Creating an Action Plan

So you've bought into the idea that you need to... Read More

Success Through The Eyes Of A Child

Adults, with eyes to see, can learn so much about... Read More

No Shortcut To Success

Sometimes short cuts are not worth taking. They may bring... Read More

What is Failure Anyway?

Does it surprise you that only 400 cokes were sold... Read More

Reach Your Goals - Get Professional Help

Get professional help There's no rule that says you have... Read More

Consuming Passions Consuming Success

The other day I went shopping at the local consumer... Read More

How To Improve Communications With Those Who Were Difficult To Communicate With In The Past

You talked but didn't get a response. You talked but... Read More

Top 10 Secrets to Success

Much has been researched, written and taught about success. One... Read More

The Gravitational Pull of ANTs, WORMS & FEARS

What is an ANT? An ANT is an acronym for... Read More

The Secret To Life Long Success And Fulfillment

What Makes the Difference?On a warm spring afternoon, fifteen years... Read More

Success Formula Revealed - How You Can Apply The Ultimate Success Formula?

When you analyze the traits of successful people, you will... Read More

Great Success Story

Ok, let me tell you what I mean.As some of... Read More

Work Life Balance: Work Life a Balancing Act

Australians are loosing their laidback, carefree reputation, as we continue... Read More

The Seven Deadly Roadblocks to Success

When traveling down the road it is always good to... Read More

If NASA Can Launch The Space Shuttle, Then You Can Become A Successnaut

The recent mission of the space shuttle Discovery is NASA's... Read More

Three Things You Must Know to Attract Success

Everyone wants success.Some people spend their every waking moment pursuing... Read More

7 Things You Can Do To Reach The Success You Truly Desire

Ever have those days where no matter what you try... Read More

Universal Success Secrets Shared

Are there any universal laws that most successful people seem... Read More

Create Your Future Through Visualization

The best way to predict your future is to create... Read More

Communication and Communication Skills - Understanding Your Audience

Response means "to answer" and that idea, in its purest... Read More

Success Analysis - The Concept of Critical Mass

How many times have you thought about being successful, famous,... Read More

Can Anyone Become A Successful Business Person?

Can anyone become a successful businessperson? I am asked this... Read More

Modelling Your Way to Success

The fastest way to succeeding in anything, be it online... Read More