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The Power of Decision

Guest post by: Kathy Paauw

Article Overview: Patrick Hughes was born blind and crippled, but when someone asks about his disabilities he says, "What disabilities? I'd call them abilities." Instead of focusing his life on areas in which he is disadvantaged, he has exerted all his effort into his talents and passions. He is an amazing pianist! It all started with Patrick making a decision to focus on what he does well. What can we learn from people like Patrick? What do successful people have in common?

The Power of Decision

"One hundred percent of the shots you don't take never go in. - Wayne Gretzky

Patrick Hughes was born blind and crippled, but when someone asks about his disabilities he says, "What disabilities? I'd call them abilities." Instead of focusing his life on areas in which he is disadvantaged, he has exerted all his effort into his talents, one of which is music. He made the decision to focus on what he does well.

Patrick is an amazing pianist. He is also in the University of Louisville marching band! Just as inspiring as his accomplishments in life is Patrick's father's devotion for him, which enables him to achieve so many of his goals. Working the night shift so he can help his son in school and other areas of life, Patrick's father is a true example of love and dedication.

On a recent ESPN newscast about Patrick's story, Tom Rinaldi said, "Patrick Hughes plays so that we might hear the music of opportunity and the sound of potential." What can we learn from people like Patrick? His story has helped me examine my thoughts and self-talk and let go of some old beliefs that have not served me well.

My husband loves baseball and he has participated in a fantasy baseball league for about 30 years. Every season, he closely follows the stats of his players and is very excited because right now his "team" is almost in first place. What amazes me is statistically how often the best players strike out - 7 out of 10 times! And that's for the BEST players. Babe Ruth's average was.342! That's less than three and a half times for every ten times at bat! Why don't baseball players quit with such averages? Because they understand how the Law of Averages work. The more you swing, the more you learn and the better you get at what you do. And if you don't swing, you'll NEVER get a hit!

Life is a lot like baseball. If you don't step up to the plate and swing, you'll never hit a home run. George Bernard Shaw said it very well: "A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing."

My good friend, Jack Canfield, recently reminded me of this in an article he sent me: "Success is not for the faint of heart. To achieve your dreams, you'll have to overcome obstacles and conquer fear, self-doubt, and worry. You'll have to undo negative childhood programming... and contend with criticism, nay-saying and perhaps even sabotage from others. You may contend with financial pressures or even bankruptcy. You may face legal challenges. You may be blindsided by illness or tragedy. The deciding factor in whether you give up or succeed in the face of these challenges is the level of your determination."

Success is a decision!

Average people place limits on how much they will commit to achieving their goals, if they have even set goals. When the obstacles appear, average people give up their dreams and settle for less. High achievers don't give up in the face of adversity. They are determined to succeed, whatever the cost. Success leaves clues! When I look at what separates those who achieve great success from those who do not, I always find three success ingredients in common.

Jim Rohn once said this: "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Those you associate with will speak louder than anything you could ever say.Who are you spending time with? Do the core people in your life support you or put you down when you talk about your dreams?

1. Habits: In a recent interview, strategic business coach John Di Lemme said, "Your habits speak louder than your excuses." Whatever actions you take today will determine your tomorrow. Are your habits supporting what you choose for your life?
   
   
2. Network/Associations: Jim Rohn once said this: "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Those you associate with will speak louder than anything you could ever say. Who are you spending time with? Do the core people in your life support you or put you down when you talk about your dreams?
   
   
3. Your bigger "why": What are you passionate about? What passion will drive you to succeed, no matter what obstacles get in the way? Unfortunately, many people never follow their passions because they simply never made the decision to do so. Oliver Wendell Holmes said: "The biggest tragedy is the waste of human resources. The average person goes to his grave with his music still in him." Fortunately for Patrick Hughes and those who enjoy his talents, nobody will ever accuse him of this!

Here are some questions to help you deepen your learning:

• What makes your heart sing? What's your why?
• What habits will propel you forward once you've made the decision to go for it?
• What associations do you choose to develop? What network of people will support you in following your dreams?

What decision will you make today that will set you free?

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Article Tags: achievment, encouragement, self growth, success



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