It seems that everyone who wants to have a career has the expectation of doing good work. They put their all into what they do and always get great reviews from their superiors. However, there is another level. I'd like to call it the Michael Jordan level. It is a level of work above and beyond what the "average" person does.
Fans always say that Michael Jordan is extremely talented. And maybe that's true. But, to hear it from Michael, most of his success comes from very hard work. When other people stop because they feel they have done enough, Michael keeps practicing, studying, and learning.
Tiger Woods was once asked if he practices when he isn't in the playing season and he said "of course!" At least 10-12 hours a day, 6 days a week. So ask yourself... Do you want to be the best, pretty good, or maybe somewhere in the middle? How much time and effort are you willing to put into your career? Do you want to reach the top?
When planning your career, you should be asking yourself these questions. You also have to figure out what steps to take to reach the top. It is not always about working a lot of hours -- it's also about working smart. Make sure the hours you put in get the appropriate results for your time and effort.
You should also put into your plan a budget for investing in yourself. This means getting more education, listening to tapes, going to seminars and also getting a coach -- they aren't just for sports! A good athlete has many coaches --shouldn't you have at least one?
A good coach can give you feedback about your professional growth. Many times they can see things that you cannot; they will help you be the best.
Wouldn't that be a great goal for you?
I agree. Doing work at the Michael Jordan level or even close for that matter is hard. It all depends on how good you want to be. Is it being good that excites you? Or, do you want to be one of the best?
Posted by: Maria Pesin | October 30, 2007 at 11:41 AM