Stretching yourself

Few people want to stretch: Most people use only a small fraction of their ability and rarely strive to reach their full potential. There is no tension to grow in their lives, little desires to stretch. Too many people are willing to settle for average in life.

Nobody admires average. The best organizations do not pay for average. Mediocrity is not worth shooting or. We much be aware of the gap that stands between us and our potential and let the tension of that gap motivate us to keep striving to become better.

Setting for the status quo ultimately leads to dissatisfaction: I believe most people are naturally tempted to settle into comfort zone where they fall into familiar patterns and habits, doing the dame thing in the same ways with the same people at the same time and getting the dame results. It is true that being in your comfort zone may feel good but it leads to mediocrity and therefor, dissatisfaction.

Stretching always starts from the inside out: It is wise to remember that our situation in life is mainly due to the choices we make and the actions we take or fail to take. The older we are, the more responsible we are for our situation. If you are merely average or if you are not closer to your dream this year than you were last year you can choose to accept it, defend it, cover it up and explain it away or you can choose.

Stretching always requires change: If you want to grow and change, you must take risks. Innovation and progress are often initiated by people who push for change. It is unfortunate that the word entrepreneur has come to mean gambler to some people. But risk has advantages. People who take risks learn more than faster that those who do not. Their depth and range of experience is often greater. And they learn how to solve problems. All of these things help a person to grow.

The greatest stretching seasons of life come when we do what we have never done, push ourselves harder and reach in a way that in uncomfortable to us. That takes courage. But the odd ne is that it causes us to grow in ways we thought were impossible.

Stretching set you apart from others: Excellence seems to be moving farther and farther from norm. However, people who focus on stretching and use the tension between where they are and where they could be as impetus to stretch can distinguish themselves from their peers.

Improving yourself is the best way to help your team, your community and your family. Successful people set themselves apart because they imitate the improvement others need. When you get better, those around you benefit. Excellence has the potential to spread in the same way that mediocrity does. The positives or negatives of group always begin with one. When you get better, so will others.

Stretching can become a lifestyle: When we stop stretching. I believe we stop really living. We may keep on breathing. Our vital life signs may be working. But we are dead on the inside and dead to our greatest possibility. I am getting older. I will not always be able to perform at my peak level. But I intend to keep reading, asking questions, talking or interesting people, working hard and exposing myself to new experience until I die. Too many people are dead but just have not make it official yet.