“It is one of the strange ironies of life that those who work the hardest, who subject themselves to the strictest discipline, who give up certain pleasurable things in order to achieve a goal, are the happiest.”
- Brutus Hamilton
I love the word ELITE. Not in the sense of the Hollywood elite or elitism. But in the sense of being world-class, operating at the highest level. Being the very best.
I don’t recommend comparing yourself to other people, but I do recommend separating yourself from the pack.
Here are 5 ways to be E.L.I.T.E.
EXCELLENCE
Elite performers are focused in just a few areas. Elite performers are not well-rounded, they are sharp. They concentrate their fire on a few things. They work on maximizing their strengths, not bringing their weaknesses up to average. They develop and hone their God-given talent.
People are known for what they can do, not what they can’t do. I have never heard anyone say, “Michael Jordan is a lousy plumber.”
Elite performers are not dabblers. They are not easily distracted. They are not diffused. Their interests and efforts are not a mile wide and an inch thick. They practice selective ignorance and focus on the things that matter and things they can influence.
If you see an elite performer in any field, you know they sacrificed to get there. They gave up many other activities and interests so they could perform at a higher level.
"Find a tiny stream where your strengths can flow
and carve it into a Mississippi.”
Marcus Buckingham
LOVE
Being elite in relationships means practicing kindness, taking a sincere interest in others, practicing generosity towards others. It means giving others focused attention and treating them like a very important person.
Being elite with people means being an affirmer and encourager. It means exercising grace and giving others the benefit of the doubt.
Elite performers look for the best in others. They help others move closer towards their hopes and dreams. They celebrate the success of others.
Elite performers don’t gossip or criticize. They don’t seek revenge. They don’t get all twisted up by the inconsideration of others. They are not easily offended. They don't get upset if they are slighted. They don’t focus on the foibles or shortcomings of others.
INTEGRITY
Being elite means asking more of yourself than others ask of you.It involves holding yourself to a higher standard. Integrity comes from operating from a set of personal values. Being solid on the inside.It’s strength of character.
It’s not getting too high or low emotionally. Being elite means being the same person in all circumstances and with all groups of people.
Being elite does not involve focusing on appearances rather than substance. It does not gauge self-belief on the praises, criticisms or opinions of others. The elite are not intimidated by others of a higher position or more wealth.
TOUGHNESS
Being elite involves grit, pursuing things with perseverance. The elite know that much of the game of life is won behind the scenes, in the daily grind. Being elite means resilience, bouncing back strong from adversity. Being elite means not giving in. Elite does what it takes.
Being elite means not blaming others or thinking of yourself as a victim. Being elite means not making excuses. Elite performers don’t follow the whim of faulty and fleeting feelings but practice personal discipline.
ENTHUSIASM
Being elite involves having a fire in the belly. Playing offense in life. It means bringing enormous amounts of positive energy to the task at hand. The elite are goal-oriented and pursue things with passion. They have a purpose and want to make a dent in the universe. They are vibrant and exude joy.
Elite performers are not bored. They don’t lack vision or purpose. They don’t just go through the motions.
"To be what we are and
to become what we are capable of becoming
is the only end in life.”
-Robert Louis Stevenson
Elite is the opposite of mediocre. It is the contrast to average. The elite have an aversion for the ordinary.
Normal is overrated.
Be willing to do what most others won’t do. Think and act different. Focus on the being the best person you can be.
Live on a higher level.