Over Achievement

I use to believe that if I work hard and produce, I will be rewarded with continued employment, rising levels of responsibility. increased compensation... I’ve come to learn it’s not a solid approach to a successful outcome. Is a healthy lifestyle created through hard work, or something else? Can I achieve without having to over-achieve?

Enter the book Overachievement. I found this little gem on the shelf of a local Half Price Bookstore. I was intrigued by the title. It so fit me. I was also drawn to a section of the book that exclaimed: “goal-setting, relaxation, visualization, stress management, and going with the flow just don’t work.” That WAS so me.

According to John Eliot (author), it has more to do with having a dream and pursuing the dream without being tied to the achievement of goals. Success is more a factor of focused preparation than a focus on goals. A focus on goals gets you a good feeling about getting somewhere, without really ever getting you anywhere. Have a plan, but focus on the dream, not on the goals.

John also writes about using the body’s natural mechanisms (flight or fight, for example) to work for you, rather then trying to relax them away. The secret is repetition. Whatever you do, do it well. Many, many times. That way when things don’t go your way during a presentation or a performance, you can still preform at an exceptional level without the need for deep breaths. Time spent honing your craft will produce the results. No need to will or command your body to do anything out of the natural.

Bottom line. It’s not about the work, it’s about the preparation and loving the pressure of the performance.

BTW - did I mention that I lost another 1/2 pound. At this rate I'll be at my goal weight in two weeks! Too funny. I feel a cookie crave coming on.