Stand out performance is the road map to success
With the range of technological platforms we have today, the possibilities for productivity has been largely democratized. Access to productive engagement is available to all. With this democratization also comes noise and a multitude of available options. The key to distinction in this over saturated world, is to be so good, the world cannot ignore you.
Going all the way with your skills and knowledge, to provide for the needs of the market and those around you is how true recognition is earned in the 21st century.
There is no shortcut to anywhere worth going. Contrary to popular advice, the first ingredient to becoming world class at anything is not simply following your passion, but rather passionately committing to sound a work ethic in your chosen field on a never-ending journey of mastery. This means daily progress, development and commitment — even if it’s only incremental at first.
At the core of mastery and outstanding work is a philosophy and a mindset that legendary actor and comedian, Steve Martin, aptly captures in his axiom:
“Be so good they can’t ignore you”.
Cal Newport, in his book of the same title, calls this the craftsman mindset. He writes, “The craftsman mindset offers you clarity and helps you to focus on the work at hand passionately”.
Cultivating and committing to the craftsman mindset will do the following for you:
Help you develop exceptional skills to deliver exceptional value.
Inspire your confidence and the confidence of your team and the market in what you have to offer.
Gives you leverage for creativity, stronger impact, and a greater measure of control.
In Cal Newport’s words,
“Regardless of what you do, approach your work like a true performer”.
This is the secret to mastery.
The value you deliver to the marketplace has the propensity to quadruple only when you engage in the simple discipline of consistent practice to build your personal compound interest. This is how you begin to progress towards world class outstanding performance allowing you to standout and profit.