You naturally have to look at the secrets of champions when you want to set the seeds of growth. I am lucky enough to be inspired by a passionate man who is one of our local heroes, world champion Derek Clayton
Clayton was the first man to run under 2hr 10min when he ran his first world record of 2:09:36.4 in Fukuoka, Japan on December 3, 1967.
He went on to break more records and held the marathon world record for over 12 years! After that long period of ongoing achievements, in 1981 another Aussie, Rob de Castella, took over. And Derek kept being one of the fastest marathoners in the world!
You would think that now he is aged 78, life has slowed down. Oh No, you could not be further from the truth!
The Secret Of Marathon World Champion Derek Clayton
Derek was a master of continuing success beyond reaching his nemesis of World Champion marathon. He did not stop aiming for exceptional results after one world record. he was also the first man under 2:09 and he kept innovating in his training methods. At a time when shoes and track technology did not contribute to making records tumble, Derek stayed focused on being the best he could be.
Long after his world class status, his attitude is still “what next can I succeed in?”
Indeed Derek’s passion for life is evident in this interview I had with Derek after a bike ride.
Building Deep Sustained results
My belief is that if you are to succeed, you must plan for long term success. It does not come from any shareholder wish for short term wins. Instead, it is the outcome of a deeper drive to be a thriving, sustainable business. First, plant the seeds of growth, then nurture that growth, week after week, year after year.
This reminds me of one of my most loyal clients, Paul Serong with whom I first worked in 1994. Since then he has headed up several successful businesses.
Many of his peers have long retired. However, like Derek Clayton, Paul is still plugging away, being the best leader he can be in his industry and to his people.
So, it is no surprise that his company, CAC, received the National Excellence in Workplace Rehabilitation Award for Innovation in Return to Work.
Tips To Help Passionate People Perform
Here are a couple of habits that you can easily develop and implement. We are never too busy to aim for superior results, how we go about it can take some “innovative” forms:
1 – Refocus on your energy drivers regularly
Use the Christmas break to start now: Allocate some time to sit down, slow down, grab a glass of your favourite drink, and pen and paper. And YES, I am asking you to lock away your laptop.
Make an appointment with the leader of your business, e.g. yourself, if you have to “legitimise” your time in your head with the help of your digital calendar! What is important is that it is quality time.
Select a quiet space you love. You can choose to be indoors or outdoors. In my post I talk about the value of nature when resetting your course.
Now focus: Identify what gets you out of bed in the morning. What is it that you are passionate about?
What got you started in your business in the first place? And, when you look ahead, what is it that excites you, or engages your senses?
Now, that you are “in the zone”, just identify ONE STEP you can take to reignite that passion.
Make yourself accountable to do it.
And book another time with yourself to build on this, review how you are bringing it to reality and repeat the cycle
2 – Innovate With A Mystery Date
This tip comes from one fun habit that Susan and I have maintained to keep romance alive: We organise a monthly “mystery date”; it is something we can do together that is different from the daily routine; it is a time for us, the people in our own team of 2. Options are endless, from a dinner or a movie, to a wine and cheese down the beach at sunset.
Let’s extrapolate that concept of breaking the routine and focusing on the team members.
Your team can feel energised by the simple fact that for a moment you are focusing on them as people rather than as just result achievers. The “event” can be simple, short, low cost, in-house… It just needs to be a bit creative, unexpected; and you could take it in turns to come up with easy to implement ideas. 💡
Planting New Seeds Of Growth
What is it that you are going to do differently with your team this year? Is 2021 going to be ‘same old same old’?
Or are you going to be like Derek or Paul and find that deeper passion and pass that onto your team or board?
Like Paul Kelly sang – ‘from small things, big things grow’
When you want to plant seeds of growth with your team, first give us a call so we can help you get ‘growing’.
Enjoy your break and come out fast off the blocks in 2021.
Wayne Dyson – 0402 300999.
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