Most of my clients are highly-motivated strivers who are always looking to better themselves and their companies. They may have different skill sets, but the one thing they all seem to have in common is that they are “can-do” people with a strong belief in themselves. This mindset helps them succeed because it motivates them to take on the difficult tasks, the ones no one else wants to do – or thinks is possible.
A lot of people never allow themselves to start the difficult tasks because they listen to all the naysayers who tell them they will never be able to accomplish their goal. My Uncle Jack came up with the idea to start his own phone company after the government broke the Bell monopoly on the industry. His own father laughed in Jack’s face when he shared his idea. How could he possibly believe a little start-up run by a guy with no prior experience in that industry could compete with the likes of the Bell Telephone Company?
Jack started the company anyway, and it wound up becoming one of the largest on the East Coast, competing with Bell Telephone’s local successor, Bell Atlantic.
Kevin Plank, the founder of Under Armour, faced plenty of doubters when he decided to challenge the major sportswear companies. Nike, Adidas and Reebok were the big three at the time, doing billions in sales each year. Their logos were visible on every major athlete in the country, at every sporting event. How could Kevin Plank, experimenting with designs in the family garage, expect to make a mark in this crowded field?
You already know how that one ends. Under Armour is now a major player in that very same crowded industry. Last year the company reported revenue of $3.08 billion. That sure seems like success to me.
The next time you’re thinking about taking that next, difficult step towards something important in your life, think about these stories and remind yourself that “you never know” how it could turn out. The small start-up can take down the giant conglomerate. The part-time garage inventor or weekend novelist can come up with a hit.
Can you really achieve that goal or dream you’ve been longing for? You never know – and if you don’t take the shot, you never will know if it would have been possible for you.
Have a great weekend,
Ro