On Sunday, I sat down to watch the four NFL teams in the division playoffs grind it out on the field for the chance to attend the Superbowl – the pinnacle of success for a team’s season in the NFL.  You could sense that the stakes were extremely high!  These teams had been working for year(s) to reach this goal and had faced much adversity, put in the hard work, and sacrificed a lot of themselves physically and mentally to prepare for the challenge. 

I imagined the grind became difficult at times and they had to dig deep to keep pushing forward.  And then, two teams lost – they didn’t reach their goal.  They would be sitting at home watching the Superbowl game from their couches instead of playing.  Heartbreaking, I’m sure!  I listened to the coaches from the “losing” team after each game and heard the same thing – “I am proud of this team and how hard we worked this year.  However, we came up short.  We are disappointed, but we will get back to work for next season.”  

It made me think, “As a leader, what does it take to reach the pinnacle of success in your business and/or career?”  Here is what I came up with….

1. Create your vision of success!  Unlike the NFL, there probably isn’t a big game and trophy at the finish line of your vision, but what is waiting for you?  Become intimate and clear with what your vision of success looks like by spending time on inner reflection, value assessment, and self-awareness.  Success is not a “one size fits all.”

2. Align your daily actions with your definition of success.  I’m certain that the NFL teams train themselves year-round, not just during the football season.  They keep themselves in tip-top shape physically and mentally to achieve their goals.  I would venture to guess that at times it is hard to keep going and they have to sacrifice, but they push forward– “no pain, no gain.”  Make sure that you are spending time on the actions that will align you with success.

3. Be resilient!  Success comes when you can conquer life’s challenges and bounce back.  Just like the teams that didn’t make it to the Superbowl this year, there is always a lesson to be learned from failing.  Don’t give up; get back to work for the next opportunity!  

4. Get a Mentor or a Coach that believes in you.  It is crucial to have a mentor or a coach who can inspire you and be an igniting force to keep you moving toward your vision.  Someone that can push you when you are stuck, cheer you on when you want to give up, and celebrate your wins (and losses).  At Greenlight Leadership Consulting Group, that is the role we love to play with our clients – coach, cheerleader, and mentor!  

5. Believe in Yourself!  Belief in yourself is the strongest force!  Your mind will believe everything you tell it, so feed it well!  

You probably haven’t created a vision for success that includes raising the Vince Lombardi trophy high above your head while champagne is raining down on your head – but I hope it’s something that brings you that much joy!  Cheers to your Superbowl of Success!

For more information on our signature consulting programs to help you manage through the phases of the business cycle, connect with jeanette@greenlightleaders.com via email or visit our website www.greenlightleaders.com