“It is not the size of a man but the size of his heart that matters.”

—Evander Holyfield

What makes great? What are the principles that underlie mastery across fields and capabilities?

The principles below are universal and supported by both science and the experience of individuals who are on top of their respective fields.

1) Sleep!

Sleep is one of the most productive things you can do. Always make sure to have enough sleep time. Sleep deprivation is short-changing your physical, psychological, and emotional performance.

2) Physical activity

Physical activity is essential and integral to priming the mind for creative thinking and problem solving. Keep exercising on a daily basis. Have a walk, play golf, do something you like.

3) Seek out “Just-Manageable” challenges

The only way to grow is to step outside of your comfort zone. While your activities shouldn’t stress you, or make you anxious, they should leave you with a feeling of slight uncertainty. You grow from partaking in “just-manageable” challenges. Elevate your game.

4) Stress + Rest = Growth

The universal growth equation requires not only that you challenge yourself, but also that you take time to recover. Follow especially challenging activities with periods of recovery and recuperation. Physical Activity will help.

5) Cultivate purpose: Find a meaningful “why” for your work. Focus on something beyond yourself. Thinking less about yourself and more about others is one of the best ways to elevate your game.

6) Carefully design your day

Be as intentional as you can about when you do what you do. Don’t waste your peak hours on more or less useful activities such as browsing social media or answering email.

7) Surround yourself with only “Good People”

Avoid toxic people. Actively seek out successful high performers and do everything you can to work with them. The people with whom you spend your time have an enormous influence on your life. They most definitely shape your life.

8) Own your story and learn to say it well

Be constructive in the stories you tell yourself and others about yourself. We truly become our stories.

9) “Respond” rather than “React”

Resist the urge to instantly react to everything thrown at you. Instead, take a deep-breath, evaluate the situation, and only then, thoughtfully and strategically respond. When the going gets tough, rather than panic, have a calm conversation: pause to separate yourself from whatever emotion you are feeling and only then move forward.

Just try this and tell me about it.

JMD

Owner of Bunkumless.com and King Global Earth and Environmental Sciences Corporation, JMD, a former attorney, is a Columnist for The Futurist Daily News and editor of the Social and Political Blog JMDlive.com  Follow JMD @ jmdlive

 

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