Keep Going!

In Australia yesterday, we had two great examples of persistence. Granted it was only sport and that is not something I am really into, but I can admire the strength of character and physical endurance it would have taken.

The Australian Open

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer went head to head for nearly 4 1/2 hours. Both players looked exhausted and both players kept playing at full capacity. So much so that Nadal looked like he had emerged from a swimming pool he was so drenched in sweat. At no stage did they give up.

They both made mistakes, they both let those mistakes go and focused on the next point in play. It was a marathon slog for the top two seeds in the tournament. I suspect they are both looking at how to improve on those mistakes and play better in their next round.

One Day Cricket

Australia played New Zealand in one day cricket yesterday. New Zealand's bowlers did a great job of getting the Aussies all out for 181. As a team, that must have been a crushing blow for the Aussies. Their turn to bowl and they put a lot of pressure on. New Zealand's run rate was low but still they kept at it. Most people would have thought that they were not going to be good enough to make it. It got down to the last over and New Zealand needed 5 runs to win. Another man out and then down to needing 1 run off the final ball.

New Zealand captain remained calm, focused and determined. Almost miraculously he was able to get the ball through a heavy field and get the four runs off the last ball for a well deserved victory.

LIFE

Life is not sport (sorry to disappoint a lot of people). Even those who play sport have a life outside it. There are always times when we are challenged and want to give up. Maybe not give up, but let things slide. Go for an easier, softer option. Sport gives us lots of lessons. For me, yesterdays lesson was Don't Give Up!! Or as good friends of mine say, "Don't quit before the miracle happens."

For you, what is happening in your life that needs you to persist just that little bit longer? What do you need to do to let go of past performance, what you may have previously said or done and focus on the right here and right now? What will you do to keep applying yourself and focus on the desired out come?

Calvin Coolidge (30th President of USA) has been often quoted saying:

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

But I am more a fan of The Captain from Galaxy Quest. "Never give up. Never surrender!"

Enjoy!

Warwick Merry
The Get More Guy
http://www.warwickmerry.com/
http://www.getmoreblog.com/
http://www.getmoreshowsuccess.com/