The DNA of Top
Achievers
by Chris Widener
Of course by now we are all
becoming aware of DNA. It is the source code that determines who
we are. When we look at DNA we can see what a person will look
like, what diseases they may come down with, etc. This has been
a tremendous breakthrough for scientists and will continue to be
so for some time, I believe.
This got me to thinking about what makes up those who are top
achievers. Is there a “DNA” to them? Obviously, all top
achievers wouldn’t have the same literal DNA but what about a
figurative DNA? Is there a common “gene” that they all have? Are
there common “genes” perhaps? I think so!
If we could get right down to it, I think these are the genes we
would find in the DNA of top achievers:
1) A predisposition to setting high, lofty goals. Top achievers
are people who won’t and can’t settle for the status quo. They
see average as a place they want to keep in the rear-view
mirror. Instead, they continually look for ways to stretch
themselves, to get better, to do better, to be better! They set
their sights on goals that others have never even thought of.
They want to shoot so high that even if they miss, they go
higher than everyone else. This is what makes them top
achievers.
2) An ability to focus intently upon reaching their desired
destination. Many people can set high goals, but just as many
people get sidetracked by one thing or another on their way to
those goals. High, lofty goals usually take a while to get there
so there will always be plenty of time to be tempted to stray
away from the road that is taking you to those goals. Often,
those things that sidetrack people are good things, but not the
best things. Top achievers do not get sidetracked. They stay
focused. They know where they are going. They have an ability to
say “no” to the good things in order to get to the best things.
3) The willingness to personally sacrifice in order to get to
their goal. When the going gets tough, many people quit. When
the going gets tough personally, most people quit. When the
going gets tough for top achievers, they remind themselves of
the high. Lofty goals they have set for themselves. They remind
themselves of what an accomplishment it will be for them and
that the reward is worth pushing through the momentary trials.
They are willing to sacrifice personally in the short-term in
order to get the reward and the prize long-term. Keeping their
eyes on the big picture enables them to persevere through any
personal pain they may experience.
4) A predisposition to tenacity. Tenacity is the ability to
“keep on going.” Tough times? Keep on going! Financial troubles?
Keep on going! People are suspect? Keep on going! You look like
a dreamer? Keep on going! Tired? Keep on going! Want to quit and
take it easy? Keep on going! Just remember this: Keep on going!
The prize is ahead! Many people quit just before they were to
get the reward, so keep on going!
5) The ability to see available resources and to use them
accordingly. Those who are top achievers know that they cannot
be lone-rangers on the way to the top. No one makes it by
himself or herself. Top achievers recognize their weaknesses –
the weaknesses that if they don’t cover will keep them from
becoming a top achiever! They see their resources and they work
to get them into a helping position so they can continue the
route to becoming a top achiever. And they don’t use them, they
utilize them. There is a big difference! People, finances, etc
are all brought in to help by the top achiever.
6) A desire to help others achieve more for themselves as well.
The top achiever knows that they can make a difference for
others by becoming a top achiever. They know that the wealth
they make can feed the hungry. They know that the position of
influence they achieve can open a door for someone who may not
normally get a chance. True top achievers look at how they can
bring many with them, not how they can leave many in the dust.
People are helped by the top achiever, not trampled upon!
I think if we could get to the DNA of top achievers, the things
we talked about above would be at the core and fiber of their
beings. What about you? Did you recognize yourself at all? I
hope so! The good news about the DNA we are talking about today
as opposed to real DNA is that you can go out and work on top
achiever DNA whereas you are stuck with real DNA. So if you lack
a little in the above-mentioned areas, take heart –you can get
better and work on them so that you can become a top achiever!
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