life lessons Archives - Debra Kasowski

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“Every day, people settle for less than they deserve. They are only partially living or at best living a partial life. Every human being has the potential for greatness.” Bo Bennett

The other day I was watching the movie, Concussion, with Will Smith playing the lead role. He plays a physician named Bennett (who works in the coroner’s office) who is determined to make a difference and become the American he dreamed of being from childhood. He faced his biggest obstacle – the NFL organization. They want to silence him and cover up his findings about concussions in football. He does not understand why they cannot work together toward a solution. His director, Cyril, informs him that not everyone is as committed to their work as he is and not everyone wants to change the world. This statement struck a cord with me. Why are people settling for less that their potential? Imagine what the world would be like if everyone was committed to making positive change in the world. What would that look like to you?

Settling for less or mediocrity means you are accepting less than you believe you deserve or what is possible. You may be settling to work at a job you dislike because of the pay you receive. You may be in a relationship where you are not valued or get the attention that you want or need – you are settling. You avoid making phone calls to prospects for the fear of rejection even though they mentioned they need your services. You prepare a celebration or go to the gym and put in half the effort you normally do – that is settling. The voice of mediocrity whispers “that’s good enough, no extra effort required.” When you have a cut that needs suturing, do you want them to suture up the whole cut or part of it and say, “that’s good enough.” You may have someone painting your house and they only do one coat instead of two – “that’s good enough.” Is it?

There are many reasons why people listen to the voice of mediocrity:

Everyone does not wake up to change the world.
You believe your past circumstance dictates your future.
You do not believe in yourself.
You forget you have a choice to create a different life – one you love!
You have not discovered your purpose. You do not have a vision to drive you.
You do not hold yourself accountable to take the actions necessary to get the results you want.
You are afraid of how your life will change when you become successful.
You avoid doing new things unless you are guaranteed to be successful.

Mediocrity, literally, suffocates the soul. You have the power to change and others have the power to change and they do. Do not accept mediocrity. Raise the bar and set expectations for the life, career, and business that you want.

Think of soap suds or bubbles in your bath or sink – S.U.D.S. Washing up your regular routine to become a better version of yourself. One of higher expectation! Mediocrity begone!

Surround yourself with people who you admire. You are the average of the five people you associate with the most. You become like those you surround yourself with. Do they lift you and encourage you to become a better version of yourself? Hire a coach to hold you accountable. Find a mentor who is willing to have you learn from them.

Use you free time to accomplish great things and produce results. Limit your television viewing time, social media scrolling time, or escapism reading. Decrease the amount of time you spend partying or shopping without intention. Be productive with your time and do things will help you in the future such as taking a course, keeping up-to-date on your industry, or intentional networking. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Get out of your comfort zone.

Do what others are not willing to do. This key will open the door to success. Not everyone will go above and beyond to serve their clients. Not everyone will work long hours. Not everyone is as committed as they say they are – they are interested in the idea of success but they are not willing to put in the effort to get it. You must do what you need to do to get ahead. There may be times you need to take risks and take a leap of faith. Of course, you can educate yourself, plan and prepare for it but you must trust yourself to come out successful on the other side. Believe in who you are and what you have to offer the world.

Sacrifice short term for long term gain. There are times when you may need to sacrifice your time, money, or resources to get ahead. You may need to work late the odd evening, you may need to skip the coffee stop and make coffee from home, or you may need to put off purchasing clothes and shoes so you can put your money elsewhere. They are small sacrifices in the big picture although at the time it may seem difficult. It only seems difficult because you are stepping out of your comfort zone. You had been accustomed to doing things a certain way or buying things because you want them. Make a list of some of the sacrifices you need to make to get closer to achieving your vision. How long do you need to do this – 3 months. 6 months, or 9 months?

People often settle for mediocrity when they people believe they cannot achieve their goals or they do not what to put in the effort required to get what they want. They tell themselves, “Why desire more? I should be happy with what I have and who I am. I am not capable of being more than I am. This is it.” Years pass and a seed of regret and wonder begins to grow. What might have been possible if I did not settle for second best? What might have been possible if I only put in more effort or did not skip practices? What might have been possible if I stayed home and studied for my exam instead of procrastinating? What might have been…is now your opportunity to…

“If you don’t know what you want, you’ll never find it.
If you don’t know what you deserve, you’ll always settle for less.
You will wander aimlessly, uncomfortably numb in your comfort zone, wondering how life has ended up here.

Life starts now, live, love, laugh and let your light shine!”
― Rob Liano

Are you settling? What do you need to do to raise your bar and silence the voice of mediocrity?

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DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Her writing has been published in a variety of print and online magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. Sign up the Success Secrets Newsletter and get your free mp3 download today! www.debrakasowski.com

The thought of competing in a triathlon can be very daunting if you have never swam, rode a bike, or went for a run. You may even wonder if you have what it takes to compete in a triathlon. Triathlons are one of those sports that people all shapes and sizes with varying levels of ability can compete in. The race is your race. Your journey.

Everyone has their own reasons for participating in a triathlon: to decrease blood pressure, to stay in shape, to lose weight, or to do something that not many people do. The list can go on. Over the years, my “why” for competing in a triathlon has changed. My reasons are participating in the sport have varied from attempting something new, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, training with others, competing the team, and challenging myself years later. The more I compete in triathlons the more I learn about myself and life.

Commit to Performing and Achieving at Your Personal Best

No one said that success would come easy. It takes a lot of hard work and effort no matter how talented you may be. Start with the end goal and create a plan starting from the end goal in reverse. What do you need to do to achieve your personal best? You have resources around you that you can tap into. Your supports can come in the form of personal trainers, triathlon clubs, training partners, and online training programs. What resources and supports do you have to support you in life? You need to consistently work the plan in order to get where you want to go. Each time you train in a discipline, you should be challenging yourself in time, distance, or technique.

Get Yourself To The Start Line

The psychology of getting to the start line is just as important as crossing the finish line. How many people are willing to jump up and go after what they want? How many people are held hostage by their fears or self-limiting beliefs? When you take action in the direction of your dreams, a momentum will build to help propel you forward. Don’t worry about how you will finish or what you will look like. Take consistent steps to build your skills and abilities toward going the distance and you will surprise yourself. One of life’s greatest lessons is about making a choice to begin.

Transitions are Part of Sport and Life.

In triathlons, the quick changes between swim and bike and the bike and run are called transitions. Transitions represent the many turning points that we face in our lives. There are times you have to switch gears and times you need to make quick decisions while still keeping in motion. Life is very much like a triathlon. Life is about moving through the transitions, being resilient when changes occur, and enduring the process.

Accept Challenges Outside Of Your Comfort Zone

Challenges are a part of life and our greatest growth occurs when we step outside that comfort zone. It is only when you step out of your comfort zone that you realize what is possible if you only tried. I have participated in triathlons where people had only learned to swim or run within the past year. These people inspire me. They remind me that life is about learning, trying new things, and creating a better version of ourselves. It is never too late to begin. Your greatest learning comes from accepting these challenges and discovering that you have the potential to do almost anything.

Surround Yourself With People Who Support And Challenge You

You want to surround yourself with people who challenge you to become a better version of yourself. These are people who are there to support you just as much as you support them along their journey. Triathletes are willing to cheer on and support fellow competitors. The energy before, during, and at the end of the race is contagious. The same energy can ripple to all areas of your life.

Focus On Your Strengths

We are quick to examine our shortfalls and not so quick to recognize their strengths. Triathlons are not about being perfect in every sport. In times or areas of weakness, your strengths can make up for any shortfalls. You are often stronger than you give yourself credit for. By focusing on your strengths, you only strengthen your abilities to face any situation. Mentally, you become stronger and tougher as you push through your self-imposed limits.

Look After Your Body

You have only one life to live. Fuel your body with healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. Limit your consumption of alcohol. Avoid sugary and greasy foods. Exercise helps you strengthen your body so you can maintain a healthy body weight, look youthful, and live longer.

Keep Looking Forward

You cannot move ahead by focusing on what or who is behind you. You cannot move ahead by comparing yourself to others. Look forward a few feet at a time. Each step or pedal will get you closer. However, if you see someone reach a milestone or cross the finish line, you know that others have gone before you and that you can do it too. When you look ahead, you give yourself something to look forward to. The excitement and enthusiasm builds as you anticipate reaching your destination.

Who You Become In The Process Is More Important Than The Destination

One of my greatest lessons I have learned while competing in triathlons was to celebrate how far you have come. I remember competing in a Try the Tri (designed for people trying out the sport) several years after competing in an Olympic distance triathlon and not spending a lot of time training just to see if I could participate in a triathlon again. It was during the triathlon that I realized that I did not give myself credit for what it took to compete in the triathlon in previous years. It was hard work and commitment. I am proud of my accomplishments and what it took for me to get there more so than crossing the finish line. How many times in your life have you let an accomplishment go unnoticed? Who have you become because of what it took for you to reach that achievement?

Cross The Finish Line

It doesn’t matter if you compete in a triathlon individually or as a team member. What matters is that you show up and you finish strong. As in life, it is important to finish which you start. Focus on your goals and what you want to achieve. Stay the course, there are many distractions along the way but know if you remain consistent and work at a steady pace you will reach your destination. There is no greater feeling than when you are able to witness all your hard work pay off. You did it – you crossed the finish line! What was once a thought has now become a reality.

Whatever your reason for competing in a triathlon, you will learn many lessons along the way. It is your race and it begins with you. Accept life’s challenges and know that you are not alone. If you are still wondering if you can complete in a triathlon, give it a tri! Life begins at the start line.

Debra Kasowski, BScN CEC is an award winning bestselling author, speaker, and certified executive coach. She is a certified facilitator of Appreciative Inquiry an approach for positive change and in the area of Emotional Intelligence. Debra Kasowski International helps individuals, executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. www.debrakasowski.com

EPISODE 125 – Silence the Voice of Mediocrity

10 Life Lessons I Learned from Competing in Triathlons