Who’s out there chasing perfection?
Do you strive for that elusive result called perfection? Any person who leads a life striving for their personal best knows the mirage of perfection and knows perfection is not always possible, in fact, hardly ever. Sure, you may have moments of what could be perceived as perfection, that perfect hole in one, or that time everything went your way. In reality, were more than a few paces from “perfect” right?
So, then why do we try? Could it be your ego’s own way of seeing your full potential and what’s possible? Or maybe it’s that tireless pursuit of throwing your hands in the air and declaring victory! As Vince Lombardi said, “Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.” Truth is, we are continuously evolving and changing as we move through life. So, let’s focus on chasing perfection and attaining excellence for results.
Here are some ideas to help you in your pursuit.
Highlight your strengths, point is, this where your power is. Herein lies a true asset you must take advantage of for success. You have strength in this area likely because you like to do it. Most times, you excel at what you’re good at because your heart is in it. Other times, we get tangled up in working more on weakness and not focusing enough on what we do well. What happens when you focus only on building weaknesses? You end up with average results because you didn’t capitalize on your strengths enough to peak. Switch it up, engage in building on your strengths for massive results, follow your heart and reveal your inner strength for the greatest results.
What are you great at?
There is no way you can perform at your personal best or make your future a reality unless you and you alone hold yourself accountable. There will never be someone holding you down to get it done, you must do this yourself. Sure, you may have help, a good coach or a friend hoping for the best but, the bottom line is, it’s up to you. Write steps down, commit towards completing them by a set deadline. Don’t let it slide, stay true to the mission and your vision.
What’s first on your list today?
It’s far easier to commit to success since we can appreciate the potential results on the other side. But, making mistakes and coming up short once in while holds tremendous benefits that may go unseen in the midst of the struggle. We learn far more about our character in our defeats than we do in our successes. Don’t be afraid to embrace your missteps, they happen and they keep you awake and alert. You must be prepared to fall, or stumble, it’s OK. Just dust yourself off as you walk the path to your true purpose in life. Success will come in many forms big and small. The journey of just trying is success and experiencing the struggle is part of the ride. Stay the course and reach for your victory, it will come.
What have you done in the past that appeared to be a failure but, then turned out to bring more success overall?
Having the grit to drive forward and execute under pressure is what true champions are made of. When the lights are the brightest these people blossom but, it didn’t happen overnight. It was a conscious effort for years that got them there. Improving yourself every day is a critical step in becoming who you believe you are inside, it’s what personal development is all about. Be willing to live it daily, experience a taste what the future holds for you. Start now by executing an action plan every day that brings you closer to your chosen future. This reaffirms to yourself, your commitment to success and builds the habit so when the time comes and the lights are on you’re ready.
What can you do today, to take a step closer?
This is not a new idea by any means but it works and makes sense. Speed up the process, model those that are getting the results you are looking to attain. Modeling accelerates your progress and allows you to make bigger strides quicker. Find that person who has the physique you always wanted or that person who invests for profit and follow their footsteps to success. There’s plenty of great books out there that offer clues and recipes for success. Use your available resources to model new patterns of behavior and strive for maximum results.
What new behavior pattern would you like to model?
Always give your best effort and never give up on yourself, ever. If you’re reading this, I doubt you start any goal planning on giving a minimal effort. By striving for perfection, you improve daily in search of getting it right so to speak. Let’s take martial arts for an example, a martial artist beginner or master always drives for more effective kicks, strikes, or throws. It is said, a black belt is nothing more than a white belt that never quit. Believe you can do it no matter what the odds are, or who says you can’t get it done. Fill your heart and mind with positive self-talk and take daily action towards your goals and dreams. You too have a special talent within you, cultivate it, feed it, and never stop believing in yourself.
Ask yourself, am I ready to never give up?
Truth is, if you go all-out your successes will be significant. If you deliver a weak attempt, then the results and outcome will reflect your effort. Drive for maximum results and deliver your best personal performance always. Reaching for excellence in all you do just makes sense. Avoid the perfectionism attitude of nothing is good enough, it can be self-defeating and a trap to unfulfillment. Accept yourself for whom you are, there is no other like you. Remember this, you are unique in every way, nobody can be you better than yourself, you are the perfect you. Make the most of it, commit to releasing yourself on the inside to let your heart sing on the outside. Go out into the world, reach for your dreams, meet your goals, and the incredible you will prevail. The road to perfection is a mirage. True perfection is next to impossible but personal excellence is available to you now, catch it, and go live it.
I don’t remember who suggested Michael Annese to speak at the 2016 National Fire Academy 27th Executive Fire Officer Graduate Symposium, but I am glad they did.
After attending all the EFO Symposiums and helping to develop the content, I can count the number of speakers I chased down after their presentation and bought their book on one hand. Mike is one of them his book is The Victory Cycle.
Thanks Mike. I hope others read your book and invite you to present The Victory Cycle...
Michaels’s passion for his work came through the instant he began to share his personal experiences that guided him to conceive of VICTORY, an acronym that stands for: Vision, Inspiration, Commitment, Timed Steps, Obstacles, Rejoice, and Yearlong Adjustments. Recently I attended an event at Cucina Caruso Italian Market in Oakland Park, sponsored by the Italian American Descendants Business Network where I had the opportunity to be present at Michael Annese’s inspirational and motivational...
Five Stars! An enthusiastic personal guide to a new you!
Mr. Michael,
It was an honor and pleasure to have you in the presence of our teen group here at the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club. Our teens range from ages 13-18years old; to be frank, they were not up to hearing yet another presentation. Mr. Mike, (as the teens would call you) you came and encouraged them to get involved mentally. Not only were you able to get them involved but, you were also able to grasp and keep their attention on the SEVEN STEPS to VICTORY. Read Full Testimonial
The workshop benefits every aspect of development; personal and professional.
Just read The VICTORY Cycle! To say that it was “Inspiring” does not do this book justice. I actually started the journal suggested in the book. I have already noticed that in the beginning of my journal, I started statements with “I hope to….” and “I would like to….”, etc. By the time i finished the book, my journal entries began with “I am going to….” and “I will….. “. I am so ready for VICTORY!
...I cannot believe the change I am experiencing! The Victory Cycle is so simple to apply and slowed me down long enough to remember who I am and who I want to be! I am now charging ahead to my Victory, Thank you Victory Cycle for clearing my mind and filling my soul!
I’ve never felt lighter, I just begun working towards my Victory and that mountain seems so close. Too many years have passed where I was afraid, and not focused, just plane lack of belief in myself. After reading the Victory Cycle for just two days I found myself looking up again, I was starting to think not only could I make the climb to that mountain top but nothing will stop me! I have started training, and without trying I am losing weight already, I can’t wait to reach the s...
At first I thought that was another book just like everyone else in the market, however there was something different on the cover of the book that forced me to buy it, and I don’t regret it. I recommend it to everyone, because additionally of win a great book or a manual full of experiences and solutions, that inspire and motivate your daily life, we gained a friend and an adviser, that with his experience and his beautiful soul and heart, he has a great vision to be a beautiful light ...
Revealing, insightful and effective – I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, though I knew it was worth a try since I’ve lost control of things, a while ago actually, and I need change. I am so impressed and very grateful to the author for the lessons to be learned here. This book teaches you how to make changes for the better AND gives you the tools and the knowledge to do so, and what I found most helpful was the Victory cycle itself, the model that the author uses t...
The workshop reminded me what my vision is for myself. It made me think about the obstacles I need to overcome or work around in the business and in my personal life. Seeing the cycle helps me stay on track. Going through the exercises really opened my eyes and writing everything down made it so real. Even successful people need a coach!
We all have goals we want to achieve in this life. Some are big and some are small, but they are all important to our journey. For me, I’ve not been doing well I’m achieving my own because of my own fear or fund restraints. I honestly needed motivation to get back on track with them. The author gives us seven steps to follow in order to achieve them. I felt like Michael Annese understands that life happens. We all have things that pop up in our lives that prevent us from staying o...
This book is beyond inspiring! Not only does it make you want to dive right into your goals, but it gives you the tools to do it. The author is so positive and motivating. The examples he gives are very easy to relate to. He gives you the step-by-step path to start TODAY to reach your goals. I suggest the reader keep the journal that the author suggests, as it is very helpful. This book shows you that you don’t have to be a superhero or “wait till the time is right” to start...
I really enjoyed your workshop. It helped me remember what was really important in my life and how to focus on it. It’s all up to me and that’s a great feeling!
A must read guide to a better life – A must read for everyone who wants to change their lives with simple yet sure ways to look at life and work differently. Author Annese has written a step by step guide, if you will, to look at yourself, see who you are and where you want to go. Then, following his clear language guide, get on the “cycle” and make yourself better at work, school, and life utilizing proven management tools that can be extended to any area you choose. Annese...
This book “The Victory Cycle” by Michael Annese, is truly inspirational and moving. It was easy to read and had a major impact on my psyche. Usually I don’t buy into these self help books, but this one is totally different. It seems to motivate you as you are reading it and being interactive makes the reading that much more pleasurable. I think the author has struck a nerve and I am intent on following the path that he leads us down. All I can say is “Thanks for writing it..!!!”
...I love the cycle itself. It just makes me feel powerful when I look at it. 7 steps and 7 letters, makes V-I-C-T-O-R-Y is easy to remember and keep me on track.
If anyone wants to truly lead themselves to a better life, then this is the book to read. There is no way I could give a review that would do justice to Michael Annese’s book. Be prepared to learn a simple 7 step process to overcome the obstacles that life presents, all while gaining valuable leadership skills and tips on how to manage and overcome the fear of failing. This book is an easy read that will help you set and obtain goals with tips on how to self-analyze and make adjustments...