If You Can't See It, You Can't Be It
Like the rest of the world, I watched in awe as Cori "Coco" Gauff beat her idol Venus Williams at Wimbledon this week. We cheered as the 15-year-old phenom went on to become the youngest tennis player to reach Round 16 in 28 years! What an amazing accomplishment!
Gauff didn't get to this point in her young career by wishing it so. She envisions herself winning at the start of every game. Even when she steps onto a new and bigger stage, her goal is to win. During several interviews, Gauff said, "I think people just kind of limit themselves too much. Once you actually get your goal, then it's like what do you do now? I like to shoot really high. So that way I always have many goals along the road, but that way you have the ultimate goal. I want to be the greatest."
If You Can't See It, You Can't Be It
This young athlete echoes what you hear from winners in all kinds of professions. You've got to see yourself winning to be in the game of sport or business. You can't approach your goals timidly. What do you think will happen if your attitude is "I'll see what I can do" versus, " I am equipped, and I am ready to win?" Setting half-hearted goals, result in half-hearted outcomes. You have to learn all you can, train hard, and set your sights on achieving your ultimate goals.
And don't forget that winning is defined by you for you. Others may inspire and push you, but you have to decide what winning looks like to you. Once you know that, firmly picture yourself accomplishing whatever you've set your mind on. Then work your plan to get there.
Break It Down
I love the comments Gauff made after winning the French Open junior girls' championship last year. She said, "I didn't think about the score. I was just trying to play points because once you win points, the points turn into games and games turn into sets."
So, if it's points you need to win your game, then focus on the points. If it's the number of calls you need to make to increase your sales, then focus on making those calls. If it's writing 2 hours a day to complete your manuscript this year, then carve out those 2 hours. Do whatever you must to fine-tune your craft and achieve your goals.
But first, you must believe it to achieve your dream. If you can't see it, you can't be it.