by Darrin Schenck
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by Darrin Schenck
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…until you really test them. We live in a highlight reel world, and that does not always have the impact that it should. As I have done before in my blogs and videos, I am going to start railing on social media again for a moment, but mainly within the context of this blog instead of across a wider spectrum.
I know that many people see the end result and not the hard work that goes into it. You see the overnight success and not the years of toiling in anonymity, and things look easy because of it. The reality is that if you want to be successful at anything in life, from being a good partner or spouse, a doctor, or a successful athlete, you have to work for it. There is no choice and there are no shortcuts. GET USED TO IT. Everything takes practice, lots of failures along the way, a few wins here and there, and then eventually you break through and get your head above water. That isn’t “successful” just yet, but at this point you have a shot at reaching that goal. But here is the thing…
Most people quit before they give themselves a REAL chance at achieving something
Call it human nature, excessive exposure to those who have faked it or actually made it through social media and TV/Movies/News. Some just don’t have the intestinal fortitude to stick it out, and that is fine. But many do, they just don’t know it. And here come the hook back to the title of this blog…you don’t know your own limits until you really test them. You need to throw your hat into the ring and see what your made of. You need to bite off more than you can chew once in a while, and develop your capacity to be somewhat comfortable being uncomfortable.
I can attest to this from my own life. I know that I have struggled with fear and rejection and to be laughed at by others. It may be no more than others are, or it could be to a greater degree than most deal with this, there is no real way to know. The real truth in it is how you handle these internal thoughts, because that will be the story of your life. If you let those voices in your head tell you that you can’t, that you won’t make it so why bother, etc., those voices will shut down your chances before they begin. You need to acknowledge them, but set them aside and make shit happen. Otherwise, you will drive the proverbial speed limit your whole life and be like all of those did the same thing. They played it safe, never took their shot, and watched pull away into the distance and lose site of them. They get left behind.
It is easy to surround yourself with like minded people; it is CRUCIAL to choose those that circle of friends wisely. If you find yourself hanging out at a bar every single Friday and Saturday night, you are on your way to being average. Winners, strivers, dedicated people don’t do this, so if you cross paths with someone who fits that profile at a bar, get their info because you’re unlikely to see them their again next Friday night too. We all need an occasional break from the routine and to blow off some steam, but too much of this eats away at the time you have to make things happen. If you end up with season tickets and spend every Saturday in the Fall tailgating at your old college, and then flopped on the couch watching Pro football all day Sunday, and then Monday Night and the Thursday night, you have
successfully wasted most of the free time you likely have to your name each week. GET OFF YOUR ASS.
If you want to break free from the norm and make something special happen for you, your family, your kids…you’d better get to work. You can’t wait for the right time or for things to happen for you. Only you can test your own limits and see what you’re actually capable of. I don’t say this to brag, but rather as an example of things that can be done when you set your mind to it:
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I was a top 20 Pro Racquetball Player
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I am a two-time recipient of Collegiate Coach of the Year Award
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I have helped three dozen players reach Collegiate All American status
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I have authored five books
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I helped build a company from start up to one of the major players in our industry
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I started a Speaking and Consulting side gig (during a pandemic)
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I am a recurring guest lecturer at the W.P Carey School of Business and the W.A. Franke Business School
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I booked my first paid speaking gig for a small conference in PHX this Fall.
I was born a farm boy in a small town in rural PA. I was small for my age (until about age 35) and had raging allergies as a kid. I don’t come from a wealthy family and I didn’t have a family business to join or grow up a country club kid. Everything I have came through three things:
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Belief in myself
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HARD WORK
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Unbending intent
The world can be yours with these three things….go do it, make stuff happen. I believe in you, it’s high time you did too.
I wish you luck in your endeavors.
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