Keep It Simple

In The Slight Edge, Jeff Olson shares that successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do; and that the major thing unsuccessful people are unwilling to do is focus on the simple, mundane things day after day after day. Those simple mundane things are known as fundamentals. Fundamentals are tantamount to winning.

From 1964 to 1973, UCLA basketball teams coached by John Wooden won 9 of the 10 NCAA basketball championships played. Wooden’s teams always focused on fundamentals in practice and in games. Were Wooden’s teams lackluster in the talent department, causing him to focus on fundamentals? No. In fact, his teams sent at least one player per year to the professional basketball ranks. They had talent; and they focused on the simple, mundane fundamentals of dribbling, passing, shooting, defending, and rebounding. They focused on the fundamentals, and they won.

Let’s take a look at a more recent event, the 2010 Olympic Men’s Figure Skating championship. American Evan Lysacek won the gold medal when he focused on the same fundamentals he has been practicing day in and day out; week in and week out; year in and year out for years. His routine was not flashy, nor was it daring. He did however surpass all the requirements of the judges for the gold medal. The silver medalist argued that he likewise performed the required exercise, and added a few difficult moves which he executed flawlessly. But the judges were looking for excellence in the exercise requirements, and didn’t give extra points for add-ons. While the add-ons might have been performed with excellence, the required exercise had enough flaws to cost him the gold. While Lysacek focused on the simple fundamental requirements, his opponent erred in them, while focusing on the more difficult add-ons.

What are you doing in your life to achieve success? Are you executing the simple fundamentals that create champion athletes, world class executives, or fantastic moms? Take a look at what you are doing, and what you need to do for success. Do the simple things that lead you to the outcomes you are looking for; and do them day in and day out. Start now by writing down where you want to go, and what it will take to get there; then start doing it. I’ll be looking for your success!

Brian Kennedy is a speaker and coach to individuals and organizations for the purpose of achieving peak performance. You can learn more about Brian’s speaking, performance improvement workshops, and coaching at Brian Kennedy Global