Strong

Knowing and developing your strengths is key to achieving success. There are two kinds of people - those who learn how to maximize their strengths and those who settle for mediocracy. Productivity is found in putting your energy into its proper place. Three tips to help you focus strong.

1. Concentration – Getting a second wind is common to runners. They build physical stamina with daily training in their minds and bodies. They're at their peak when they are able to push exhaustion aside in the time of need. Their feelings of quitting are overcome by concentrating beyond their limits.

You can build your mental stamina with daily training too. Your goal will always be something you have to work for. It's not easy. You must resist the urge to give up when your will power protests advancement. Just like a runner experiences a second wind, you can experience a "second mind" by stretching your attention to build mental endurance. You will only be strong because you pushed yourself to be more.

2. Statements – A written goal is always stronger than a mental goal. Many know their areas of strengths but most have not written them down. To achieve a new level requires you to write down your strengths and attach what it can produce well.

Create some "strength statements", which are one sentence statements that capture the essence of your strengths. Allow them to narrow your jumbled thoughts into one centralized spot. See where you are strong and build there. Your success will come from maximizing your best.

3. Routine – A good system is key to making anything happen well. Using your strengths can only be seen if they are applied often. In so many words, John Maxwell said, "You will never be stronger than who you are now, until you change something you do daily. The secret of building your strength is in your daily routines."

Develop a routine that causes your strong areas to grow. Associate yourself with others that maybe a little stronger than you. Easy doesn't mean you are the best at it. It's practicing the right thing over and over that produces a permanent result in your mind. Tweak yourself until you're stronger than before. Become the master of your strength.

Summary - To become stronger means that you are lifting or doing more than the current load. There is a 70-25-5 principle that says to improve yourself you must give 70% to your strengths, 25% to improvements and 5% to your weaknesses. Become the strong person that's in your dreams with proper concentration, a written strength statement and a routine that makes it happen.

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