The ?Stand-Out? Principle

Think for a moment about all the people you know that Stand Out from their peers.

Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Tiger Woods may come to mind. Singers like Madonna, Paul McCartney, Pavarotti, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald. Actors like Tom Cruise, Betty Davis, Merrill Streep: so many names ? so many standouts.

The question then becomes, How is it or what is it about people like these, that make them stand out?

A simple answer might be, Jordan or Gretszky scored more points and personally won more games and awards than their teammates. Although that may be true, one might argue sports statistics are simply a byproduct or outcome from the practice of Standing Out. After all, actors and singers do not score points; nevertheless, they do win awards ? when deemed Outstanding amongst their peers.

How about the people you actually know, that also standout? Who comes to mind? A former teacher, a coach, your parents, a scout leader or perhaps your favorite boss? The fact is, everyone can recall people they know [and do not know] who unquestionably Stand Out. Moreover, the important issue here is that one need not be famous or infamous to differentiate one's self or Stand Out.

The trouble for many people is they misinterpret what they see in exceptional individuals. Simply put, standouts make it look easy. At times, effortless. In reality, however, few things in life are ever easy, least of all, effortless. Should we be surprised then, to expect failure from those with this unrealistic belief? No.

Granted, some of us are blessed with more natural talent than others and so for those fortunate, the road to 'standout status' is far less difficult. The irony, though, is that, more often than not, the more talented individuals put more time, effort and dedication into their discipline compared to others. The Biography Channel confirms this with almost every episode. Therefore, perhaps we might begin here, to better understand, the fundamental ideology of the 'Stand-Out' Principle.

Stand-Out Principle #1: Goals

A motivational speech would not be a motivational speech, if it did not talk about the importance of Goals. There? I've said it! We've all heard it before. Many believe, ad nauseam. But regardless of how many times some may tire of hearing it, the importance of Goal-Setting, as it relates to Standing Out, can never be diminished.

Whether it's a Stanley Cup, an Academy Award, a certain income or the next sale, standout individuals without exception ? that bears repeating? WITHOUT EXCEPTION ? have goals. They're goals are Clear, Specific and Defined. Exhaustive studies done over the last couple of decades on the highest achieving, highest income-earning men and women from around the world bear this fact out.

On the flipside, those without goals exist in a vacuum in the pursuit of nothing. Their chance to Stand Out is often realized only in their lack of achievement.

Stand-Out Principle #2: Purpose, Passion & Dedication

A Goal can never be a Goal unless there is a purpose for it. So too, there has to be a reason. Simply put, it has to mean something for the individual or there can also be no passion.

Standouts are driven by Purpose. They understand that Passion walks in lockstep with Purpose. They believe that purpose, passion and dedication are intrinsic to each other. Each one fuels the next drawing strength that serves to keep the individual ever focused on: a) the goal, b) the reason for it, and c) the benefits from it. There is nothing mysterious about this process, but there is nothing easy about it either ? unless and until one believes in it and makes it part of who they are.

Stand-Out Principle #3: Attitude & Behavior

Clearly, there is no difficulty in having a great attitude and good behavior when things are going well. Even the least accomplished among us find it easy to be more positive when they are in their comfort zone. That said, herein is yet another hallmark difference that separates the standouts from the rest.

Standouts are never surprised by negative events or situations that interfere with their goals. In fact, they expect them ? and often have a plan to overcome them. It is all part of the 'learned discipline' or as alluded to earlier, the practice of Standing Out.

Individuals like these, maintain a Positive Attitude, which determines how they react to adversity and change. They behave in a winning way regardless of how adverse the challenge is. That's not to say they can't be disappointed or have feelings of emotional setback. They do. After all, they are human.

The important point not to be missed here is that in times of challenge, they are never alone unlike others without direction or goals. They have a direction. They have a purpose. That never changes, even in the face of adversity. They remain steadfastly dedicated to their mission albeit fueled at times by hope, but the net result is they draw upon the strengths they possess or in simpler terms, the Stuff of the Stand-Out Principle ? Positive Attitude, Positive Behavior, Purpose, Passion, Dedication and Goals.

What does all that do for them? It makes them more successful ? It makes them Stand Out!

About The Author

Paul Shearstone aka The 'Pragmatic Persuasionist' is one of North America's foremost experts on Sales and Persuasion. He is also founder and President of The CFIDS Foundation of Cda Inc [A registered Charity]. As an International Keynote Speaker, Author, Writer, Motivation, Corporate Ethics, / Time & Stress Management, Recruiting Specialist, Paul enlightens and challenges audiences as he informs, motivates and entertains. To comment on this article or to book the Pragmatic Persuasionist for your next successful event we invite to contact Paul Shearstone directly @ 416-728-5556 or 1-866-855-4590 www.success150.com or paul@success150.com www.paulshearstone.ca.

paul@paulshearstone.ca

---

Who are You Listening To?

Have you ever noticed that there is no shortage of... Read More

Abundance Of Money - Abundance Of Love

How much happiness is there in a piece of paper... Read More

A Mini LOA T-ToolTM

The Law of Attraction T-ToolTM is the single most useful... Read More

WAKE UP and Create Something

It's time for the "mainstream" to WAKE UP. The alarm... Read More

Emotional Alchemy

See if this scenario sounds familiar. You're under a lot... Read More

Secret of Wealth

"Before I had a lot of money, I was really... Read More

Our Fascination with Pop Culture and What It Says About Us

I took a look at the top 500 hits on... Read More

The Universal Law of Attraction Never, Ever Goes On Strike

There are numerous sources on the store bookshelves and the... Read More

Where Are The Punctuation Points In Your Life?

We live in a very busy age with many pressures... Read More

What is it That You Want, Honey? Discover Wealth and Prosperity with the Angels of Abundance

As you already know, the Angels are here; ready to... Read More

Change Thorns into Flowers

If you had to write an annual appraisal on yourself... Read More

Prosperity on Purpose for a Purpose

Whilst everyone seems hell bent on becoming "wealthy" at all... Read More

Affirm Actions: Stop Lying to Your Soul and Make It Real!

I hear of so many people using affirmations as the... Read More

Business Intuition: Using the HeartMind

Many scientific studies have demonstrated the reality of intuition for... Read More

Create a Climate for Success by Mastering Your Total Image - Part 2

In part 1 of this series, we discussed your Total... Read More

The Way of Attraction - Walking the Path

"Slowly, slowly, walk the path and you might never stumble... Read More

6 Great Ways To Improve Your Social Skills

If you are looking for a way to improve your... Read More

Unexpected Wisdom

If you have ever traveled across country by train, you... Read More

10 Ways to Survive and Celebrate Valentine?s Day When You Are Single

Do you feel all alone and out of sorts on... Read More

True Friends Are Not Dream-Slashers

A friendship poem:Choose friends wisely, the portrait they paintIs who... Read More

Why Doesnt This Manifesting Thing Work for Me?

You've written out your goals. You read them every day.... Read More

Why Do We Lack Character

Our people have no character" is acknowledged universally, at home... Read More

Any Woman Can Become a Modern Goddess and Attract Good Things With Ease

The Great Goddess may be an ancient echo in the... Read More

Creating Your Future

The questions of life may call to you. You may... Read More

How To Invite Positive Change In Your Life

Gnothi seauton,, said Socrates. "Know thyself."These words remain as true... Read More

Heal Thyself First

As I connect with more and more women I am... Read More

Principles for Total Prosperity In Business And Beyond

Are you looking for that "something" to give you the... Read More

Bigger Fish To Fry

Last month I was on another adventure, fishing Dog Lake... Read More

Aging Gracefully Through Vastu Shastra

Aging is inevitable, but its most negative effects can be... Read More

Everyday People Are Accomplishing Their Dreams - Now Its Your Turn!

If you can do anything in this time in your... Read More

10 Common Money And Success Myths ? Part 3

Here we continue to discuss a few commonly held beliefs,... Read More

First Impressions ? Turn Fear Into Courage

The top business people all say the same thing ?... Read More

Heres What I Got Out Of ?What The Bleep Do We Know?

Your mind is so powerful that what you focus on... Read More