Watching the world’s top athletes compete in the Rio games is an instructive reminder to anyone striving for top professional performance.
Winning at the highest level is seldom a Usain Bolt blowout. No, becoming the best is far more likely to resemble a Michael Phelps win-by-a-fingernail affair.
Consider these facts I featured in back in a 2013 blog…
2007-09: Serve speed between Grand Slam tennis match winners vs. losers = 1.6%
2013: Being the PGA’s top driving distance golfer vs. ranking 20th = 3%
2010: Lindsey Vonn’s gold medal performance vs. failing to get a spot on the medal podium = 1.4%.
Let’s face it – success lives in the margins.
Sustainable success doesn’t come from the latest fad.
To be great you don’t have to change who-you-are.
Instead, focus on generating that fine performance edge that separates top performers from also-rans.
THE BIG QUESTION: What one or two small changes could you make to sharpen your game and give you that winning edge – then do just that, day in and day out.
If you need a reminder or motivational boost, take a look at the picture above of Bahaman sprinter, Shaunae Miller’s gold medal effort—Awesome.
I’m so committed to improving my own game that I think I’ll take a trip down to the Bahamas this winter to do some additional research!
If you have a story about a finely cut margin of victory, share it with me directly at jeff@jeffkaplan.com
Until next week this is Jeff staying, stay connected!
-Jeff
