Aim High

Paul Arden’s book ‘It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be’ (published by Phaidon) has a great message about not holding back, and going for the big prize. Arden points out that there is actually not much of a demand for excellence, but there is a huge demand for mediocrity. The big prize actually has less competition when you go for it – unlike the middle of the road, everyone’s aiming for that!

Much of this may seem obvious once you read it, yes, you may already know these things, but don’t you (like most other people) need to be reminded?

“You can achieve the unachievable.

Firstly you need to aim beyond what you are capable of.

You must develop a complete disregard for where your abilities end.

Try to do the things that you’re incapable of.

…

Make your vision of where you want to be a reality.

Nothing is impossible.”

“As long as the goal is there, there is no limit to anyone’s achievement.” Seriously, set your sights high and be specific, you’ve got to be specific!

“Don’t look for the next opportunity. The one you have in hand is the opportunity.” I’m taking this to heart at the moment: I’m in the north of Australia and about to take on a new job.

“Whatever is on your desk right now, that’s the one.
Make it the best you possibly can.”
I just said I’m about to take another job right?

Aim high. Don’t hold back.

“You will become whoever you want to be.” ~ Paul Arden 1940-2008