The Leadership Guide....

Chapter 82

Commit to First Class

One of the personal habits I've consistently observed in the star performers and extraordinary leaders I've coached is their commitment to ensuring that their surroundings reflect their devotion to being world class. They drive the highest quality cars, live in the best homes and wear the finest clothes. Their philosophy generally seems to be, I stand for being the best so it only makes sense that I should invest in the best. Now here's the big idea: They held that belief even when they were not successful.

Greatness is, above all else, a state of mind. You need to believe in your potential and power before you can bring them to life. You need to feel like you are extraordinary before you can become extraordinary. I call this emotional blueprinting. To see spectacular results in your external life, you have to emotionally viscerally create a blueprint of your vision within your inner life.

One of the best ways I've discovered to achieve this feeling is to ensure that everything you surround yourself with is at the highest level. I remember reading a book years ago, written by a magician named Al Koran, called Bring Out the Magic in Your Mind. One of the ideas that stayed with me is his suggestion that, in order to be successful, it's important to go where the successful people are. Even if you have only $10, go have a coffee at the best restaurant in your city. His point Your surroundings shape the way you feel. And the way you feel drives what you do. Feel world class and you'll behave world class.

Rewarding yourself with good things sends a message to the deepest and highest part of you. One that says I'm worth it and I deserve it.

Invest in the best. Buy the highest quality goods you can possibly afford. Better to buy one superb pair of shoes than three cheap ones (they'll last you longer and make you feel great while you are wearing them). I love the line: 'Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.' So true. When I was a young lawyer, just starting out, I took part of my first paycheck and invested it in a great watch. It wasn't a Rolex or a Cartier. But it was a good one the best I could afford. My thinking was that it would last for years, make me feel successful while I wore it and actually end up saving me money because it would rarely need repairs. One of my friends, who always looked for the cheapest deal, laughed at me. But I turned out to be right (that does happen to me from time to time). My watch is still working perfectly. Never needed even one repair. My friend has gone through six watches during this time. Not only has he denied himself the positive feelings that high quality would have brought, but he has actually ended up spending more money than I did. Missed the forest for the trees.

I'm in no way encouraging a senseless addiction to material things. All I'm saying is that if you're really serious about standing for the best (and I know you are), then surround yourself with the best. Rewarding yourself with good things sends a message to the deepest and highest part of you. One that says I'm worth it and I deserve it. One that will inspire you to reach even higher, work even harder and be even better. To anyone who says that our self-worth should be so strong that high-quality goods won't affect how we feel, I'd respectfully suggest that such a statement misses the reality of human nature. I'm one of the most idealistic people you'll ever meet. But I'm also a realist (in all things balance, observed the Buddha). Every one of us likes nice things. They bring us pleasure. They appeal to our senses, just like a beautiful sunset or a magnificent mountain. True, material possessions don't bring lasting happiness. And there are many things in life that are far more important. But such things still are important.

The best invest in the best. I might not be popular with you for making this point. But I owe you my truth. Reminds me of the words of one of my clients: My tastes are simple I just want the best.

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