The news of the death of Muhammad Ali, last week, was not a surprise, but, it was very sad. (Click on picture to see Michael Parkinson’s tribute)
I grew up watching his fights with my Dad and we both loved his style, confidence and attitude. He brought something different to the sport which I think is missing today.
Ali had total belief in his ability, even when he was defeated he bounced back.
This attitude was with him until his dying day and it is an obvious trait that we see in successful people, from many different walks of life.
The common theme is personal belief in ability and a successful future. How many people do you know who actually believe they are not going to be successful, they do not have the natural ability and don’t actually succeed?
Belief on it’s own does not guarantee success, there is a requirement to actually do something. You can’t just join a gym and expect results, you have to turn up and do something!
I think it comes down to a basic thing such as choice.
I was out running last week and, as I passed people along my route to the pier, I started to think about why they were doing what they were doing!
Some people walked along smoking their electric machines, others were holding hands with a loved one enjoying their day, some looked miserable and some were sat having breakfast at a seaside cafe.
Everyone of them had made a few of choices to get them to that place, at that time.
Their results were determined by the choices they had made that day, even if someone told them “We are going for a walk along the beach” The choice is still there – go or not to go! Which also comes with a reward or consequence, but still a choice was made.
I made a choice to go running, I chose an 8 mile route instead of the 6 I had originally planned. Once I made those choices I got a result – sore knees, sweaty body, puffing like a ‘Cleethorpes donkey’ but I also had the satisfaction of completing the run and achieving what I set out to achieve.
Every choice leads to something and, if you are happy with the results you have in your life, you are probably making the right choices.
(When I reflect back on my life to date, all of the ‘low points’ were due to some poor choices I had made at that time. In hindsight I wouldn’t change anything, but at the time I wished I’d have made different choices!)
So, if you are not happy with the results in your life, change your choices!
Simple……
Muhammad Ali chose to be the greatest, and he was.
It’s Monday, what great choice will you make today that will make your week fantastic?