How to Raise Your Game in Today’s Market

By Kim Ades

RISMEDIA, Sept. 20, 2007-Who was Steve Nash trying to fool? The reality was, Nash was a skinny kid, with a slight build who liked to hang out in the gym. Sure he played soccer, lacrosse, rugby, and like any Canadian kid, he was crazy about hockey-and Wayne Gretsky. But what Steve really wanted to do was play basketball-NBA basketball. The odds of an American basketball star getting into the NBA are something like 7,600 to 1. What are the odds for a Canadian kid?

The reality was that there were hundreds of thousands of talented athletes across the U.S. all vying for basketball scholarships. He begged dozens of U.S. college coaches to take a look at him, sent out performance videos, wrote letters, made phone calls, and the answer was always the same-”no thanks.” The reality was that Steve Nash had a stack of rejection letters from dozens of universities, and he could not convince any one of them to give him a shot to play collegiate ball.

In grade eight, Nash told his mom that he would be an NBA basketball star. To him, it was clear. This was his vision. And despite every reality pointing in the opposite direction, he remained steadfast to his big hoop dreams. Nash just practiced and practiced and practiced. Finally, in his last year of high school, one small university came to see him play. There was just one scout, sitting alone in the wooden stands that day. University of Santa Clara offered him a full ride. Even then, it was a huge long shot to make it to the pros. The reality was that it would be nearly impossible to get noticed on a small, unproven team.

Nash seized his one opportunity, with tremendous desire, a diligent work ethic, and an impenetrable belief in his talent. Now he is the reigning MVP of the Phoenix Suns NBA basketball team. Where would Steve Nash be today if he had believed in the overwhelming defeat suggested by his realities? Nowhere special.

Do you allow the realities in your life to hold you back?

In the real estate profession, we come across these situations all the time. A volatile marketplace, inconsistent sales performance-it seems like nothing goes our way and sometimes it’s hard to remain passionate about our career. After all these years Steve Nash still has all those letters of rejection tucked away in a shoe box. Why does he still have them? Because it reminds him that if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and believe that it’s possible, it will happen.

I am not really much of a sports fan, other than on the little league field, but I am a sucker for a good success story and a happy ending. Steve Nash is intriguing; he’s a top performer, and top performers from any career operate on an entirely different level. Top performers know how to create their own reality.

How do you create your reality? You do this in three steps: Awareness, practice and action.

Awareness. If you are aware of the thoughts, the ideas and the people who get in your way you can begin to cultivate changes in your life and career. Be aware of those who are choking your desires, and those situations in your life that are ineffective and do not nurture your dreams. But also be aware of those people, circumstances and situations in your life that are positive, that foster goodwill and support your opportunities, and align yourself with this energy.

Practice. Practice aligning yourself with the people, thoughts and energy that support your desires. Practice deliberately thinking thoughts that serve you. Your dreams are yours to achieve. The daily and intentional practice to build a strong mind set and a focused frame of mind is the single most important thing you can do to achieve outstanding success in your life and career.

Action. Raise your game. Look for the opportunities, engage in actions that support your goals and define your desired outcome. When you are clear about what you want and have a plan to get there, and another to keep you on track, little miracles begin to appear. You will reach your goals and achieve success.

Steve Nash was aware of all the possibilities in his life, and despite the very callous realities of sports, he remained determined and committed to fulfilling his dream of becoming an NBA basketball player. His coaches will tell you that he is the hardest working player on the team-on the practice court and in the game. He had a clear vision of his dream; he remained steadfast in his mindset. He did not allow any limiting beliefs to intrude, and maintained a focused frame of mind that led to his success.

Top-performing real estate professionals know how to create their own reality and achieve success. If your reality is not like you want it to be then create the one you want; it’s your life, your career, your reality. Don’t tell it like it is; tell it like you want it to be. RE

Kim Ades, MBA, president of Opening Doors, is launching a new coaching program called Frame of Mind, based on the principles of thought management.

For more information, please e-mail kim@openingdoors.tv.

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