Do you like to watch the Olympic games? I am sure you do. I do too – especially the Winter Games and the gymnastic competitions.

Have you ever thought about what goes on behind the scenes in the lives of these champions? What is it that makes them stand out and be able to achieve Olympic status?

I remember when I was in my teens, I loved the accordion (still do – along with a few other instruments).

A Russian accordionist came to New Zealand with a stage show group. My Dad used to love the shows and so we went to see this spectacular. The highlight of the evening for me was the accordionist. His fingers flew with great dexterity and speed as he played the “Flight of the Bumble Bee” and other equally difficult pieces.

He made it look so easy, that I decided that I wanted to be able to play like that – UNTIL I found out just how much work went on behind the scenes. He practiced 8-10 hours a day, every day. I did not think I wanted to play like him THAT much.

The accordion was A passion of my life when I was younger – but it was not THE passion of my life. It was not my WHY.

This is the key – whatever you and I REALLY want to do in this life is going to take dedicated training. It will not be a few days, or even weeks of training, but a long term commitment to the dream.

I do not remember the name of this accordionist, but one thing I do know about him is that his WHOLE LIFE was committed to the accordion. There is no other way he could play like that. (He was one of the world champions at the time).

Here is are some keys I have discovered over the years that are needed to really succeed as a champion in your chosen field (and you ARE a champion).

• What you decide you want to succeed in has to be more than a passing dream.
• It has to be your PASSION. It will be your WHY (the reason you are here on this earth).
• It will be the very thing you live (and die) for.
• You will want to do this so much that you will be willing to submit to the daily training and discipline required to achieve your goal.

I am moving into a new phase of my life, after the deaths of most folk involved in the previous phase. This new chapter of my journey requires new disciplines, new training, new things to learn. I am working on this every day.

Have you found your passion in life, (your WHY)? Are you committed to train every day to reach your dreams?