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