1. You’re capable of so much more than you know
One of the biggest keys to unlocking the potential in people is just to convince them to believe in themselves. People settle because they don’t realize how much they’re capable of.
2. People will show up to help you
When I was a kid, a few of my classmates started a pirate club. They just walked around pretending to be pirates. Not too exciting, but everyone wanted to be included in it. The point is that when you create a game, people will show up to play it with you.
3. Time will pass anyway
Sometimes people have a goal but then get discouraged when they realize it could take a long time to achieve. But guess what? The time will pass however you spend it, so you might as well spend it working toward something worthwhile.
4. You control your circumstances. Your circumstances don’t control you
Amazing things happen when you work toward a goal and refuse to give up no matter what. Just ask Vonetta Flowers.
Vonetta Flowers grew up in Alabama and wanted to be in the Olympics one day. She worked out and trained to compete in the 100 meter dash and the long jump. She tried out and she didn’t make it. Undeterred, she trained for the next four years and when she went to try out she didn’t make it again.
Then, they put up a flyer in the gym that said if you still want to try out, you can try out for the Winter Olympics bobsled team. She didn’t know what the bobsled was but she tried out. She made the team, and she went on to win a gold medal at the Olympics. Vonetta Flowers was the first person of African descent – from anywhere in the world – to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics.
Eric Eisenhammer is a political strategist and technology entrepreneur in northern California.