212°: The Extra Degree

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Another terrific post by Michael Hyatt: The Difference A Little Extra Effort Makes.  Here’s a few excerpts:

…Sometimes, success is simply a matter of making one small adjustment. For example, at 211 degrees, water is hot. But at 212 degrees it boils. This makes all the difference.  Sam Parker and Mac Anderson expanded on this simple metaphor in their short book, 212°: the Extra Degree – reminding us that seemingly small things can make a tremendous difference…urging us to make the extra effort in every task we undertake…The point is that it doesn’t take that much extra effort to win first place. What could you do if you were willing to push just a little bit more and break ahead of the pack? Here’s how you can harness the 212° principle in your goal-setting:

1. Choose one goal. Select the one that matters the most to you this year.
2. Identify what’s at stake. Why is accomplishing this goal so important—to you?
3. Write down 2-3 key actions. These are the ones that could propel you into the winner’s circle.
4. Now execute! Stop planning. Stop stalling. Just get out there and do it.

…I am reminded of a quote by Thomas Edison (also cited in Parker and Anderson’s book): “Many of life’s failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”  How close are you right now?