Garry Keller on Natural Ability and Achievement Ceilings
The word potential is sweet as it sounds. One simply cannot
figure out how capable they are unless exercising their true potential.
Interesting enough to say that only successful who have consistently shattered
their ‘achievement ceilings’ know the true meaning of potential as they did not
care about their end results. With that said, there’s nothing wrong with imagining
things as it opens so many wonderful doors. However, imagining that ‘I can’t do
it’ is simply regressive. As Gary Keller, beautifully states in his ‘The
Millionaire Real Estate Agent’ that ‘until you try, you can’t possibly know
what you can or can’t do’. Here’s a quote from the book.
“Unless you absolutely know your capabilities and limitations,
why would you entertain this kind of inner dialogue! Short of a personal
visitation from the Creator, you’re unlikely ever to know the limits of your
potential. So the question of whether you can or can’t do something someday
should probably never be considered.”
‘Self-doubt’ based on a ‘myth’ is just a misuse of imagination.
Pondering about a business idea over and over again is not going to yield any
results unless that ‘first step’ is taken. Successful businessmen, for
instance, are myth-busters as they progress ahead and do not worry about the
results. Risk-taking is all about taking that ‘first step’.
While reading the book, Mr. Keller consistently reminds readers
that too much contemplation of an idea makes it difficult to execute. And he
focuses on the ‘implementation before innovation’ concept, which vividly hints
at how entrepreneurs-to-be try to innovate every step of the way. This creates
confusion and does not allow them to move forward. As a result, they fall
behind. The key to launch a successful business is to follow a ‘proven model’
and then innovate once the business reaches a certain level of maturity. Shun
‘innovation before implementation’ as it leads to muddy waters. Try and find
out the natural way of doing a business and innovate once needed.
“Big models lead to big success. With proven models, avoid
placing creative innovation ahead of effective implementation. Know your models
before you personalize them.”
To sum it up, trying to explore the uncharted territories of
your natural ability without implementing your idea is more like thinking about
eating food without actually trying to have some. Simply put, have an idea,
implement it based on a ‘proven model’, innovate once the business is set, and
consistently break ‘achievement ceilings’. This is the only way to learn about
your potential. Just thinking about it does not serve any purpose.
