I never really considered myself a competitive person; in fact the exact opposite.  

 

It began in primary school with sports and games in the playground then continued into High School; always finding it hard to match the performance of others. I'm sure that's where it began. It seemed like I was always the last to be picked for the soccer or cricket team and I felt like the only reason I was chosen was that the captain had no other options left. I always avoided competitive situations, even justifying it as a noble part of my character. 'Oh I'm not competitive' I'd say, as I slinked off the playing ground or removed from the environment or person.

 

This feeling and outlook certainly stayed with me most of my adult life.

 

Something happened in 2000 that changed all that.

 

When I began working in Optus Telecommunications Call Centre everything I did was monitored. How many call I made, how long each call was and how many sales I made. The younger members of the team seemed to pick everything up quicker than me. In my team of 12 I noticed that I was down the bottom of the ladder. Something inside me said, 'that can't be right, you've taught sales and marketing to 100's of students at TAFE over the last 10 years'. I determined to put my sales theories into practice and put my name higher up the list.

 

It wasn't long before I was number 5 then 4, and then jumped to number 1. Then I became 3^rd in the entire call centre and won a TV. Something happened inside me. I got the winner attitude and decided I not only had to become number 1 in the call centre in Sydney but become number 1 in Australia. I achieved this in 10 months and won a trip to the Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast for three days...all expenses paid.

 

It got better. I was earning over $1500 commission every month as well. I became a legend as my sales conversion rate was 62% when Optus expected 27%. I was asked to coach other consultants in the call centre and was able to help them get their conversion rate up by 10% in a week.

 

Why am I telling you this?

 

I learnt a valuable lesson and it was this. I realised I'd used not being competitive as an excuse for my lack of performance. It was only by becoming competitive that I realised my full potential and became a leader instead of being average. I was a dam good sales person; I'd just never dared to believe that or pushed myself before.

 

I learnt that being competitive didn't have to mean putting others down it was about improving myself. And in fact by being all I could be it helped others.

 

As Marianne Williamson has said "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

 

So I guess I'm challenging you today to ask yourself.

 

1. What areas in your life are you settling for second best or willing to be average?
2. What areas in life are you underperforming in because of excuses?
3. When and how will you realise your full potential?

NB from AVB: No one is living to their fullest potential. Click here

 

 

 

Anthony Venn-Brown 

Coach - Author - Speaker

+61 (0)416 015 231

  

      

 

As a learning and development professional within leading organsations and Director of Clear Training Solutions, I was achieving things yet lacking any sense of personal satisfaction.

 

I no longer wanted to drift along with what happened in life. I needed to take charge and steer myself to where I wanted to go. I knew when the time was right and after having researched several coaches for months and delaying, I chose Anthony Venn Brown. I can confidently say the 'Dare To Be Your Best' program along with Anthony's extensive skills, supportive nature and the return you make in yourself is priceless.

 

The process of deep reflection on what I wanted in each area of my life by completing every activity was invaluable. I was challenged, held accountable and encouraged to delve into what mattered to help lead me to a life I wanted. Setting goals and practical action plans was a key benefit as it enabled me to focus my energy in a more productive way. Once I felt I had a greater sense of purpose and working towards what I wanted, things in my life starting falling into place. One memorable moment was when I realised I can have what I want in my life and the possibilities are endless.

 

Within the first week of commencing 'Dare To Be Your Best', I learnt a new model of thinking to help me easily decide on a contract I was offered. I experienced moments of insight and clarity helping me to build wonderful foundations for my life.

 

I achieved a greater sense of self through having clear values and exploring passions. I realised I had strengths and experiences that benefit others and launched Discovery & Hope Workshops for Gay Men.  I'm now also involved with volunteering for causes I'm passionate about such the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW.

 

I have gained skills that will benefit me in all areas for the rest of my life.

 

John Le Breton 

Sydney

Director Clear Training Solutions

www.gayworkshop.com

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