They work hard on getting better. They practice making it look easy. They read, think, and plan. They re-evaluate their goals, plans, and experiences.

Doesn’t it bother you when you work so hard on something, and when you excel, people say, “oh, you’re so lucky” or “you’re just so smart”… as if you were born with it, discounting any time and hard work you’ve put into improving.

Of course, genetics predispose individuals to certain qualities, but generally speaking people are not born awesome leaders, great public speakers, skilled artists, etc… they work at it when no one is watching, until they become the best.

Champions don’t become champions in the ring – they are merely recognized there.
- Unknown

What are you doing when no one is watching?

If your agenda for today is not consistent with your future goals, then it’s time to re-evaluate how you use your time. Because remember, tomorrow’s success starts today!

• Success requires conscious effort.  i.e. it is not automatic and does not happen by accident.
• Success is a dynamic journey that requires time and consistency.

Therefore, if you want to succeed, you must start a journey to success, and it must start today!

Why today? Because today is the foundation for tomorrow’s success. Benjamin Franklin captured the importance of today when he said:

One today is worth two tomorrows; what I am to be, I am now becoming.

Tomorrow’s success depends on what you’re doing today.  In Today Matters, John Maxwell (one of my favorite leadership authors) firmly demonstrates that an individual’s daily agenda and activities almost always determine his or her success.

Does your daily agenda and activities today reflect a small step or task that would help you accomplish your future goals? If not, then it is time to pause, reflect, analyze your daily schedule, and make changes accordingly.