Which M.T.E. Are You?

I was reminded this weekend that my travel schedule does not make sense to many people.  For instance, I went to snowy Finland this past winter and scorching Phoenix this past weekend in the middle of a heat wave.  The reason I make these apparent travel mistakes may be due to the fact that I don’t often go to places to see famous sites or enjoy the scenery, I go there on a mission to enlighten, encourage and inspire others. If you have followed my work, I would hope that you might agree that I am not satisfied with an average article, book or performance.  I have realized that you do not have to be the smartest, but if you are prepared to out-work, out-study and out-perform your competition, anything is possible.  In essence, your success or lack thereof will be determined by which M.T.E. you are labeled as by others.  Not sure what M.T.E. stands for? Well read on and decide where you stand on this powerful acronym.

In life, I have found that there is a big difference between compliance and self accountability. Most people just comply with what they have to do and as a result, they accept mediocrity. Some people, however, take things upon themselves and do their best in all situations. These are the daring souls that eventually rise above the rest and enjoy high levels of success in their lives.

In both cases, they are just choosing one interpretation of the acronym M.T.E. over the other. In the first case of the mediocre people, M.T.E. stands for “Meet The Expectation.”  So whatever is expected, they just do the minimum and get out. This is the sure-fire ticket to an average life with few great experiences.  If you want to enjoy mediocrity, just do the minimum you can do to finish a task.  In the second case of the higher achiever, M.T.E. stands for “More Than Expected.”  These people over deliver in everything they do. Their trademark is solid work, done ahead of time every time.  I have often heard that “There is no traffic on the extra mile.”  In other words, that is why it is so easy for us to recognize when someone has done a great job because it is rare for most people to do it!  By delivering more than expected I promise that your life will be richer and more people, money and energy will be attracted to you.

Now, the question you must ask of yourself is what M.T.E. do you subscribe to everyday? If it is the first, then don’t get upset when the world is not giving you what you desire. If it is the second, keep doing what you are doing until it does!

Rooney’s Top 5 Ways To Start Doing More Than Expected

1.  Say “Thank You” as many times a day as possible…and mean it!

2.  Find people doing positive things and compliment them for it.

3.  Write a hand written letter to someone that has helped you with something.

4.  Don’t seek immediate credit or results for your efforts.  Instead do your best and rewards will come.

5.  Stay organized and take on projects that you are both interested in and can do well.

6.  Strive to become known as someone that “always does the little extra.”  (Giving 6 when you said 5 is a good start!)

Don’t compete against everyone else in mediocrity.  Separate yourself by simply over delivering on everything you do. If you are only meeting the expectation, then your expectation of yourself is too low.  Change your expectations and I promise you will change your life. Don’t just survive, it is your time to live!

Here is a link to a review of my latest TFW Certification by industry legend, Charles Staley.  You decide which M.T.E. he experienced this weekend: http://www.staleyperformance.com/2011/07/training-for-warriors-certification-review-by-coach-charles-staley/