Crossing The Line

cross: (verb) 1. to move from one side to another 2. to pass over mediocrity

With everything, there’s a line.

On one side of the line is a greater chance to give more, enjoy more, realize more. On the other side, there’s less of a chance.

And with each line, there’s a choice. You want to cross the line or you don’t. You want the better chance at meaningful – opportunity – impact – or you settle with the lesser chance.

Your choice.

It seems simple but…

Then there’ll be those times. Those times when in the short run it’ll seem like you can’t cross the line (no matter what you do). But then, those misses (those hurdles) in the short run will sometimes help you over the line in the long run (in a way you couldn’t have seen). They’ll serve as lessons, giving you more depth to your experience.

But you won’t know that at the time.
At the time, you’ll just see that line.
And it might seem like a wall.
But it really is just a line (a line you want to cross).
And it’s yours to cross but you have to decide (make that choice).

It seems simple but…

Then there’ll be those people. Those people who’ve decided they’d rather not cross the line and would prefer you didn’t either – they sprinkle in a little doubt, withhold a little encouragement, and step in the way.

Then there’ll be that inner voice. That inner voice that’ll remind you you’re not that special and things like that are for other people. (What are you thinking?)

Then there’ll be the work. The work that’ll be the real challenge that some people never face because of the false challenges from those times, those people, or that inner voice that keep us from trying (and bouncing back).

But there’s the line.
And it needs to be crossed.
And you can cross it.

It’s up to you.

(Which side will you choose?)

__________

How to Cross the Line…

1. Choose to commit. Make the choice to improve your chances to go beyond mediocrity. Approach the things you do with the intent to deliver / succeed / serve.
2. Work hard. Good things are rarely easy (cheap). Real effort and attention are the fundamentals behind everything. (There are no quick fixes.) Earn your results.
3. Focus. Eliminate distractions. Minimize exposure to negative people, thoughts, and things that don’t serve your intent.
4. Bounce back. Learn from your mistakes and challenges and remember your choice to cross the line.

Not easy, but simple. (And it needs to be done.)