Standards - The Source of Success

In life, I believe all success first starts with the mind. So, before I can help you improve your golf game, I need to let you know about a few timeless laws that have contributed to every achievement that I have had over the past 15 years.

I believe that everyone lives, acts and breathes according to their standards. How you prepare and play golf, how much money you make, what your relationships look like, as well as what your body looks like, are all a direct reflection of your standards. If you are presently not living the life you dreamed of, it’s not too late. What I am asking you is to do a little soul searching, take a personal inventory of yourself, and get real clear as to what you want your future to become.

Step #1
Have a vision for what you actually want. What is your goal?

You need to decide what it is that you are truly after. Your vision (Goal) has to pull you forward. It has to get you up early in the morning and keep you going when times get challenging. If it is a low golf handicap, a 32-inch waistline or a certain amount of money you want to make, it all starts with a clear, concise vision. Your vision has got to be compelling and identified with precision. Once you determine what the vision (Goal) is, you then have to bridge the gap between where you currently are and what you need to do to make your vision (Goal) become a reality; the reasons for why you need to change come first, answers come second. The problem with people is not that they don’t accomplish their goals, the problem is, that most people never set them.

Please write down your vision (Goals) for 2010

Step #2
Have strong enough reasons (Why) you need to follow through.

Your reasons can be positive or negative. Both are equally effective in creating change. It has been my experience that without a strong enough “Why”, your chances of attaining your goals are very slim. Your “Why’s” have to stir your insides like a stomach ache. Your “Why’s” have to bring you so much pain that they make you sick of your current situation. Without strong enough “Why’s”, you will not have the necessary ammunition to press on when it gets hard, and believe me it will. We have all heard of the kid from the rough neighborhood, that because of his pain and commitment to living to a higher standard, fought his way out to become an amazing athlete and highly successful. Everything you have and do comes from the standards you set for yourself. Your physical body is a direct reflection of who you think you are. How you view yourself will also determine what foods you put in your mouth and how much you exercise. If you view yourself as an athlete, you are going to eat and train like one. If you don’t view yourself as an athlete, you won’t eat and train like one. Your standards determine everything about you, whether you are conscious of it or not.

Step #3
You have to review your vision (Goal) daily and feel passion for it every day.

You have to have a hunger for your goal. You have to crave the goal and the feeling of the accomplishment it will bring. You have to first win the battle in your mind. You have to become the embodiment of the person you want to become. What does that person look like physically? How does he carry himself and practice his sport? How does he carry himself in public? How much confidence does he have? How does he treat his family? How much is he in touch with his Creator? When you have clarity, your vision and life start to come together to form your new reality. By raising your standards, you will start to attract people that will help you get there. You might not achieve all of your goals, but you will always meet your standards. When you decide and define your “Why”, you will find a way.

A compelling vision (Goal) + strong enough reasons (Why) = SUCCESS

The only thing that will make you feel better this year or any year is to step up and increase your standards. Personal growth is the only thing that leads to lasting fulfillment. My goal for everyone who reads this is for you to take a personal inventory of how you are living your life. If you are perfectly happy and satisfied with your life, keep doing what you are doing. I would never judge you, but want to wish you continued happiness. But, if you are like me, “constructively discontented” and striving to be better, it’s time to go to work. I demand more out of myself than what I currently am. I want to help as many people as possible because I know that I have more in me to give. I believe if you are not growing, you are dying. My challenge for you is to complete these three steps daily and redefine who you are. It’s reinvention time! How many years ago did you define what you could and could not do? Set a new standard for yourself this year and never look back. If you are committed, the earth and heavens will align and bring you to your destiny, your true self. Thank you for letting me into your life. May God bless you...

Make your life a masterpiece!

Gabriel Lopez

PS. It would be great to learn more about you and continue this journey together. Please let me know if I can help you in any way. To continue the journey: http://golfstrengthcoach.com.

I would like to dedicate this addition to my amazing mother, Dorry Lopez-Sinclair. It was your tireless teachings and endless quest for knowledge that has shaped me into the man I am today. Without you mother, I would not be me. I am eternally grateful.