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The Next Level
The Next Level
Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author and 'Game Changer' to organizations, sports teams and individuals
We all have an inner desire to reach 'the next level' of performance, growth and contribution. No matter what profession one may choose in life, definite patterns of greatness exist. In his weekly 'Game Changer' column, Rob shares some of the insights, innovation and inspiration of the great champions of business, sport and life.
Game Changer Number One. 'Stepping inside Great'
New Zealand rugby captain, Richie McCaw, recently spent some time enjoying the legendary ribs at Umdloti's Sandbar. At age 34, this year's Rugby World Cup will probably be his swansong, so I took some time to find out what has taken this legend to the very top of world rugby, and kept him there.
At 18, his uncle and mentor asked him what he wanted to be in life. His answer: An All Black! His uncle retorted:
'Richie you do not just want to be an All Black - you want to be a Great All Black .Write it down, sign it, and put it up!'
Richie could not bring himself to write it down in full - as he had not yet even made the national age group team - so he wrote it down on a McDonald's napkin as - G.A.B. And signed it. Richie had his signed stairway to heaven .Committed at eighteen with heart and head.
Putting the prefix GREAT before whatever it is you want to be in life - does something extra . It sets the stretch. It sets the commitment. It sets the tone - the way things are to be done. And most importantly it puts 'winning against the odds 'before 'winning at all cost'.
Human greatness is far more than fleeting success. It's about longevity. And it's best captured by three powerful S's: 'Sustained Success and Significance '
'Great is not something one is given in life. Great is something one must take in life'
The Great Champions make next happen. They do more! Richie McCaw is a shining example of stepping inside of great - with 16 years at the top of world rugby.
* For more insight, innovation and inspiration please do visit https://www.thegameplan.co.za. You can also order a free copy of Rob's eBook: The Game Plan: what the Great Champions know - but coaches seldom teach.