NBA legend Larry Bird was known for his drive and work ethic. While most players were content to arrive the obligated ninety minutes before game time, Bird had already been on the floor and taken more than 300 practice shots. Most of his practice days included a long distance run, practice games with teammates, a short distance run, multiple sit-ups, and lengthy shooting drills bookending the day.
Some accomplishments during his illustrious thirteen year career in the NBA included:
· Inducted into the Hall of Fame
· Member of world champions team in 1981, 1984, 1986
· NBA Finals MVP 1984, 1986
· NBA MVP 1984, 1985, 1986
· Nine-time All-NBA First Team
· Three time All Defensive Second Team
· NBA Rookie of the Year
· Voted One of the 50 Greatest Players in the NBA history
· Olympic Gold Medalist 1992
Larry Bird’s intense desire to be the best and put in the necessary time to develop his skills to reach his goals can be summed up in one of his greatest quotes:
“I don't know if I practiced more than anybody, but I sure practiced enough. I still wonder if somebody - somewhere - was practicing more than me.”
Without a doubt Larry’s practice and self-discipline were the keys to his professional success. Moreover, I am convinced his work regimen and drive can be imitated and used to prosper in any career field. But, as if attaining the highest level of success in your professional life wasn’t enough, as an added bonus there are confirmed side-effects of self-discipline for you personally. One very positive side-effect that occurs is happiness in life.
According to a study from the US National Library of Medicine, the practice of trait self-control or TSC, “positively contributes to happiness through avoiding and dealing with motivational conflict.” In other words, they choose not to put themselves in a position to make a bad choice that would have them face regret after the thrill of the momentary pleasure vanished.
For example, I travel frequently with my job. While on the road I find it difficult to continue my fitness regimen. Although I momentarily enjoy the extra hour of sleep and hardy breakfast I soon regret and face inevitable self-loathing for not waking earlier and going to the gym which I know to be best for my health and wellbeing. However, positive TSC doesn’t begin with just not waking up early enough to hit the gym before work, it starts the evening before and making a conscious decision to go to bed an hour earlier ultimately making my next morning conflict easier to deal with.
The same can be true in your insurance career. You could be missing small chances to make large impacts in your personal and professional life that could help you avoid future regret. Maybe you lament not starting on a certain industry designation sooner? Here is a short list you can employ to assist you in your endeavor to practice professional self-discipline which will propel you to becoming a Next Generation Agent.
Steps you should take daily:
· Wake up early, every day
· Read something related to your industry
· Read something related to business development
· Work as many emails in your inbox as possible
· Check in with team members and supervisors
· Review your goals and progress
· Post valuable pieces of content on social media accounts
· Cold Call
· Contact referrals
· Build pipeline, build pipeline, build pipeline
“It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” Zig Ziglar
