Repetition. Repetition. Repetition.
These are words the Olympic announcers have used to describe why the Chinese Olympic divers are so successful.
I used to be a competitive swimmer, so I know what these determined humans go through to relentlessly pursue their goals. To achieve that level of success takes such commitment and precision. It truly blows my mind!
It had me reflecting on what I've done repeatedly to achieve successes in my life.
Perhaps this isn't the best-ever comparison, but I think about when I learned how to speak Czech as an adult. I was in my 20s. I had a sense of the language growing up with my parents speaking Czech at home, but they didn’t expect me to respond in Czech.
So, when I lived in Prague in the 90s, I had no choice but to jump in (no pun intended). I immersed myself in every bit of the language and the culture.
Over the course of my first three years there, I made lots of mistakes. LOTS. I had no idea the formal and familiar forms of the language existed. When looking for a job, I addressed people in the informal rather than the expected formal. A big, fat no no! People giggled at me when I mistook Similac baby formula for milk. I got frustrated and wanted to give up many times. I even got bored with hearing the same feedback over and over. And, bored with the whole process.
Of course, I got over myself and kept trying. It was definitely a process.
Eventually, I knew enough to begin interpreting in business meetings. I went from having an ear for the language to an impressive fluency in what the world considers to be a very difficult language, even for those growing up there.
Using my hands and gestures to get my point across, spending hours and hours of listening and forcing out new words and sentences to eventually feeling like I actually fit in.
Now, I can’t say I speak Czech quite that well anymore today, but I sure remember what it was like to keep trying. My goal was to achieve fluency.
What can you look back on and see how determination and repetition created success for you?
If you want help to achieve a goal even when the repetition is boring, schedule a free discovery call at paularosecky.com/contact-me. I look forward to seeing you soon!
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