Today's Torchbearer: Michael Pierce


Our first coach, teammate and all-around writing Olympian is Michael Pierce. Take it away, Michael!


Thank you, Nicole, for letting me guest post on your blog! I’m so glad to be here. The Olympics are two weeks of pure magic. All of these athletes, the best in their respective classes, inspire me to be the best I can be. There are many “steps to success” lists out there, and from my readings of Napoleon Hill, Anthony Robbins, Jack Canfield, and Wayne Dyer, I’ve compiled my own simplified list. It doesn’t take complicated ideas to bring about great change. A simple idea you’re willing to act upon will work just fine. 

Destined for Greatness

The vision.
It all starts with a vision. Every major success and accomplishment begins with a vision, whether it is starting a company, writing a novel, or striving for athletic greatness. See it, feel it, experience it, and know it is yours to accomplish. Envision yourself at that endpoint, clear and colorful, and know that future pull is inevitable if you move toward it.

The burning desire to make it a reality.
That future pull takes hold once you ignite the burning desire to make your vision a reality. You can dream about a great many things, but a truly burning desire reins you in to a singular purpose. You wake up with that burning desire. It dictates your actions throughout the day, and it’s the last thing you think about before going to sleep. It’s an obsession—a healthy obsession for achievement. Thinking about it is not enough, it is time to…

Take massive action.
This is not dipping your toe in the water, it is taking a running leap and diving in. If you can swim, then you swim like you’ve never swam before. And if you can’t, you tread water until you can. Learn everything you can about what you want to accomplish and take action toward its attainment every day. Some days you may not feel like it, and those are the days that your action is most important. Those are the days you build momentum.

Try until.
There will be setbacks, obstacles, roadblocks—things standing between you and your goal. But they are not failures, which are only products of giving up. Instead, they are undesired outcomes. These barriers are there to stop those who aren’t driven by a burning desire. They are there to see if you will push through fear or allow it to paralyze you. You will find a way through. How many undesired outcomes will you endure before deciding your goal is unreasonable? How many times will you try before quitting and accepting mediocrity? You will try until. That’s the magic step that sets your course for greatness.

Thank you reading. I hope you enjoy the rest of the Olympics. How do they inspire you?

Michael Pierce
www.michaelpiercebooks.blogspot.com
Author of Provex City

That's some awesome advice, Michael. Thank YOU!

13 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for letting me guest post, Nicole! I hope you've enjoyed the opening weekend. :)

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  2. Excellent post, Michael!

    Great inspirational advice, with a universal recipe for success: A clear vision, burning desire, massive action, and unflinching perseverance. This works for any goal, from athletic to artistic, including writing!

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  3. If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way.
    I'm inspired by all the KIDS at the Olympics. I was never that dedicated at that age.

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  4. I love your list! It's amazing what people can accomplish with enough work and perseverance.

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  5. i love a lot of the athletes' stories at the Olympics. They're so inspiring. Great analogy, Michael.

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  6. This is an excellent post! I really like this list.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  7. Great post of inspiration! Have you seen the commercial with the Olympian saying that she hasn't read the best seller of the year? That's a little TOO MUCH inspiration to me, but inspiring all the same. IF they can make sacrifices, so can I

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  8. Thanks Michael! What a great way to start us off!

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  9. Thanks everyone of the positive comments. :) And thanks again, Nicole! I'm looking forward to the next leg of the relay.

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  10. LOVE IT! I've been slow to get going this week, but this is wonderful. Definitely inspiring. :)

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  11. Leigh, thanks so much! You're up next. :)

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