212 Degrees

As a leader I am consistently checking myself  to insure that I am doing my best to meet the goals that I have set for myself.  I find things to read that encourage and challenge me.  I keep a small book called 212 degrees by Sam Parker and Sam Anderson on my book shelf and have referred to it many times when I want to remind myself that only one degree can make the difference to success or failure.  I  have referenced it many times as a good example in some of my leadership trainings.  Today, I read it again and it reminded me of several things that I needed to hear.  212 degrees!  Success can come knowing that just ONE degree can make a difference to success.  Water "boils" at 212 degrees.  At 211 degrees the water is just hot, but one degree more... makes it boil.  Am I doing what it takes to bring my work one degree higher or am I going to "stay" at the 211 degree mark?  I choose to move one degree ahead!

When water boils, it then creates steam which can power a locomotive.  Increase my thinking, applying more energy into everything that I am doing helps me see myself moving toward the goals that I have established for myself.  Like the steam that the boiling water creates, one more degree can "power" me forward to that point where I know I have done my very best.

I am finding a new challenge in direct sales.  I love the products, however, I am finding that it takes a different kind of energy and work to meet the sales goals I have set for myself.  I am outside my comfort zone.  I am reminded with this book that there is another degree to shoot for.  My attitude can move toward moving, talking, learning, and find ways to increase my results. 

Thomas Edison's quote reminds me I could be so...close: "Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."  Some of the greatest victories have been as small as 11 centimeters, .13 seconds...the extra degree.

I am a woman of perseverance, I know that working harder will bring success and I am excited about trying to be better each and every day.  Are you?  Do you think about that boiling water and the one degree that makes a difference?  I believe that an attitude of faith and possibilities can bring a wealth of success to all of us.

Today, I will give that extra degree and I am going to turn up the heat!  Will you?