"Like a Horse With Blinders On"
Dear Friend,
One of the first things I was told back in 1981, when
I started my collegiate wrestling career at the University
of Iowa, was as follows:
"You've got to be like a horse with blinders on. No
matter how tough it is, no matter how hard, you stay
focused on your goal. Pay no attention to the distractions
to each side of you. Just focus straight ahead at the target
you want."
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________
Although the legendary Dan Gable, our coach, was
the pre-eminent example of this philosophy, a man who
literally led by doing, he was not the person who told
this to me. No, these words came from then Iowa assistant
coach, J Robinson (who eventually left Iowa and guided
the University of Minnesota to the top).
Both Gable and Robinson are extremely goal oriented.
Both are extremely hard working. Both are incredibly
focused. Both have a "Don't Tell Me I Can't Do It"
attitude.
Yes, it is true that we become like those whom we associate.
Believe me, I KNOW. The impact these two coaches had on
me was and IS, to this day, profound. I was 18 when I came under
their wings. And today, metaphorically speaking I still am.
A few days ago my friend Mike paid a compliment to me
that reminded me of my days with Gable and Robinson. I
am repeating here for you today as a source of motivation.
Here goes: "People ask me all the time, what's Furey like?
They're expecting me to say, 'He's a great guy. He's a nice
guy. He's a hard ass. He's this or he's that. But they go into
a trance when I tell them, 'The best way I can describe him is
as follows ... He's friggin relentless. When he puts his mind on
something, there ain't no stopping him."
Now, just so you know, I don't relate this story to brag. Truth is
that everyone has the ability to be this way.
Everyone can become a totally focused, driven, motivated goal-
achieving machine. It's all in how you use your mind - it's all in
what you DO on a regular basis - and it's all in whom you
spend your time with. If you spend your time with do-nothings,
know-nothings and big talkers, you won't accomplish much.
If, on the other hand, you become very selective with whom you
will associate with - and only choose winners, you will naturally
start to catapult upward, even when you may not consciously
think you are trying to do so.
Finding the right people to associate with is an on-going journey.
There are some people who are "right" today - but wrong tomorrow.
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________
Never be afraid to lose "friends." A true friend is someone who takes
pride in seeing you succeed. Some friends can only handle your success
to a certain point - then they get jealous. If and when that happens, slice
them out of your life immediately and never look back. When one door closes
another opens.
And take it from someone who knows: The new door is much bigger,
much broader and brings much more success and happiness your way.
Learn from and associate with winners and you will become a winner.
The opposite is equally true. Be careful whom you associate with - they
may sap the relentless, highly focused spirit residing within.
Kick arse - take names!
P.S.: Baby Faith is now 9 days old. She spends most of the day - and
thank goodness, most of the night .... sleeping. Zhannie is doing well, too.
According to Chinese tradition, she'll stay home and rest for one solid month
before resuming her normal schedule. There is great wisdom in this tradition.
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