I have always noticed certain people that just seem to radiate power. You can tell it is not a false presentation, they just radiate confidence in their demeanor. Perhaps I have been jealous of that, or perhaps just really curious about what source they pull that power from. A while back ago, I had an opportunity to have a dialog with one of those people that I had noticed that seemed to have that “glow” of super confidence and ability. It was embarrassing, but I asked them about it. I will share the results of the conversation so you do not have to face the same humiliation that I did in bringing this conversation up to a stranger.
First off, and I think you will find this true of all people in this category, they do not view themselves this way. He was actually quite surprised and amused by my inquiry. He had a much more humble view of things and started very quickly to point out his many flaws and challenges. Which, by the way, I thought was interesting. This person that radiated confidence was acutely aware of their faults. I always thought it was the opposite. I thought these people would be full of themselves, apparently not. I learned that the reason he was so self aware, because he was constantly engaged in the battle of self improvement.
Second, when pressed, the person zeroed in on the reason for this power, or for the reason that I might have that perception. This person was also very physically fit, but I do not think that was the direct reason. The reason seemed to be that they had a consistency about them. A consistent push to do great things through slow and incremental effort. Think of a Samurai warrior. Thousands of hours of practiced movements, discipline and sword practice produces a seasoned master of the art. The warrior is not made in day, or even a year. Sorry everyone, no hidden panda’s out there with latent ability just waiting for their calling.
So what is the source of true power. I believe I now understand. It is incremental, slowly at first, building a foundation of repetitive practice everyday. In a word habits. When you can establish a core of good solid self improving behaviors, you begin to gain power. And now for my little story.
About two years ago, I saw this presentation by Dominic O’Brien – 8 time world memory champion. It was incredible. He memorized an entire room of over 100 people, first and last names, their occupation. He had them mingle and move around and in a stunning feat of memory recited everyone out of order, name by name and occupation without making a single mistake. This was powerful and seemingly superhuman. So I went on a quest to try to figure out his system. I dabbled but never could get it down. It was not easy.
Then I had this “true power” realization of gaining power by incremental progress with solid habit formation. I decided to spend just a few moments each day, everyday, learning a little bit more of this memory system. I am on day 160 of that program. Along the way, I set a small goal just for fun. I wanted to memorize 400 digits of PI before PI day (my kids are in science school, and it is the equivalent of religious holiday there). Well, this week I accomplished it. For the first time, I sat down and wrote all 400 digits down on a piece of paper without a single error.
This is crazy, no need to tell me, but I wanted to prove the point to myself. With incremental progress, with the correctly applied habit, I can do anything. I can realize true power. So, for me, I learned a valuable lesson and picked up a cool party trick as well!
Guy Reams (397)
365 Alumni
116 Days Left to 1st Marathon
