I understand that there are a lot of similarities between competing and producing; here are just two:
1) When you know where you are starting from, it's easier to get motivated; and,
2) The greatest result in finishing will be the combined minutes, hours, days, and even years of preparation.
Over the summer, I visited the USA Olympic Training Center, in Colorado Springs. While there, I took a tour, watched a video, and even met with an Olympic athlete (a skeet shooter named Greg).
I was astounded by the motto of the organization, "It's not just every four years...it's about every day!"
Working in the corporate world of training and development, I'm still often surprised by the effort people put toward "quick fixes" and "immediate results." Right now, there is a child somewhere in the world who has trained for years, and there are still over 400 days until the Olympics get underway in China in 2008. However, I doubt even one of the athletes who "show up" for their event in two summers will "hope they are prepared enough."
When you're thinking of those projects you need to complete, remember to look around where you are. Also, plot the course from here to there knowing you will gather (and use) the resources to ease the journey.
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