Ways to distinguish yourself – #74 Activate the catalyst: Intensity

posted in Distinguish, General, Work on by

Let’s consider a few scenarios when you are playing a game against someone:

1. You win against someone way below your skill level. Typically, you won’t enjoy that win or worse, you may not even want to play with the person again.

2. You lose against someone way above your skill level. Typically, you won’t regret that loss. In fact, you may learn something from that game.

3. You win against someone slightly above your skill level. It’s a hard fought game and finally you DO win. It’s a great experience.

What do you think was the difference in the last scenario?

Do you remember a time when you lost a game but you still felt good about it? – This happens especially if you had given your 110% to the game or in other words if the Intensity with which you participated in the game was high. Richard Farson explains this concept beautifully in one of my “all time favorite” books “The Innovation Paradox”

Take a look at one of my favorite quotes by Teddy Roosevelt

“Far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat.”

The little quote provides one perspective on the importance of being a player and playing with intensity.

Just like in sports, Intensity makes a big difference in life and in work. If you turn your intensity a notch higher, you will probably see a jump in your productivity. We all know that flatlining won’t take us far in our careers. With the right intensity, flatlining won’t have a place in our work and in life.

Summary: Flatlining kills. Intensity fuels growth!