Brandon W. Jones

As leaders we are always trying to be the best we can be.  We are always striving to get more with less.  As we focus on being better, it is really easy to look for that which is bigger, faster, more efficient, etc.  When we are constantly looking forward, it gets really easy to stop looking at the present.  We look forward so much that it becomes very easy to look beyond the mark.

It is good to set goals and work to achieve them on a regular basis, but we must not look too far beyond the mark.  I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people get so far ahead of themselves that they stop preparing for that which they are currently working on.  They are focused on tomorrow, next week, next year, but not on the present.  They fail to be the best they can be in the moment.

Looking beyond the mark leads to trouble.  In becoming great there are no shortcuts.  You must work hard, be dedicated, and always do your very best.  Too often people focus on things that are beyond the mark and lose sight of the steps they must take to reach their goal.

Another trap people get stuck in is the tendency to compare yourself to others.  It is so easy to say to yourself that you have done so much more than other people so you should have the same or better results.  Although many of the factors that led to their success are the same for you, there are also other factors involved.  No two people are alike, and therefore, no two paths to success are exactly the same.  Stay focused on your path and the things within your control and don’t look beyond the mark.

To avoid looking beyond the mark, you should keep yourself firmly planted on the path leading to your goals.  You should review the goals and keep your focus as you work to obtain them.  If you do your very best, you may surprise yourself and find that you reach your goals quicker than you expected.  Another possible outcome is that doors may open up sooner than you thought possible.  Your hard work will always pay off in one form or another.  Keep in mind that the pay off isn’t always going to be how you expect it.