You Are Defined by Your Actions

As Sir Edmund Hillary once said, "People don’t decide to be extraordinary. They decide to achieve extraordinary things." A person's identity is shaped by their deeds. Those who engage in mundane tasks are typically seen as ordinary, while those who undertake remarkable actions are viewed as extraordinary. You may have an idea that could change the world, but without action, it remains nothing more than a possibility. Transitioning from ordinary to extraordinary is not about genetics or fate; it’s about your willingness to take extraordinary steps.

Section 1.1: Redefining Extraordinary

Being extraordinary doesn't mean you need superhuman abilities. It’s not about soaring through the skies, lifting massive weights, or possessing extraordinary talents. It also doesn’t require accolades like a Nobel Prize or Olympic Gold Medal. Instead, let's break down the term: extra — ordinary.

To be extraordinary is simply to do a bit more than the average person. Most people fall within the middle 68% of the performance spectrum, while being extraordinary means placing yourself in the top 16% — the High Performers who are willing to go the extra mile.

Section 1.2: Real-Life Examples of Extraordinary Efforts

Consider my basketball rival, Ivan, a 54-year-old who consistently surprises me with his skills. Despite the age gap, he matches my energy and sometimes outplays me. How is that possible? Perhaps he was just fortunate, or maybe there's more to the story.

One morning, I arrived at the court early to warm up, only to find Ivan already sweating it out. This reminded me of a story about Kobe Bryant. After injuring his shoulder in 2015, he stunned everyone by scoring with his non-dominant hand. Anthony Davis, an NBA player, marveled at Kobe's ability to adapt so quickly.

However, the real extraordinary moment occurred years earlier when Kobe, after breaking his wrist, practiced shooting left-handed while in a cast. While many would have given up, he seized the chance to improve. This illustrates that what sets extraordinary individuals apart is their commitment to doing what others are reluctant to do.

Becoming Extraordinary

To stand out, you must BE DIFFERENT. Being extraordinary isn’t an end result; it’s a continuous process. It involves having tough conversations when others shy away, prioritizing your physical wellness, and strengthening your mental resilience.

I often ask myself, "What would the average person do?" and then aim to surpass that. Consider the areas in your life where you desire to excel. Ask yourself, "What would an extraordinary individual do?"

For example, in terms of health, an extraordinary person might squeeze in a workout during lunch, while an average worker might complain about a lack of time. At work, a high achiever would silence their phone, organize their day into manageable tasks, and focus on priorities.

The real barrier isn’t a lack of knowledge on how to be extraordinary; it’s the belief that you can’t be. That notion is false.

You can become extraordinary by taking extraordinary actions.

Thank you for reading! If you found this helpful, feel free to follow me, Eren, and join 97 others in my free newsletter—Mental Fortress. I aim to share the lessons I've learned on my journey to developing a resilient mind. If you found value in this, why not share it with others as I refine my own thoughts?

Sincerely,

Eren