As athletes, entrepreneurs, or any other competitors, we’re constantly looking for the competitive advantage. I was 14 years old, fresh from our Thursday night football game. With our family and friends surrounding our small huddle, Coach Chris Santopadre gave us one of the best lessons of our lives: he instructed us to go home after a grueling four-quarter game and do 100 pushups.
Why did he choose this day and not a regular practice day? Because we had just lost the game in the final seconds, and our coach wanted us to learn how important it was to finish strong. So, after showering and eating dinner, I hesitated before getting on the floor to start my 100 pushups. My mom asked what I was doing, and I told her about Coach’s request. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally finished the pushups. The next morning, I woke up with sore arms and shoulders from the game and the extra pushups, eager to see who else had completed the task.
At school, I asked my teammates who did their pushups. One said he did 50, another 25, and one admitted he didn’t do any because the coach wouldn’t know. At that moment, I realized what Coach was teaching us: the importance of finishing and the value of doing what others aren’t willing to do.
In what seemed like a punishment, I learned a lifetime lesson of greatness. This lesson doesn’t just apply to freshman football players; it applies to anyone who wants to differentiate themselves from their competitors, stand out to clients and customers, or separate themselves from their past efforts.
Entrepreneurs need to find what separates them from their competition. Sports teams need to find a separating factor from their opponents. Students need to find ways to stand out. No matter what you do, there will always be greatness in the separating factor. Once you find it, lean into it, and that is where your gift lies. In the beginning, you will be like everyone else, hesitant and resistant. But over time, as you train your mind to look for what others aren’t willing to do, learn to do those things, and master them like you love them, you will rise above.
YOUR PURSUIT OF GREATNESS
Finish Strong: Despite the urge to quit or give up, remember that only 11% of people regularly complete all the tasks on their to-do list. Always strive to complete what you set out to do, even when it feels challenging or unnecessary.
Do What Others Won’t: Identify the tasks your competitors avoid and master them to gain an edge. In every industry, people, teams, and organizations will voice their dislikes. When you hear complaints and murmurs, appreciate them as valuable lessons—these reveal the secret sauce to your success.
Consistency is Key: Doing what others won’t might not get noticed initially, or even after a month. Don’t let the lack of immediate recognition discourage you. Over time, your consistent efforts will become your trademark, and people will seek you out for exceptional service or experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
As you move forward, remember that greatness isn’t just about talent or luck—it’s about pushing through when others would stop, finishing strong when the finish line seems far away, and embracing the challenges that others avoid. So, as you face your next challenge, ask yourself: Will you do what others won’t? Will you finish strong? The choice is yours, and the rewards are waiting. Keep pushing, and never settle for anything less than your best.
