The Records Book

Are you in the records book? If you are a track and field fan, you should know by now that the diminutive Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce ran her way into the history book at the World Champion held in Moscow, Russia this summer.  She became the first woman sprinter to win both the individual events (100M and 200m) and the 4x100m relay at the world championships.  

Also at the World Championship in Moscow Usain Bolt won three gold medals and became the most successful athlete in the 30-year history of the world championships.  Bolt moved to the top of the all-time world championships medals table with eight gold and two silver, edging Carl Lewis, who has eight gold, one silver and one bronze.

In track and field and other sports setting and break records is a measure of performance and success.  When we look at performances Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt there are two key factors for success that we can take away. They are the importance of setting goals and the value of preparation and consistency.  If you are to enjoy success near or at the stratospheric levels of both Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt you need to start by examining questions such as:  What are your career goals? What are your finance goals? What are your goals for your relationships?

If I may be so bold to say I have had a meteoric career experience. It all started as high school student studying economics and I trying to understand fundamental economic theories. In high school I had a hard time understanding topics such as inflation or price movements and exchange rate differentials.  As result I decided that I wanted to study economics in university.  In my mind as long as I continued to study economics I would one day have a better understanding of price movements and exchange rate differentials. 

I had a big picture view of what I wanted to do after high school. However, as we all know setting goals is merely the beginning and does not guarantee success. Once you have set your goals you have to determine the specific tasks or actions you need to execute in order to operationalize your goals. Once you have identified the specific tasks or actions you need to work assiduously and consistently at each.  In my case I had to successfully complete high school in order to meet the entry requirements for university. 

Today, I can look back with sense of joy that all my preparation and consistency paid off.  I am not in the records book like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt but I know the taste of success.  My big picture view opened me to a world way beyond the understanding of fundamental economic theories.  It has taken me from the shores of Jamaica across the entire Caribbean and Channel Islands and to faraway places like Armenia, Croatia, parts of Africa and even Afghanistan.  Today I have life time of an experience beyond my dreams as boy. 

Today, I have a much better understanding of fundamental economic theories but one complemented by experience working in Ghana and visiting Elmina Castle one of the most important stops on the route of the Atlantic slave trade.  I can also share my experience from working in Yerevan, Armenia a former republic of the Soviet Union.  I can share so much more experience from working in over 20 different countries and it all started with decision to study economics.  After studying economics, I went into banking and finance and later into regulations, policy, governance and compliance. Today I have my own consulting practice in Ontario, Canada.

I share a brief part of my story to say you don’t have to be in the records book like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Usain Bolt.  Athletically you and I may not be able to perform at the stratospheric level or meteoric speed as these two outstanding athletes. However,  if you set your goals and do the necessary preparation  and operationalize your goals your dreams will turn into reality  and you too will enjoy success.

 

Mark McKenzie is a leading Subject Matter Expert in financial services regulation and supervision as well as a professional motivational speaker, corporate trainer and youth mentor.  He can be contacted by email mastbmckenzie@gmail.com or by telephone 647-406-4622.