I see myself cross the finish line before I ever step foot
on the racetrack. That's why I keep winning.
A line out of a current bestselling book? A quote from a famous
athlete? A sound bite from a favorite movie? Not at all. It's
a quote from 14-year-old Shane 'Go Go' McGoey.
Although fairly new to the sport of motorcycle road racing, Shane is
leaving his mark on literally every track he races on, surprising even
the most seasoned racers. From his first race he has placed first the
majority of times.
I was curious how this shy 14-year-old was able to consistently outrace
the competition and become quickly recognized as a champ on the
racetrack. His answer is simple:
"Well, I guess it's the only choice I have. Why
would I not win?"
The most amazing thing about 'Go Go' McGoey is that
he isn't yet able to ride on the streets due to his age; he
is already outracing extremely seasoned riders, he can't go
pro until he is 16; and he's racing with stock equipment while racers
who have high-end sponsors are using state of the art equipment.
When you delve into the mind of a champion, you will quickly realize
that there is a formula for success. One that many people try to bypass
and then wonder why they are not achieving all they could.
Currently many people subscribe to beliefs of visualization based on
what they are reading in books like The Secret. Some readers may feel as if they have come across
the Holy Grail of success, but this information has been around for
centuries. 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.'
Although I am an avid reader of books like
The Secret, I know
there is more to the process of success than simply visualizing what
you want. Many people want to believe the philosophies presented in
these books but still struggle with success. On the other hand, there
are others who subscribe to the beliefs of
The Secret in spite
of never reading such books; people like Shane McGoey.
You might be wondering why I would write about a 14-year-old road racer
in a business column. There are a few reasons.
'Go Go' McGoey's thought processes are
those of a true champion. In order to succeed in business you have to
think like a champ. A champion doesn’t entertain thoughts of
failure, only thoughts of winning. There is no option but to succeed.
And they are willing to do what it takes to achieve this.
When not on the track, Shane's actions are consistent with
winning such as running, biking, eating right, reading the latest
information on his sport and hanging out with other winners. To win in
business you have to do more than visualize what you want. You have to
prepare, read books, network and 'hang out' with
other successful professionals.
Shane has heard countless times how lucky he is to win. When he hears
this he simply shrugs his shoulders. As with his racing, winning in
business often has very little to do with luck. It is about
preparation, commitment, vision and risk taking.
Shane began riding when he was six years old and began racing when he
was ten. His first mini bike was built from scratch with a 125 cc
lawnmower engine in it. Shane started where he was, with what was
available, never wavering from his dream.
When Shane needed money for a new tire, fender or pair of gloves, he
didn't let the fact he didn't have money stop him.
He put together a plan that included what he needed, who might be
willing to sponsor him and what a sponsor would get in return. Keep in
mind Shane is a shy young man who would rather race than talk to
people. Yet finding sponsors and risking rejection was a means to an
end. How many people can say they have the same level of commitment to
their dream?
How do I know all this about Shane? One, my company is one of his
sponsors. Two, he is my nephew. Three, he is someone I can
admire for his drive, determination and persistence. The next time you
think all you have to do is visualize what you want, think of
'Go Go' McGoey and take the necessary actions to
make your dreams come true.
About the Author:
Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, inspirational and business
keynote speaker and mentor to speakers, trainers, authors and
consultants. Visit KathleenGage.com to learn more. To learn more
about Shane 'Go-Go' McGoey and sponsorship
opportunities visit ShaneMcGoey.com
