STAY TOUGH
What It Means To Us
T O U G H N E S S
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Toughness is made up of equal parts of strength, intelligence and self-respect. Toughness is pride, drive and commitment. It is the courage to follow through on what you believe in, even when under attack.
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Toughness is problem-solving when solutions seem unlikely, even impossible; it’s working on problems without letting them fester; being who you are even when friends and society want you to be someone else.
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Toughness is walking away from what you want when acquiring it makes no sense; Knowing how to be a gracious and a quick rebounder when you lose. It’s playing by the rules, but more, it’s putting the rules to work for you.
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Toughness is looking an adversary in the eye and saying “no.” Toughness keeps you punching till the bell rings. And, in the end, it matters less whether you are the winner or loser; Toughness is measured on whether you stayed in the ring.
THE LEARNING MODEL
How to Effect Change
Whether one realizes it or not, we all go through the same matrix – the four stages of learning. The model is simple and allows an individual to focus on unique and specific behaviors impeding success relying solely on one’s ability to be honest with oneself.
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LEVEL ONE - UNCONSCIOUSLY INCOMPETENT
You are doing things poorly, not achieving the successes you desire. Improvement is needed.
LEVEL TWO - CONSCIOUSLY INCOMPETENT
Though training and practice, and assistance from your GPS guide, you still do things poorly, but you realize what you are doing wrong, what you can do better. You practice new skills. Improvement begins.
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LEVEL THREE - CONSCIOUSLY COMPETENT
Now aware of what you were doing wrong, you work hard to do it right. You think about it, a lot, but things begin to change and success is starting to come your way. You are functioning in a much more productive manner.
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LEVEL FOUR - UNCONSCIOUSLY COMPETENT
You’ve made it. You have command of what you’re doing; know how to do it. It comes
naturally without having to think about it. Your instincts are well-heeled and align with company goals. Work is intuitive and gratifying. Congratulations.
Be Honest With Yourself, Be Patient, Work Hard, and You'll See Improvement.