You Can't Reach New Levels Doing Old Things

Life has levels.

Think about basketball.
There’s a high school starting center.
Then there’s a Division I starting center.
Then there’s an NBA center.
Then there’s an All-NBA center.

Each player is a good if not great, basketball player, but each level demands more skill, more discipline, and more dedication.

Last week, I was playing golf with a great guy who used to be a five handicap. For you non-golfers, that’s a pretty darn good golfer. But he asked himself a question:

“If I want to get to a 1 handicap, what do I need to do differently?”

The answer he came up with was simple but powerful: take consistent monthly one-on-one lessons and play with better players.

One year later, he’s a 1 handicap.

That experience reminded me that not only does life have levels, but you and I have levels. However, you will not get to new levels by doing old things. You will not reach your next level with the same commitment you had before.

You have probably heard the saying, “What got you here won’t get you there.” You have heard it because it’s true.

If you want to rise, your habits have to rise with you. If you want to get better, your commitment has to increase. And if you think you’re already at your highest level, your thinking is wrong.

There is always another level. But it won’t come from comfort; it will come from change. So the question to ask yourself today is simple: What needs to change in me to get to my next level?

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