Those that excel understand it takes action without an audience. They hone their craft without fanfare. They show up early, leave late, and turn off the lights without applause. These solo actions define who’s really willing to put in the effort necessary to go from middle-class to world-class achievement. I wonder how many free-throws Michael Jordan tossed in solitude over the course of his career?

“The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking.” ~ U.S. Soccer Champion Mia Hamm

True world-class champions don’t train for a few weeks like Rocky. They understand real progress comes in small steady increments, not single heroic triumphs. The great American author Louis L’Amour said it this way, “Victory is won not in miles but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more”. Our actions must be consistent and deliberate regardless of magnitude.

Its a funny thing, genius, genetics, and luck tend to show up when we consistently bring the effort. So write when no one is reading. Sing when no one is listening. Cold-call when no one is buying.

Tell us about the actions you’re consistently taking or will now be taking without waiting for an audience.