Zig Ziglar has been one of my favorite motivational speakers and authors for years. I read in his recent newsletter his five principles of performance. I would like to share these, along with my perspective, in the next few blog posts. We can desire to be successful, but we won’t achieve that success until we take action. Therefore, performance is a vital necessity.

Mr. Ziglar’s first principle of performance states, “We generally get from ourselves and others what we expect.” What do you expect from your endeavors toward the success you desire? If your desire, for example, is to get a new job. Do you expect to get your dream job where you can be paid to do what you enjoy and brings you fulfillment? Or, do you expect to get a job that will just get you by for now? What is the difference, you might ask.

If you fully expect to be offered your dream job, then you will put forth your very best effort and will go for the gold and apply for the more prominent positions. You will confidently write your resume and application materials. You will research the best companies and prepare yourself to interview effectively. You will make sure you get enough rest the night before the interview, will show up early and look your best. You will present the best possible you to the interviewer and convince them that you can do what they need.

On the other hand, if you don’t think you have a chance at such a job, then you will act accordingly. You won’t even go to the trouble to apply for the job of your dreams. Instead, you will apply for the less prominent job that you feel you can easily do. It will take less effort to submit the required materials and you know you can handle the interview so you just show up. Your actions are based upon your expectations.