Percy Cerutty -- Measure Rod For Success

I shared this on twitter a week or so ago. It seemed to be well received. Maybe you missed it. I think what is interesting to me about this short piece of advice is it was written by a coach back in 1960. Today we have psychologists do research on GRIT. Back in 1960, we had the same observations made by a coach.

Percy Cerutty’s Measure-rod For Success

1)   To be born with above average ability but not necessarily outstanding ability

2)   You need an intelligence suitable for the tasks ahead of you. This needs to be of a high order.  But I make a distinction between intelligence (wisdom) and cleverness which may be only cunning and memory. It is far more important that you have a good I.Q. than you can merely pass exams. If you feel you have above average ability, both physically and mentally, that is enough.

3)   You need a persistence factor that does not easily give in – give up when not successful. That can train on struggle on, when things look hopeless, bleak.

4)   You need to be one of those whose spirits rise and you feel ‘good’ when things are tough in adversity; one who is a ‘tiger for punishment’; does not talk about ‘sacrifices’; and sees, mostly, the goals to be attained to.

5)   You need to be one who finds working hard for what they want normal; is surprised when they find others expect short cuts, ease of accomplishment.

6)   Who believe they could do it -- or something, and feel confirmed and pleased when they find their beliefs can come true; that someone else may, surprisingly as it seems believe so too.

7)   You are one who will:

a)   change your job, environment, country even, if it seems right to do so, to achieve your ends (not only athletic ends)

b)   have a natural, inherent attitude to be attracted, seek or find the ‘best’ whether it to be in coaches, music places or persons..