In the Olympic tryouts in 1932, she won five first places in track and field events. In the games of that year in Los Angeles, she won a gold medal in the women’s 80 meter hurdles, a gold medal in the javelin throw, and a silver medal in the high jump.

After the Olympics, Zaharias turned to golf. Although she started from scratch, she won the National Women’s Amateur and the British Women’s Amateur.

The press hailed her as a “natural athlete.” They often referred to as an “automatic champion.”

But the real story behind Zaharias fairy-tale success was her painstaking diligence. Her success came from studied repetition. In every sport she undertook, she was methodical, deliberate, and persistent. She was neither “natural” nor “automatic.”

When, for example, she played golf for the first time, she did not automatically master the game. Instead she studied the game carefully, covering all its complex skill sets, under the tutelage of the finest golf teacher she could find. She looked at all the elements of the golf swing, broke it down into parts, then put it all together in a fluid movement.

Besides using an analytical approach to understand the game, Zaharias also locked the information into her motor nervous system through exhaustive practice. She would spend as many as 12 hours a day on the golf course, hitting as many as a thousand balls. Her hands would often becomes so sore that she could hardly grip her club. She stopped only long enough to tape up her hands before picking up the club again.

Zaharias learned to play golf the right way. She started out by hiring an exceptional teacher. She analyzed each part of the golf swing then put them all together in a fluid motion. She practiced for about 12 hours a day. She exercised self-discipline and self-sacrifice. And she didn’t doubt herself. Her previous successes had created an enduring self-confidence. She believed that if she applied herself she would be a golf champion. She proved this belief true.

Zaharias took a risk. She risked her reputation as an athlete by trying something new. She also risked the time and money it cost her to perfect her new sport.

Above all, she was methodical in the way she went about inventing herself as a champion golfer. She chose a gifted teacher, studied all aspects of the game, and put her new knowledge into practice, converting theory into motor learning, coordination, and stamina.

What would you like to be when you grow up?

I bet you often heard this question asked many times when you were still young from your parents and relatives.

But, have you really given that question some deep thoughts?

Different people have different dreams.

So, what’s your aspiration? Do you want to become a doctor, lawyer, pilot, or entertainer?

Or…

Would you like to be a Tom Cruise or Bill Gates?

Let me tell you right now, you can become what you want to become. You can become anything you want to be as long as you put your Mind and Heart into it.

I recommend you read some biographies of the people who inspire you the most. It’s a great way to give you some guidance through their experiences they share within their biographies as to how they got to where they are today.

Here are 4 more quick tips and words of encouragement to keep you all fired up towards becoming who you want to be in life.

Tip #1.

Learn as much as possible about the person you aspire to be. Let’s say your dream is to become a basketball player.

Gather all facts and information about the sport. Research on the internet, read books, watch the games and analyze team strategies; in other words, strive to be an Expert.

Tip #2.

You must have the Desire and Passion to know everything you can about the subject. If you can have a real person to imitate or look up to, the better.

For example, you may see yourself as Michael Jordan (for basketball), Mariah Carey (for singing), or Heide Klum (for modeling). Feel, talk, and act as if you’re that person you’re emulating. You’ll quickly acquire the behavior and qualities of that person. This formula works like a charm, so just give it a try.

Tip #3.

Take Motivated Action and start pursuing your dreams!

Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. That will never happen. There will always be bumps and obstacles ahead. The important thing is to start Right NOW and adjust along the way.

You’ll be glad did.

Tip #4.

Persist until the VERY end.

Never let failures distract you. Just keep pushing yourself to the limit.

If you think that a task seems impossible to accomplish, banish that thought… Immediately!

Your mind has the capacity to bring into reality anything you desire.

As long as you stay Focused and Patient on your objective despite any setbacks or discouragements, you will become successful much sooner than you may think.