RAISE YOUR STANDARDS E-Book

Michel F. Bolle

• Herausgeber: tredition
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 74

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Unlock your potential with Michel F. Bolle's Raise Your Standards: Design Your Life for Unstoppable success —a deeply personal and transformative guide drawn from decades of experience across the roles of volleyball player, coach, business leader, military officer, and family man. In this inspiring book, you'll discover how to elevate every aspect of your life by embracing the power of higher standards. Packed with personal stories, practical advice, and a dash of humor, this book offers a blueprint for success that you can start applying today. Whether you're aiming to excel in your career, deepen your relationships, or simply become the best version of yourself, this book will show you how to turn your aspirations into reality. Join me on this journey, and let's raise our standards together—because you never know just how extraordinary you can be until you try. Each chapter provides 3 quick wins that you can apply immediately.

Leseprobe

This book is dedicated to the mentors and inspirational friends who have guided and uplifted me over the past 30 years.

Robin Sharma

Tony Robbins

Brian Tracy

Michel F. Bolle

RAISE YOUR STANDARDS

Design Your Life for Unstoppable Success

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© 2024 Michel F. Bolle

Cover, illustration: Michel F. Bolle, Pixabay

Lectorate, Rector's Office: Peter Vogt

Printing and distribution on behalf of the author:

tredition GmbH, Halenreie 40-44, 22359 Hamburg, Deutschland

ISBN

Paperback978-3-384-32250-0

Hardcover978-3-384-32251-7

e-Book978-3-384-32252-4

Large Print 978-3-384-32253-1

The work, including its parts, is protected by copyright. The author is responsible for the content. Any exploitation is inadmissible without his consent. The publication and distribution are carried out on behalf of the author, which can be reached at: tredition GmbH, Abteilung "Impressumservice", Halenreie 40-44, 22359 Hamburg, Germany

Content

Raise Your StandardsPage 10

Never Give UpPage 16

Take CommandPage 23

FocusPage 30

GivePage 37

Add More ValuePage 44

Use FearPage 51

Master the Art of Fulfilment

Page 58

Keep the Momentum Going

Page 65

Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude

Page 73

Promote Team Spirit

Page 80

Be A Merchant of WOW

Page 88

Conclusion & Next Steps

Page 97

Introduction

Welcome to “Raise Your Standards: Design Your Life for Unstoppable Success”. This is, without a doubt, the most personal book I have ever written. It’s a culmination of the lessons I’ve learned over decades, drawn from the many roles I’ve had the privilege to play—volleyball player, coach, business leader, military officer, family man, and friend. My hope is that through sharing these experiences, you’ll find inspiration and practical guidance to transform your own life.

We all strive for something more—more success, more happiness, more fulfilment. But the path to achieving these things isn’t always clear. If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my journey, it’s that the key to unlocking your potential lies in raising your standards. When you expect more from yourself, you achieve more. When you hold yourself to a higher standard, you inspire those around you to do the same. And when you consistently apply this principle, you can change your life in ways you never thought possible.

This book is not just a collection of tips; it’s a blueprint for transformation. Each chapter is filled with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and actionable steps that you can apply immediately in your life. From my days as a volleyball player at the American College in Switzerland, where our team made an unforgettable run to the European Cup semi-finals, to my time as a coach, where I had the honour of guiding young athletes to reach their full potential, I’ve gathered insights that have shaped who I am today. These experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance, focus, and resilience—qualities that are essential for anyone looking to raise their standards.

As a business leader, I’ve seen firsthand how raising standards can drive success. Whether it’s in the boardroom, on the factory floor, or in negotiations, holding yourself and your team to a higher level of excellence creates a culture of achievement. The same is true in the military, where discipline, commitment, and leadership are not just expected—they are essential. And of course, as a family man, I’ve learned that the standards we set at home are just as important as those we set in our professional lives. Being a husband, father, and grandfather has taught me the value of love, patience, and integrity, and I’m deeply grateful for the lessons my family has taught me.

But let’s not forget that life isn’t all about hard work and discipline. It’s also about the moments of joy, laughter, and connection that make the journey worthwhile. So, as you dive into this book, I encourage you to approach it with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and, most importantly, a sense of humor. After all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of coaching volleyball, it’s that you need to be able to laugh at yourself—especially when you realize that all those drills you put your players through are just as effective when applied to your own life!

So, whether you’re here to improve your career, strengthen your relationships, or simply become a better version of yourself, I’m confident that the insights and tips in this book will help you raise your standards and change your life forever. And if you find yourself chuckling at my expense along the way, well, I’ll consider that a bonus!

Let’s embark on this journey together. Raise your standards, and let’s see where this adventure takes us. You never know—you might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. Now, let’s get started. And remember, if things get tough, just picture me trying to explain the offside rule in volleyball to my grandchildren. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face!

Raise Your Standards

Raising your standards is the cornerstone of success in any area of life, whether it's in your career, personal life, or even on the volleyball court. Standards dictate the level at which you perform daily tasks and determine what you will or won't accept from yourself and others. When you raise your standards, you demand more from yourself, which in turn, encourages those around you to do the same.

The Importance of Small Actions

To illustrate the significance of raising standards, let's take a look at the example of Admiral William H. McRaven, a Navy SEAL, who once said, "If you want to change the world, start by making your bed." This might seem like a trivial action, but the message behind it is powerful. Making your bed every morning is a small task that sets the tone for the rest of your day. It's about doing something well, no matter how insignificant it may seem. It creates a sense of order, accomplishment, and discipline. When you consistently do the small things right, you build a foundation of excellence that translates into larger aspects of your life.

In my career as a volleyball coach, I’ve seen firsthand how attention to detail in small tasks can make a significant difference. Imagine a player who takes the time to lace up their shoes correctly, checks the tension of the net before every practice, and ensures they’re warmed up properly. These small actions demonstrate a commitment to excellence. Over time, this attention to detail builds habits that contribute to higher performance on the court. It’s not just about showing up to practice and playing; it’s about how you approach every single aspect of the game.

Raising Standards in Volleyball

During one season, I had a player who was exceptionally talented but struggled with consistency. She had all the physical attributes you could ask for—height, agility, power—but her performance fluctuated wildly from match to match. After a particularly frustrating loss, I sat down with her to figure out what was going wrong. It became clear that while she had the talent, she wasn’t holding herself to a high enough standard in her preparation. She would skip warm-ups, neglect her diet, and didn’t focus on recovery. Her approach to the game was casual, and as a result, her performance was inconsistent.

We worked together to raise her standards. It started with the small things: making sure she was on time, focused, and fully prepared for every practice. I encouraged her to keep a journal where she recorded what she ate, how much she slept, and how she felt after each session. By holding herself accountable and raising her standards in these areas, she transformed her game. Her consistency improved, and she became one of the most reliable players on the team. This wasn’t because her talent had suddenly increased, but because she had raised her standards and refused to accept anything less than her best effort.

The Ripple Effect

When you raise your standards, you inspire others to do the same. This ripple effect can transform teams, organizations, and families. As a coach, I’ve seen how one player’s commitment to excellence can elevate an entire team. It’s contagious. When one person refuses to cut corners, others start to follow suit. They begin to see that excellence isn’t just about natural talent but about the standards you set for yourself every day.

In life, just like in volleyball, your standards are reflected in everything you do. If you accept mediocrity in one area, it will inevitably spill over into others. However, if you hold yourself to a high standard in every area—no matter how small—you create a habit of excellence that permeates all aspects of your life.

Making It Personal