“I see myself cross the finish line before I ever step foot on the racetrack. That’s why I keep winning.”
A line out of a current bestselling book? A quote from a famous athlete? A sound bite from a favorite movie? Not at all. It’s a quote from 14-year-old Shane “Go Go” McGoey. Although fairly new to the sport of motorcycle road racing, Shane is leaving his mark on literally every track he races on, surprising even the most seasoned racers. From his first race he has placed first the majority of times.
I was curious how this shy 14-year-old was able to consistently outrace the competition and become quickly recognized as a champ on the racetrack. His answer is simple:
“Well, I guess it’s the only choice I have. Why would I not win?”
A line out of a current bestselling book? A quote from a famous athlete? A sound bite from a favorite movie? Not at all. It’s a quote from 14-year-old Shane “Go Go” McGoey. Although fairly new to the sport of motorcycle road racing, Shane is leaving his mark on literally every track he races on, surprising even the most seasoned racers. From his first race he has placed first the majority of times.
I was curious how this shy 14-year-old was able to consistently outrace the competition and become quickly recognized as a champ on the racetrack. His answer is simple:
“Well, I guess it’s the only choice I have. Why would I not win?”
The most amazing thing about “Go Go” McGoey is that he isn’t yet able to ride on the streets due to his age; he is already outracing extremely seasoned riders, he can’t go pro until he is 16; and he racing with stock equipment while racers who have high-end sponsors are using state of the art equipment.When you delve into the mind of a champion, you will quickly realize that there is a formula for success. One that many people try to bypass and then wonder why they are not achieving all they could.
Currently many people subscribe to beliefs of visualization based on what they are reading in books like The Secret. Some readers may feel as if they have come across the Holy Grail of success, but this information has been around for centuries. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”
Although I am an avid reader of books like The Secret, I know there is more to the process of success than simply visualizing what you want. Many people want to believe the philosophies presented in these books but still struggle with success. On the other hand, there are others who subscribe to the beliefs of The Secret in spite of never reading such books; people like Shane McGoey.
You might be wondering why I would write about a 14-year-old road racer in a business column. There are a few reasons.
“Go Go” McGoey’s thought processes are those of a true champion. In order to succeed in business you have to think like a champ. A champion doesn’t entertain thoughts of failure, only thoughts of winning. There is no option but to succeed. And they are willing to do what it takes to achieve this.
When not on the track, Shane’s actions are consistent with winning such as running, biking, eating right, reading the latest information on his sport and hanging out with other winners. To win in business you have to do more than visualize what you want. You have to prepare, read books, network and “hang out” with other successful professionals.
Shane has heard countless times how lucky he is to win. When he hears this he simply shrugs his shoulders. As with his racing, winning in business often has very little to do with luck. It is about preparation, commitment, vision and risk taking.
Shane began riding when he was six years old and began racing when he was ten. His first mini bike was built from scratch with a 125 cc lawnmower engine in it. Shane started where he was, with what was available, never wavering from his dream.
When Shane needed money for a new tire, fender or pair of gloves, he didn’t let the fact he didn’t have money stop him. He put together a plan that included what he needed, who might be willing to sponsor him and what a sponsor would get in return. Keep in mind Shane is a shy young man who would rather race than talk to people. Yet finding sponsors and risking rejection was a means to an end. How many people can say they have the same level of commitment to their dream?
How do I know all this about Shane? One, my company is one of his sponsors. Two, he is my nephew. Three, he is someone I can admire for his drive, determination and persistence. The next time you think all you have to do is visualize what you want, think of “Go Go” McGoey and take the necessary actions to make your dreams come true.
Kathleen Gage is a bestselling author, inspirational and business keynote speaker and mentor to speakers, trainers, authors and consultants. Visit www.kathleengage.com to learn more. To learn more about Shane “Go-Go” McGoey and sponsorship opportunities visit www.shanemcgoey.com
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