I am a heat seeking missile. The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile carried by fighter aircraft. It has a high-explosive warhead and an active infrared guidance system. The Sidewinder was developed by the US Navy for fleet air defence and was adapted by the U.S. Air Force for fighter aircraft use. The missile's main components are an infrared homing guidance section, an active optical target detector, a high-explosive warhead, and a rocket motor. The infrared guidance head enables the missile to home on target aircraft engine exhaust. An infrared unit costs less than other types of guidance systems, and can be used in day/night and electronic countermeasures conditions. The infrared seeker also permits the pilot to launch the missile, then leave the area or take evasive action while the missile guides itself to the target. Napoleon Bonaparte said, "I see only my objective - the obstacles must give way". In Chin Nung Chu's amazing book about the Asian business mindset, "Thick Face, Black Heart", she explains how and why focused business people achieve their goals, and how we can emulate that single-mindedness and determination. I'd like to suggest they're like heat-seeking missiles. Heat seeking missiles don't have egos; they're impartial, unattached and objective. They are goal-directed. They know exactly what they want and where they're going. They don't slow down or "stop to smell the roses". They're on a mission. They are not concerned about the political, economic or social climate, trends or fads or what's popular or acceptable. Heat seeking missiles have one thing and one thing only, in mind - the accomplishment of their goals. They are not distracted or sidetracked. They don't harbour fear or doubt. There is no hesitation, procrastination or rumination - there is only intense, undiluted, laser-beam focus on the objective. No second-guessing - no faltering. What would happen if we had the same "attitude" as a heat seeking missile? Unshakable faith, unrelenting grit, unrestrained purpose, unrivalled commitment. How soon would we realize our goals with that kind of motivation? How many people would get in our way? And, more importantly, how many strong people would line up to follow and support someone with that kind of intent and vision? Would leaders and winners not want to align themselves that that kind of person, knowing that nothing would stop them from arriving at their destination? Self confidence, certainty of purpose and goal-oriented action increase our chances of success exponentially. Paul J. Meyer said, "Determine what specific goal you want to achieve. Then dedicate yourself to its attainment with unswerving singleness of purpose, the trenchant zeal of a crusader." Think about that: what would hinder you if you chose that mindset? Perhaps it's time to stop playing games and decide what we want, and then to fearlessly make it happen. William Shakespeare said, "Do not, for one repulse, forego the purpose that you resolved to effect." Manage your mind and become a heat seeking missile. |
