212°: The Extra Degree

If you’re not familiar, here’s the idea:
At 211 degrees…water is hot.
At 212 degrees…it boils.
And with boiling water, comes steam.
And steam can power a locomotive.
And, it’s that one extra degree that…
Makes all the difference.

So many times, in business and in life, it’s that one extra degree of effort that separates the good from the great.

What I love about the 212° idea is that you can use it to fit your own needs. It may be 212° service that you’d like to reinforce, or 212° attitude, leadership, or quality. Or maybe, you’ll choose to build your entire culture around the 212° concept…to differentiate you from your competition.

The real beauty of 212° is the simplicity of the idea. Once explained…everybody gets it. And once you get it…it’s hard to forget!

Listen to this quick video

If someone were to ask me to pick one word to best describe any success I’ve had in my life….

I wouldn’t hesitate; the word would be perseverance.

There have been a lot of potholes, detours and roadblocks along the way and there always will be.   Below is a simple way to remember the keys to “Persistance”

Persist no matter what.
Endure discomfort.
Request help.
Steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values.
Envision triumph.
Very consistently keep at it.
Embrace adversity as your teacher.
Refuse to give up.
Enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!

Dont forget the last bit celebrate your milestones along the way

In the Face of Adversity

By: Eric Mansfield

A daughter complained to her father about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to a boil. In one he placed carrots, in the second he placed eggs, and the last he placed ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil, without saying a word.   Read more…

Never say to someone, “To be honest with you…”

It makes you sound dishonest. Instead say, “To be candid (or, to be frank) with you…”

Don’t be afraid if things seem difficult in the beginning. That’s only the initial impression. The important thing is not to retreat; you have to master yourself.”

Olga Korbut
Olympic Gold Medallist Gymnast