I often get asked, "Why Shark Theory? What does it mean?"
The Essence of a Shark
When you think of a shark, most people envision a hyper-aggressive predator, always on the move, biting everything in its path. In the business world, a "shark" is often seen as someone who aggressively goes after every deal, trying to make all the money and get all the accolades. While there's something to be said for that level of ambition, my fascination with sharks goes much deeper.
I love sharks, and Shark Week is the only TV week I watch religiously. Over the years, I've come to realize that sharks, contrary to popular belief, are not in a hurry to do anything. They move through the water with a cool, calm, and collected demeanor. Great whites, in particular, have a unique physiology: they must keep moving forward to oxygenate themselves. If they stop swimming, they essentially suffocate. This led me to adopt a life mantra: always have a continually progressive mindset.
Patiently Progressive
Imagine treating your life as if you have to move forward to breathe. While it's not literally true, your dreams will certainly die if you remain stagnant. This mindset means always making some sort of move, taking some sort of action, planning, and being in a perpetual state of forward progress. I'm not saying you won't make mistakes or have setbacks, but the key is to keep moving.
Strategic Strikes
Sharks don't eat everything in their path. They let many things pass by, focusing only on what they truly want. This is the essence of Shark Theory: remain patiently progressive in pursuit of your goals. Ignore the good opportunities and save your energy for the great ones. When you identify what you truly want, give everything you have to achieve it. Many people chase every opportunity, but when the one they really want comes along, they have no energy left. Learn to give 100% at the right times.
Run Through the Line
In my first (and only) shark fishing experience, I learned that unlike other fish, sharks hit the bait with momentum and take off. They're not just trying to reach their goal; they're trying to explode through it. My strength coach at Baylor University used to say, "Run through the line, not to the line." This means giving max effort until the goal is fully achieved. Winners are made at the end of the game, at the end of the day. It's about having the energy to give your all when it matters most.
End with Momentum
So, as you think about your goals—whether they're quarterly targets or just finishing the week strong—are you limping through Friday, or are you ending with momentum? Decide today to end the week going after a great opportunity. Be patiently progressive, avoid distractions, and focus on the big things. Remember, you're an apex predator with the potential for greatness.
Adapt this mindset of perpetual forward motion, and always strive for constant growth. Sometimes that means reading, sometimes relaxing, but always ensure there's purpose in your actions. Move towards what you want, because if you're not, your dreams are dying. Go out there and hunt. It's your week, your day. Let's make it happen.
Stay Connected with Baylor Barbee of Shark Theory
Thank you for reading this edition of Shark Bites: Midweek Lessons for a Stronger Mindset! If you enjoyed these insights, be sure to listen to the Shark Theory Podcast, where Baylor Barbee dives deeper into the topics that matter most for your personal and professional growth. Tune in for powerful episodes designed to inspire and elevate your mindset.
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