A month ago the NFL had their annual draft. I actually enjoy watching parts of it because of all the hype that goes along with professional football teams drafting college prospects. Through the years these athletes have to go through increased testing, tryouts, and interviews before a team will deam them worthy of the draft pick. With all the “experts” who rate each athlete based on skills, smarts, speed, strength, etc. the word thrown around is potential. These teams are drafting based on potential. Going from one level to a higher level requires better skills both physcially and mentally. In the business world it is no different. Corporations hire recent graduates from the top school based on potential. These grads may have a great education, but haven’t proven anything in the real world.

After time has passed we know if the hire or draft choice was worth it. I know many individuals who are labeled as having great potential, yet they haven’t achieved success. I have found that they possess potential based solely on physical skills or education. These same can’t miss individuals lack the mental skills to apply the other skills. Performing at a high level is about thriving under pressure and letting your potential be automatic.

The question I ask you is, “Would you draft yourself with the first pick?’ Is that answer based on  potential or is it based on proof that you can achieve success at the next level?