In any endeavor, there are a few key characteristics that define success.

Video games make this obvious for sports.

Taking Madden as an example, each player is rated on a scale of 1-99 for various attributes (speed, agility, throwing power, stamina, awareness, etc.) and based on the weighted sum of these attributes, the game dictates how good a player will be at a given position.

One interesting note is that there are many different ways that a player can be “good.” A slow quarterback could be exceptional if they have great awareness in the pocket and a strong, accurate arm. Just like some of the best running backs are quick and elusive whereas others are strong and powerful.

Regardless, it’s clear which levers can be pulled for a player to improve.

Unfortunately it’s much less transparent in real life.

Take a minute to think about one of the roles you play (whether at work, home, school, volunteering, or whatever).

Which attributes define the best performers?

It’ll probably be surprisingly difficult to come up with a legitimate list if you haven’t thought about it before, but it’s worth the effort because it sets you up for the obvious next steps of figuring out how you rank in each of the critical attributes and then taking steps to improve.

-Brandon