What were you doing when you were 12 years old?

Jordan Spieth was talking about greatness.

“My ultimate goal is to win the Masters,” Spieth told coach Cam McCormick.

As the golfing world knows, Spieth reached his goal over the weekend, not only securing his first major championship but also reminding us what produces greatness.

In a word, it’s grit.

“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals,” says psychologist Angela Duckworth.

Some people have a dream but lose interest.

Some people keep the interest but don’t do the work.

Jordan Spieth kept the dream and did the work.

It’s simple, but not easy.

If it were easy, everyone would do it.

But it is simple. Just find the thing that excites you.

My friend and co-author Dr. Rob Gilbert, an award-winning professor and sought-after motivational speaker, once asked his sport psychology class, “If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?”

Almost everyone mentioned a beach or some faraway haven. Not Dr. Gilbert. He said, “I would be here.”

Spieth and Dr. Gilbert are telling you the same thing. Find something that ignites and holds your passion.

Says Oprah Winfrey, “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

Mike Tully is co-author of “Basketball: What Great Players Know That You Don’t Know.”

*** *** *** *** ***

Thank you for visiting Total Game Plan. If your team, group or business needs a motivational speaker, please email coachtully @ totalgameplan.com. Here are some other resources for your success:

“Think Better, Win More!” will give you a mental game to match your physical game.

To get better at anything, check out “The Improvement Factor: How Winners Turn Practice into Success.”

Do you coach females? Are you a female athlete, or the parent of one? Here’s “Was It Something I Said? A Guide to Coaching Female Athletes” by Vanessa Sullivan and Mike Tully

Need some motivation? Everyone needs it now and then. Open any page of “Thank God You’re Lazy! The Instant Cure for What’s Holding You Back” by Dr. Rob Gilbert and Mike Tully.

Are you a teacher, boss or sports coach? Here’s “Ten Things Great Coaches Know” by Mike Tully and Gary Pritchard.