Leapfrog the Competition

Leapfrog the Competition
By Don Terrill (c)2005

Watch on Sundays and know you could do better, but hate the idea of having to start at the bottom of a team? Well, you don't have to.

The Leapfrog Theory:
"The quickest way to the top is not by fighting your way through the pack; the quickest way is to leapfrog over the pack. All you need is the ability and knowledge necessary to play the game on a higher level, plus the courage to stake your claim to your rightful place on the ladder."
---Robert J. Ringer - author of Winning Through Intimidation - Forget the title, this is a must read book.

There's just one catch? You've got to deliver when you get there! I can't stress this enough - you've got to be able to do the job, or learn very quickly, the day you arrive. Or as Ringer says, you'll soon be knocked back down to where you belong.

How to use this theory:

• Apply for bigger jobs - Think Big! Stop applying for the simple crew jobs, when what you really want is to be the crew chief.
  
• Start a public relations campaign - You've got to do everything you can to get your name out there. For example: you could write a column for a racing publication or go to the PRI show and network.
  
• Act the part - This works for a lot of situations in life - just act like you know what you're doing, know one will know the difference.
  

If you're not ready to leap:

• Continue your education - You should use everyday as an opportunity to learn. If this is not you, you're probably not cut out for racing.
  
• Put yourself in position to learn - This could be anything from surrounding yourself with smarter people to changing jobs.
  
• Hone your skills - Already have the basics, but not ready for the big leagues? Just keep working - practice, practice, practice.
  
• Move up a level or two - Nothing with improve your skills faster than competing against better racers. This could go for any skill you're trying to improve - play against people better than you.

The Leapfrog Theory is not hypothetical - it's works. It's a psych "trick" that makes people think you can do something, just because you act like you can.

The Leapfrog Theory only gets you into a position, it's your job to stay there.