Warning to Texas and Penn St fans…this may be difficult to read.

Preseason polls for college football had Texas #1 and Penn St #2. Incredible recruiting and transfer portal additions, key starters returning, hyped up QBs, and all the makings of what an incredible run for a national title should be. Potential was unlimited yet as we sit today, neither team is rated in the AP top 25.

Not even halfway through the season, two of the titans in college football have taken the slippery slide on down the rankings. We’re surprised every year something like this happens. But why are we surprised?

Potential not meeting reality is nothing new. It happens in a variety of ways and if we’re truthful to ourselves, it happens plenty to the person we see in the mirror. That’s not so much a knock on who we are as a person but a reality that we are capable of incredible things, but reality doesn’t always show it.

For Texas and Penn St., they will inevitably be judged by wins and losses and that’s just a part of collegiate athletics. But for you and me there’s a much bigger story to explore. Why is potential not meeting outcomes?

A big question like that doesn’t have a simple answer and is unique to each of us but there are some common themes we all can explore. Consider exploring the following 5 questions:

What’s our conversations between the ears?

There will always be doubt on the road to what we’re striving for. Are we handling our inner dialogue effectively or are we letting doubt take over the conversation? The conversation between the ears can be a difference between continuing to push forward vs. hesitation that slows or destroys progress. Check out Conversation between the ears for more ideas on improving your self-talk.

Are we consistent in taking the little steps of progress?

Consistency is hard. The beginning is exciting and new and then suddenly monotony sets in. Reality is consistency is necessary. Progress won’t happen in giant leaps. Yes, we may have big breakthroughs, but these happen because of hard work each day making small, often unseen, steps forward. Check out 2 Words Equal Success for more on consistency.

What environment are we putting ourselves in?

Outside influences will always be present attempting to impose limitations on who we’re striving to become. What’s important to analyze is who we’re surrounding ourselves with and what environment we’re choosing so that regardless of the hurdles trying to slow us down, we persevere and grow stronger for the future. The question then becomes, are we settling for the environment we’re in or are we making choices to put ourselves in an environment to thrive? Check out the Environment to Thrive to explore how we need to navigate our unique style to find our environment we can thrive in.

Have we taken the time to create a clear vision?

While we may not have all the answers to what we want our future to hold we must invest time creating clarity on directionally where we want to go. Change will always create the need to adapt but we need a north star we’re striving for. This north star allows us to strive for something greater and challenge us to maximize potential. It takes time and energy to understand what this north star is in various areas of our life so if we don’t invest the time and energy, we’re going to miss maximizing our potential.

Are we staying focused on our unique timeline?

Comparing to others can be dangerous. Others may be climbing the corporate latter quicker, crushing their health goals easier, naturally creating new connections smoother. Everyone else’s timeline is their own and none of our business. Staying focused on our process and growth, no matter how slow it may feel, is where our time and energy needs to focus. Play the long-game and focus on our unique timeline.

By the end of the season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Texas and Penn St. figure out some of their shortcomings. After all, falling short of reaching potential isn’t a finality. It’s always a process and we each hold the power of how we take on this process of closing the gap where we’re at today and where our potential can take us.

Take your step: pick one area of your life where you feel where you’re at right now isn’t matching up to where you should be. Take time to reflect on the five questions above and identify where you may need to invest more time. Maybe it’s working on your self-talk or having a need to create a clearer vision. Wherever the investment of time needs to be, remember the power is with you to close the gap between now and where your potential can take you.