I hope that you enjoyed this week’s podcast, which focused on the ‘secret weapons’ of professional athletes.  In the show, I discuss traits and approaches of various pros, in and outside of triathlon, Purple Patch and not.  I wanted to provide a little more insight into the episode, and some food for thought.

Let’s establish what the pro athletes can teach us.  Many make the mistake of simply emulating the approach of a professional, whether it is what they eat, how they train or more.  They are the best, so emulate the best and perhaps some of the magic will rub off on me!  This is not the lens to take.  Pros in any sport are unapologetically chasing world class performance, with the rest of their worlds shaping around sports performance.  As committed as we are to goals, that isn’t the same as us, with many aspects of our busy lives competing for attention.  Pro athletes can provide lessons, but should be viewed as a ‘lab’.  A testing and proving ground to highlight principles and approaches, that then must be applied to a complex life.  

When you listen to the episode, I invite you to listen for elements of an athletes approach to performance, but then apply the features to your own situation and life.  There are many pieces of the show that can apply.  The confidence in going easy and taking a break (Sam Appleton), the commitment to seeking perspective and seeing the bigger picture (Jesse Thomas), the inevitable adversity and challenge that will come (Sarah Piampiano and Rachel Joyce), and a focus on the things you can control, no matter what (Meredith Kessler).

I hope you enjoy the episode, it is a lot of fun, but also full of lessons. You can also get my thoughts on several professional athletes - from the tennis court to the hockey court - that didn't make it into the show here.

Cheers,

Matt