I'm back in the triathlon game as of this weekend. I put a hold on my racing game all of last year to focus on growing the business, but I've officially registered for a few races at the end of summer to get my head back in the game.
I've always been an athlete and there is something primal within me that feels the need to compete and race {I've felt this since I was a little girl}.
I wanted to break down in this episode some of the traits and skills that being an athlete has taught me that I can also bring to my business.
1. Discipline.
It’s not the will to win that matters -- everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters. -- Paul “Bear” Bryant
Everyone wants to show up on race day and win, but the athletes who win are winning because they have prepared in advance and committed to the training.
The same thing is true in business. You can’t expect to win on race day without showing up and preparing. This means taking action even when you don’t “feel” like it.
2. Handling fear, risks, and uncertainty
Never let the fear of striking out get in your way. -- Babe Ruth
Being able to handle uncertainty, risks, & fear is essential to creating success, and stepping outside of your comfort zone is what cultivates growth. Athletes understand this and are able to push through when necessary.
3. Resilience.
I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed. -- Michael Jordan
I’ve interviewed over 100 entrepreneurs for my podcast, The School of Self-Mastery podcast, and every single one of them has identified that their successes are a results of their failures.
There are going to be tons of missed shots, slow races, injuries, and lost games on the road to a world championship. If we are willing to reflect and learn from our failures, they are the reasons for our success.
4. Commitment to growth
Athletes spend time honing their craft, they know there is always room for improvement and they’re willing to spend the money, time and energy to ensure they enhance their skill sets, they know that if they’re not getting better, they’re getting left behind.
I have personally spent thousands of dollars on courses, mentors, certifications, and books because in my mind it’s no different than my life as an athlete and hiring the best trainer, equipment or coach to get me to the next level, to push me to places I couldn’t go on my own, and to improve my game.
5. Run Your Own Race
Most business owners want to look around, look ahead, and look behind to see who's creeping up, but the that will only cause you to trip and fall. Keeping your head in your own game is critical to your success and improvement.
As a triathlete, I know that the only person I'm really competing with each race day is myself. I can only realistically compare myself to my best time, and work towards achieving a PR that day on the course.
Constant comparison will slow you down, mess with your mind, and cause you to lose focus on what YOU really want.
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