Preparation and support are the key to success

I have just finished reading Tanni Grey Thompson's book "Aim High". Although this particular book is short, it is a valuable quick read.

One of the key premises throughout the book is that Tanni attributes her success to using her motto of aiming high, preparation (hard work to the mere mortal) and the support of her family.

I certainly don't think that any aspiring athlete can go far wrong by taking this very simple approach. No matter what career you embark on it is important to set your sights high so that you challenge and motivate yourself.

No successful person has achieved their success without a great deal of preparation and support (If you do find one please e-mail me at trisha@awinninglife.co.uk). We call this stage 'laying the foundations'. This means doing the things that have to be done to ensure that you can take the next step confidently and therefore successfully.

It is also important to maximise the time that you spend working towards your goal as time is in limited supply. This means working hard as well as working smart.

Tanni Grey Thompson is a fantastic example of this and her achievements in sport are absolute proof that this works.

Andy Murray, Lewis Hamilton and Monty Panesar are showing that they are already collecting many an accolade and seemingly following a similar success strategy.

I guess only time will tell to see how effective it is. I don't know about you, but so far so good I am impressed!

New Kid on the Block

Lewis Hamilton is already in the record books as the first Formula 1 driver to make the podium in his first 3 grand prix races - Congratulations!

Just before his race in Bahrain he said the following:-

" so far I haven't made a mistake... but we all make mistakes. It is inevitable when you are pushing the car to the limit that you are going to make errors and it will happen at some point. I don't know when but I'll try to deal with it the best way i can when it does happen."

Wise words from one so young and so early in what seems to be a promising career.

One of the most important things in laying the foundations for a successful career in competitive sport is identifying the key factors in your goal achievement. Hamilton has certainly established one of his key factors as recognising that mistakes are inevitable and the best form of defence is by dealing with those mistakes head on. To ignore the fact that you are fallible can be a
dangerous game.

"Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralising."
Harriet Braiker

The Face of a Sporting Hero (or heroine!)

Matthew Syed in a recent article in the Times Newspaper stated that Andrew Flintoff is “an inspiration precisely because he messed up”. He comments that Flintoff is a true role model as apposed to someone like Tiger Woods who he refers to in the same article as a rather soulless character. This is of course his opinion and one that you may or may not agree on.

What, or who is a hero?

I shall suggest a definition. A hero is someone who inspires, sets a good example perhaps, and exhibits excellence in his, or her field. A hero is someone who people, young or old, look up to and may aspire to be like.

A sports hero can be a great motivator for someone starting out in sport. For example there are great aspects of Tiger Woods’ character which are to be admired such as his dedication to his sport, his commitment to excellence, his consistency, his genius on the golf course and his obvious love of the game. On the other side of the coin you have someone like Andrew Flintoff who is definitely more gregarious and openly passionate about his sport and that is to be admired, but in my view no less so than someone like Tiger Woods.

Heroes are important to us all and when chosen appropriately they can serve us well. They can inspire, motivate, guide and encourage you to excel in your chosen field. In choosing a hero we can choose to look up to the parts of their persona that we like and that inspire us rather than having to take on board the whole persona. Choosing a hero carefully is an excellent way to maximise the effectiveness of using any hero.

Heroes, or some would say role models can come in all shapes and sizes, we choose who we want to look up and who we see as inspirational.

Who are your heroes, and what have they done for you lately?

Retiring on your terms

The process of retiring is challenging for everyone but none moreso than for professional sportspeople who typically end their sporting careers at a much earlier biological and chronological age.

However this brings with it potentially huge advantages. If the decision is taken voluntarily and it is carefully planned there is a much greater opportunity for a seamless transition into the next phase of that sportsperson's life.

Contrast this situation with either somebody whose career is ended prematurely, through injury or non selection, or where people postpone their decision and compete well beyond their best because they seem unable to let go. At either end of the spectrum, negative feelings of anger, anxiety and fear are likely to be much more prevalent.

It is refreshing therefore to hear that Jason Robinson has chosen to end his playing days voluntarily, possibly assisted by delays in discussing a new contract. As he says "There is actually a life away from rugby. My family are the main things. I cannot see for one minute me looking back and wishing I'd played another year".

Jason Robinson is an example of somebody who views retirement from competitive sport as an opportunity rather than a threat and, as a result, should make the adjustment both more seamlessly and successfully.