Choose to be inspired.
For all the many failings of the internet, it has given us direct access to individuals.
As athletes, hard work is necessary. A daily diet of hard work can be boring, it can be repetitive, it can be difficult for many, that’s why so few people make it to the upper echelons of any pursuit. Goal setting is crucial, support is crucial, and frequently taking on board inspiration from people both within and without the sport can be a real boon.
Meet Dave Goggins. Long story short, a military man, an endurance athlete and a motivational speaker. There is much more to the gentleman, and here’s a link to his website for you to do a deep dive if you’re unfamiliar with him.
A man with a million worthy messages, one that resonated for my own athletic experience was envisaging the rival. Who do we need to beat. Who are we wanting to “catch up to”? Who do we want to dominate? While we sleep, are they up training. While we do nothing but eat pancakes on Sunday morning, have then done a lift, a lesson and prepared for a squad? Goggins challenges us to imagine our rival, realize that we will have to meet them in competition, in an important moment, and consider whether we are preparing with the intensity required to walk away proud and triumphant.
A man’s man, this might not be for everyone, but for many of us, this gentleman provides just the kick in the pants and the exportation to “stay hard” that we sometimes need…
