When we talk about constantly operating at a high level, we always assume that it has to come from the performance side of our personality, when in reality, we must also have our personal happiness. A couple of weeks ago I shared my roadmap to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and being able to visualise that helped me massively. Just like that roadmap, this helped understand what satisfies the Athlete but also the Human in me.
You'll see in the bottom left corner that I've put "Give yourself permission". This is because to a certain extent, I felt guilty doing these things which weren't related to my job or extending my performance. However, without those personal things which gave me rest, clarity but also creativity; I wouldn't have been performing at a high level more than a few weeks/months.
You'll also see at the top, I've put AP Ingredients for Success.
- Continual Challenge
- Health (staying injury and illness free)
- Variety in my training and life
- Space for emotion, etc...
Just a few ingredients that also help me see my WHY. I see a lot of 'Ikigai' posts around finding purpose and, ultimately, what is getting you out of bed in the morning to chase the dragon; in fact I wrote about it extensively in my book. That is my WHY is in the middle because everything I do and everything I am, relies on it.
I can talk and write about every indicate detail for hours because it's been so important for my own happiness and success. As I get older, these factors will also change, and I'm sure ill be reaching out to Rachel Smith again soon to see what 2025 looks like for me. Remember, before you want to quit, have a rest and look at the road both behind you and in front of you.
