Chasing Excellence

Once those traits are developed, we can start to follow the process. When character and process are both in place, the results will take care of themselves.

Along the way, you have to practice like you’re possessed. The kind of deliberate practice that leads to success takes a level of commitment, dedication, patience, focus, grit, and resilience that is impossible without an essential ingredient. Passion.

It’s the days when you have to do things that scare you, when you have to take risks, when you have to push against challenge and difficulty—those are the days that make you stronger, faster, and better overall. In strength and conditioning circles, this is known as the Overload Principle.

For years, I practiced visualization in this fashion. I had my athletes visualize perfection, executing flawlessly, achieving their desired outcomes, decimating the competition, and doing it all effortlessly.

Because Katrín, more than anyone I’ve ever met or coached, has bought into the process. “The process” is a term that’s been popularized by University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban.

“Sports do not build character, they reveal it.”

One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself. —Leonardo da Vinci

I will maximize my minutes by thinking, acting, training, and competing with excellence, regardless of circumstances.

They’re afraid of facing adversity, afraid of being uncomfortable. People want to do things they’re good at, because it makes them feel and look successful and provides a boost to the ego. It signals to those around them that they’re special, talented, gifted.