And it's something everyone--regardless of their background, education, or connections--can do.
How can Steve Jobs help your triathlon career?
The Key to Triathlon Success: Perseverance and Consistency
I'm not particularly gifted as an athlete. I don't have any remarkable physical abilities or an exceptional background in sports. I'm just an average person.
However, there is a quote by Steve Jobs that perfectly captures what separates successful triathletes from the rest:
"I'm convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure PERSEVERANCE. It is so hard. You pour so much of your life into this thing."
While Jobs was referring to entrepreneurship, his words resonate with the world of triathlon. Success in triathlon, like any other pursuit, relies heavily on perseverance and consistency. It's not just about being naturally talented or having the best equipment. It's about showing up and giving it your all, even when faced with challenges.
In my journey as a triathlete, I've come to realise that showing up and staying committed carries tremendous significance. Athletes who consistently train and show up for their workouts are more likely to see improvements in their performance.
Regular training attendance positively correlates with better race outcomes and overall fitness levels among triathletes. There is a ton of research that concluded that training consistency plays a vital role in achieving success in the sport.
Even on those days when motivation is lacking or the training seems particularly tough, showing up and doing something is better than doing nothing at all. If your goal is to complete a specific number of swim, bike, or run sessions per week, sticking to that plan, even if you modify it slightly, helps maintain the routine and keeps you on track. The habit of consistent training is challenging to establish but easy to break, so every small effort counts.
Triathlon legend Mark Allen once said, "If you don't want to swim, bike, or run, make a deal with yourself to do at least five minutes of it. After five minutes, you'll likely end up completing the whole workout." Even if you don't, that's okay. Showing up every day builds discipline and allows you to track your progress over time.
Consistency not only helps develop physical skills but also shapes your identity as a triathlete. When you consistently engage in triathlon training, you start to see yourself as an athlete. You no longer perceive it as something you do but as an integral part of who you are. This shift in mindset influences your actions and commitment to the sport.
The power of language also plays a role in shaping our behaviour.
Instead of saying, "I'm not that good at running" reframing it as, "I am a runner" can have a profound effect on your motivation and commitment.
It's important to remember that success in triathlon doesn't solely rely on innate talent.
While some athletes may have a natural predisposition, most skills required for triathlon can be learned and developed through consistent training and dedication.
So, if you want to become a successful triathlete, remember that it's not about being the most gifted or the fastest. It's about showing up, pushing through the tough moments, and embracing the process. Perseverance and consistency are the keys that unlock your potential in triathlon.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced triathlete, know that every training session, every step forward, and every stroke in the water brings you closer to your goals. So keep showing up, keep pushing yourself, and keep striving for excellence. Success in triathlon is within your reach if you're willing to put in the effort.
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