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Feed the Hunger; Succeed like an elite athlete

    Ironman Austin; Feed the Hunger; Succeed like an elite athleteJust getting back on track from racing Ironman Austin. Now I have to find another race to “Feed the Hunger”.

    Still, before taking on a new race, I wanted to share some reflections & tips for improvement.

    Tip #1

    Before putting on the wetsuit, don’t forget to tighten your tri shorts. That way, after the swim when the wetsuit is stripped off in front of hundreds of people, the shorts will stay on … yep, still feeling a bit mortified knowing a few lucky bystanders got to see all my glory.

    Tip #2

    If feeling down because you fell short of your goals, read something inspiring.  Case in point, on the flight home I read an article from USA Today about LeBron James; LeBron Still Unsettled, Back-to-back championships only make James hungrier to succeed.

    Well, that caught my eye.  Why was LeBron James hungry?  Wasn’t he content at being #1?  Apparently not.

    How does LeBron James feed his hunger for success?

    LeBron James; Feed the Hunger; Succeed like an elite athleteThat I maximize my potential –

    That I got everything out of my career, and I got everything out of my game that I could, and that I pushed the envelope….

    When people said I couldn’t get better, I continue to strive to get better.  If I do that, I can be very high.

    LeBron’s words resonated with me, not only as an athlete, but also as a business owner who’s aim is to inspire people and small/medium size companies to succeed by transforming their lives to Thrive With Purpose™.

    I understand the challenges of taking it to the next level.  For example, while training and racing Ironman (ok, while running) I’d ask, “Annemarie, how bad do you want to succeed?”  Usually, the question would get me to finish that training goal.  Still, it’s a mental challenge … day-by-day, minute-by-minutes, & at times second-by-second.

    Well, come to find out LeBron James also asked the same question after the Miami Heat lost the 2011 championship.  Looking for inspiration, he found the secret to success via an Eric Thomas’ speech.

    Feed the Hunger; Succeed like an elite athlete.
    Here are 5 Tips

    1. It’s your responsibility to focus on your attitude.  Meaning, the one thing you can control is your perception of the world.
    2. Embrace and love competing against yourself.  Don’t measure your success by other standards.  Rather, focus on attaining your personal best.
    3. Focus on the process not the result.  You can’t control results.  For example, you might break a national record, but still come in second place.  By focusing on the process your perspective stays in check, & you can still enjoy the race.
    4. Believe that you deserve success, & do everything to earn the right to succeed.
    5. Visualize & master the fundamentals – physically, strategically, & mentally? See yourself taking responsibility, doing the details, & succeeding.

    The Take Away …

    Austin was my 2nd Ironman sanctioned race.  Looking back on the experience I have a few regrets: a sloppy swim, a passive ride, & walking during the run.

    That reflection burns a desire to try again, to apply lessons learned, & to finish with a personal best.  After reading the LeBron James article I realized this 52 year old Ironman (who races for unknown crazy reasons) has the same desire to succeed as LeBron James, NBA’s MVP.

    It’s a refreshing reminder !!!
    We all hunger to maximize our potential. Feed the hunger.

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