How many British Cyclists can you name? If I asked you 4 months ago, unless you are a bike geek, chances are the answer would be, “Huh.” Well Chris Hoy was just voted British Sports Personality of the Year. How can you go from obscurity to national fame? Well win an Olympic gold will help. But when the whole of the team excels you will find yourself a “star”. In the mainstream world’s mind you are an overnight success. But that is rarely the case. What can you learn from British cyclists success? How can you reach even greater levels of performance?
Success is usually born from failure. British cycling’s lowest point was 12 years when the team were so poor, they had to share sports clothing! One simple effective way to turn failure into success is to have a vision. Peter Keen was that man. He stood up and told his peers that he would make British cyclists the world’s best track cyclists.
Success is a system
“The challenge was to convert highly motivated, highly talented individuals into a system” said Keen. Every successful person has a support team of coaches, mentors, technical specialist etc. What support do you need that will improve your performance? I found a graphic designer to take all my design work off my to do list. The result was faster turnaround of higher quality work. I have built an international team of specialists that each contribute to my success. Who do you need to support you?
Focus consistently on success
Keen said in 2001 that he needed to clear out riders and coaches who weren’t obsessed with winning. Who around you is not contributing to your success? Do you have friends who are constantly negative about life, the economy, the traffic, or complaining and putting other people down? Do yourself a favour and cut them out of your life. Who are the people you regard as successful? How can you spend more time with them? A triathlon friend once told me that my income is an average of the ten people I spend the most time with! I don’t know if that is scientifically true but it really focused my attention on spending time with winners and people who want the best from life.
Written goals
My mentor, John Eggen says that one minute of planning can save up to 10 minutes in action. I spend more time now, not only thinking through my plans, but actually mapping out the plans as though I was going to hand it off to someone else. It makes me more rigorous and uncovers any gaps in the plan. Mark Victor Hansen calls this being strategic about your tactics. Great advice.
But remember the golden rule of planning: “a poor plan well executed is better than a perfect plan poorly executed.” So don’t over analyse your plan. Get it started and test it out.
Plans for 2009
Every year in December, I update a document I have been using for about 5 years. It includes all my long term dreams and shorter one year goals. I choose certain goals to focus on and expand upon them. Having written goals, frequently reviewed and worked on is the only way I know to guaranteeing a success attitude.
Start creating your “overnight success’ today and start living it in 2009. Life is not a race, but you can decide which gold medals you will win. Make your written plans today!
If you need any help with making written goals, drop me a line. I help my coaching clients get clarity in their lives and I offer an initial free telephone consultation without obligation.