Understandably the media seems to only have two topics these days: Sport and Brexit so we thought we’d get them together….
Whether you work for a multi-national company or start up, it’s obvious that recent change with Europe makes us feel initially vulnerable so what better way to get some motivation than from incredible sportsmen who’ve all had moments of doubt….
1. Keep on moving
‘What’s behind you doesn’t matter.’
Enzo Ferrari, racing driver
We’re not sure if his quote refers to the serious man behind him in the photo but we say ‘Bravo Enzo!’ as the point is that whether it be your competitors or your own mistakes make sure you take stock and from then on only focus on what you are doing from today.
Others will stand in your way but don’t be afraid to become the distruptive creative, better to take a risk to improve than be the one jumping on the last carriage of the band wagon because that’s safe.
Think of a routine you’re not that crazy about whether it be commute, chores and then change it…just because you’ve always done it doesn’t mean it has to continue.
2. Follow that dream (yes we did really say that)
‘I never let doubt or the thought of failure come into my mind. I was taught to believe in myself and believe in my coach. I had a dream but this was real and was giving everything for it. And 15 months on from my first race, I was representing Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.’
Mel Nicholls, Paralympian
Mel, who’s now on her way to representing GB at Rio, was originally interested in competing with horses but she was pursued by her coach to try out for wheelchair racing and she was hesitant. When he finally convinced her she saw her goal overnight and did not let up. If anybody told her that she probably couldn’t do it she obviously didn’t listen.
She had competitors who’d trained and raced for longer but that was her fuel, the reason to prove she had every right to be in the race.
Everyone has an angle so be strong, know who you are, what you want and simply go out and prove you’ve got what it takes.
3. Mind over matter
‘I always felt that my greatest asset was not my physical ability, it was my mental ability’.
Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner, decathlete
Start each day like a adrenaline pumped teenager about to walk in to the prom by chanting ‘I can do this, I can do this.’ Maybe under your breath unless you want a visit from HR.
Remember, however much you are admired by your bosses and colleagues the only person that can get you that perfect team, win the big client pitch or negotiate a much awaited pay rise is you.
As Olympic decathlete Bruce (now Caitlyn) Jenner puts so well it’s your mind not your body that’s leading and undoubtedly her recent lifestyle change must have taken more mental ability than tackling any race.
4. Accept some pain
‘I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’
Muhammad Ali, boxer
The idea is of course that you love every day of your job equally. It’s such a joy to be employed that you can’t wait to get your office clobber on and run into work to give it 100% just like you did yesterday and the day before.
Yup, well the truth, as we all know, is that every day is different, the commute can be dire, your colleague is inexplicably testy, you’ve been given a client brief at the same time you’re due to leave the office to go for a drink…however if you can get through these spells then the good stuff, which should be 99% of the time, is all the more sweet.
5. Chase after (a little bit of) bling…
‘I don’t want a flashy car, just something that would allow me to stop using the Tube. And it would be good not to have to rely on my mum all the time, particularly when I have to listen to her singing in her car. ‘
Andy Murray, tennis player
Yes we know it’s best to think about others and want a clutter-free life filled with nothing but love but everyone has something material they’re coveting. We bet even the Dalai Lama.
Whether it be a weekend away, playhouse for the kids, pair of shiny new shoes…put a big ol’ pic of it next to your screen.
6. Everything is absolutely possible
‘Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.’
David Beckham, footballer
As Becks just said (aaah there he is, scoring from the halfway line) impossible does not exist.
Take all those ridiculously successful people we’ve seen, Steve Jobs, Einstein, JK Rowling, Walt Disney who were all told to take a walk at some point….they never stopped believing in themselves because they desperately wanted their ideas to become a reality.
7. It’s not too late
‘Never put an age limit on your dreams’
Dara Torres, swimmer
And there we have it.
It matters not a jot how old you are because with all that wisdom you know what works and what doesn’t.
So take that experience to get you to the next brilliant thing you do and then leave those pups in your wake.