Completing six Ironman Triathlons certainly taught me physical and mental endurance. But it wasn’t until I applied those skills to my career in business that I saw the real payoff, particularly in the increasingly dynamic and uncertain world that we all operate in today.
Being a competitive athlete taught me how to view my work through a long-term lens. I learned to appreciate small daily victories while realizing that steady progress and focus are key. I know now that that the winner is not always the person who goes the fastest—it’s the one who slows down the least.
In other words, being an athlete has trained my brain. And with all the challenges of today’s business environment, it’s essential to train your brain to focus, persevere, and handle the inevitable ups and downs.
Where Business Leaders and Athletes Meet
I’ve known many business leaders and world-class athletes in my career, and I’ve noticed differences in their mindsets.
Business leaders usually focus more on short-term results, adapting priorities and responding to day-to-day demands. Athletes have usually shifted their mindset to focus on long-term goals, such as maximizing potential and pushing themselves.
Every successful athlete envisions crossing the finish line. That’s what gets us through challenges and injuries. Taking that same approach to your business—knowing you’ll encounter failures but believing in your abilities—can make all the difference.
As an endurance athlete, I also have learned that focusing on long-term goals requires specific, short-term focus. In triathlon racing, this is what we call “managing inside the box,” or focusing on what you can do this minute. The “box” is the space and time you can influence — the next swim buoy or water station. You can’t start your day thinking about the Ironman’s 140.6 miles ahead of you; you have to train yourself to focus on the now.
How to Train your Brain
Fortunately, you can start training your brain immediately. It’s a muscle that needs exercise to get stronger, so I recommend including these workouts in your daily routine to maximize your mental strength:
- Physical Exercise: Studies suggest exercise improves brain structure and cognition. Workouts also improve self-efficacy—our ability to confidently face problems.
- Positive Thinking: Neuroscience shows us that focusing on our strengths and successes, rather than gaps and limitations, can actually help to build brain capacity and put us in a more favorable position to be successful in whatever we are pursuing.
- Conversation: Engaging in mentally stimulating conversation strengthens your mental fitness. Focus on understanding what someone is saying and analyzing information objectively.
- Relax: Your brain needs time to recover, just like your body. Being mentally well-rested gives you strength to work at maximum capacity.
So even if you never plan to lace up a pair of running shoes, you too can train your brain to work like an endurance athlete—and build on those benefits to get yourself ready for anything.