How great would it be to take the stage in front of 30,000 people singing your music and relishing in your every word?
How amazing would it be to step into a batters box with the game on the line, 40,000 screaming fans and getting a hit that wins the game?
How cool would it be to create a company, say Whole Foods, and sell for 17 billion to a super brand like Amazon?
All are amazing scenarios. All represent the American Dream.
All have some major things in common.
Let's start with this: Athletes want to be Rockstars. Rockstars want to be Athletes. Businessmen want to be both.
The common thread behind the scenes is they all need high levels of performance & training in order to sustain themselves over the long haul.
As you guys know, I have a very diverse roster of clients. My business model is built on this diversity and provides me satiety to my diverse palate of interactions that I am fueled by.
Last week, after working with Rock Band O.A.R. at Jones Beach Amphitheater, I realized that we all crave "BETTERMENT".
Those that perform at the highest level of their craft enjoy being pushed and coached to the next level. They love the exploration process of learning better ways to do things and advancing themselves to new heights. At the root of it all, they love the challenge.
Athletes love challenges. Businessmen love challenges. Rockstars love challenges. Why?
Because in order for those 3 groups to succeed and make it, they were conditioned to deal with daily challenges. Challenges of loss. Challenges of overcoming failure. Challenges of gaining momentum and then losing it.
What I have learned in working with these groups is that they are trained to fail. They are great at failing. How do you know somebody is great at failing?
By their ability to rebound. The average hit a failure point in their journey and then quit. They say that wasn't for them. They didn't like the way that felt, so they abandon that dream or goal. They let the failure win.
The best of the best embrace challenges. They embrace the "uncomfortable".
After pushing my clients pretty hard last week, I realized I am increasing their "pain tolerance" and helping to drive their "failure tolerance" up to new heights. Driving this "tolerance" will make them stronger not only physically, but mentally so they can endure the road ahead.
What Marc Roberge, the lead singer of O.A.R. said that resonated with me was it doesn't get any easier. They have been touring since 1996 and are still working harder than ever to gain fans. To spread their message. To inspire other via their music.
Anita, my 90 year friend in Florida told me the same thing. It doesn't get easier, you have to get better.
Brandon Steiner of Steiner Sports, around since the 80s, has been battling since he got in the game to sell memorabilia and dirt.
My take away is this:
If you want to get to the top of anything, you must endure. You must endure the "pain" of failure and fruits of "success". You must not let failure defeat you but accept it as a part of the process.
Finally, you must train yourself mentally and physically to endure it all. High performers train their bodies and minds for high performance outcomes.
Bruce Springsteen is in his late 60s and puts on a show that most 25 years olds could not keep up with. How? He trains. He knows he must be in the best shape possible to deliver at the level he expects of himself.
So, wherever you are at in your Journey, it is time to look in the mirror, redefine your goals and start training for greatness.
I know this all sounds a bit ra-ra, but the truth is we all need something or somebody to kick us into gear. Why not start today. Start. Take action. Go sweat. Shock your body.
Work at a level you have not worked at in some time. Endure the good soreness. Enjoy the investment you are making in yourself. If you want more, you must become more. If you become more, you will be worth more. Most importantly, you will be worth more to yourself.#LIKEAPRO
Dana Cavalea
Dana Cavalea is the World Champion Director of Strength and Conditioning & Performance of the New York Yankees.
Currently, he is a High Performance Speaker & Consultant to Pro Athletes, Entrepreneurs, Business Executives, and Workforces on lifestyle strategies to reduce stress, improve work/life integration, and most importantly improve daily performance /outcomes.
Book Dana to Speak at your Company Event or Conference Today!
