23 Key Thoughts for Sustained Excellence for 2023

The year 2022 is rapidly coming to a close. It was a very successful year for Catalyst Multisport clients, with multiple goals achieved , be it PR’s, podiums, stepping up distance or simply getting out there and doing it.

It was also a year in which things almost returned to normal in regards to travel, racing and life in general. I will ignore the 2 World Championship races in the same year and the new normal regarding Kona as that does not affect the vast majority of us.

With that said as we are about to swap out that 2022 calendar for a brand spanking new 2023 one here are 23 of my thoughts for us as athletes, actually human beings for that matter can keep in mind as we progress through the year.

1) While outcomes matter, you have to enjoy the process if you are to have meaningful longevity in anything you do.

2) Community is essential, no one does it alone. Those in your inner circle help to shape you so surround yourself wisely.

3) Consistency is key, it trumps everything else.

4) It is much more important on how you perform on average or even bad days than how you do on your good ones.

5) Work and training can be a big part of your life but not the only part. Find time for things outside of them to really enjoy life.

6) The ability to prioritize and compromise when necessary is key.

7) Be patient, there will be periods of plateaus and even stagnation, but know there will also be big gains.

8) Coaching and mentorship is essential.

9) After bigs wins or devastating defeats the medicine is the same, get back on the horse and work.

10) Show up, even we when you do not feel like it.

11) Caring deeply about anything makes you vulnerable and that just a price you have to pay but know that vulnerability can help you connect with others on a similar path.

12) There are no shortcuts or hacks in life.

13) Movement will help you stay grounded and focused on the big picture.

14) Use routines to simplify life but be flexible enough to alter them when necessary.

15) You do not have to like failure but you do have to be okay with it, it is part of life.

16) Nutrition is important, it fuels the body and the mind. Garbage in = garbage out.

17) Focus on the fundamentals, do not waste time on fads or the latest and greatest new thing.

18) Find meaning in what at first seems boring.

19) Curiosity is the remedy for anxiety.

20) Don’t focus on being the best but rather focus on being the best at geting better.

21) Take your work and training seriously, yourself not so much.

22) Inspiration comes and goes, habits are far more reliable

23) Stress + Rest = Growth. Figuring out the appropriate dose of each is key but also a moving target.

Well there you go, a few thoughts and ideas for 2023. I would like to thank Brad Stulberg for his guidance and inspiration for these thought. I’m sure there are more and if you are so inclined do not hesitate to drop me a line at coachted@catalystmultisport.life to let me know yours.

Have a happy and healthy 2023.