Your Playlist for the Long Game: Why Effort Outweighs Winning
The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when no one else is watching - Anson Dorrance
Winning is great, right?
There’s a certain emotional high that winning evokes. It makes you think that you are on top of the world. That you can’t do any wrong.
But, eventually, everyone comes down from that emotional high. Something more powerful than winning, but less known and less glorified is your effort!
Your effort is an indication, the proof if you will, of how passionate you are about your craft. How committed. How disciplined.
Someone who works on their craft behind closed doors regardless of the circumstance and not just when the lights are turned on.
The Real MVP: Your Effort
Here’s the truth: winning is a bit like the weather forecast—it can be unpredictable.
Some days, no matter how hard you try, the winds don’t blow in your favour. Your shots just don’t fall in for you. That’s where your effort steps into the spotlight. Your effort is something you completely control.
It’s like the volume knob on your favourite speaker; you control how loud or soft it goes.
Why Effort Beats the Buzz of Winning
Effort is Reliable: Winning is a thrill (an emotional high), but it’s not always in your hands. Effort, however, is like your personal playlist—you choose what to play and how to play it. It’s always there, ready to be cranked up.
Builds Resilience: Think about a skateboarder trying to nail a trick. They fall (a lot!), but each attempt is a mixtape of effort and learning. It’s the grind that polishes your skills, not just the shiny trophy.
Prepares You for the Big Leagues: In sports and life, consistency is your best coach. It’s about showing up and giving your best, even on off days. This is how you play the long game, preparing for life’s major leagues, where effort is the currency.
Actionable Beats to Pump Up Your Effort
1. Set Effort Goals: Instead of just eyeing the scoreboard to fuel your motivation, set goals like improving your speed, or mastering a new technique. It’s like adding new tracks to your playlist—keeps things fresh and challenging.
2. Track Your Progress: Keep a log of your practices and what you’ve learned each time. It’s like having a playlist history that shows you how many times you’ve hit ‘play’ on effort.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Every small improvement is a win. Celebrate mastering a new move or beating your personal best. It’s like giving a shout-out to your favourite song on social media.
4. Feedback Loop: Regularly get feedback from your coaches and teammates. It’s like having guest DJs on your show, offering new beats and perspectives to help you improve your mix.
The Effort Metaphor: The Musician’s Journey
Imagine you’re a musician.
Winning a Grammy is fantastic, but what counts is every note you play, every rehearsal, and every small gig you perform at.
The effort is the daily jam session, not just the grand finale.
Wrapping It Up
So, while the spotlight of winning is dazzling, the backbone of any great athlete is the effort.
It’s what happens behind the scenes—in the gym, on the track, and in your heart. Pump up the volume on your effort, and watch how it changes not just your game, but your life.