What is Greatness ?
When we talk about greatness, several key factors come to mind: delayed gratification, a long-term perspective, and the ability to repeat success. To me, greatness is not just achieving something remarkable once; it’s about sustaining that excellence over an extended period. When I think of some of the greatest athletes of all time—names like Jordan, Kobe, Jeter, Gretzky, and Federer—they exemplify this concept of enduring greatness.
Appreciating the Greats
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to truly appreciate the careers of these iconic athletes. They were at the top of their game for years, and this led me to wonder: What kept them going? What kept them at the pinnacle of their sports? If my memory serves me correctly, it’s their unwavering consistency in everything they do. From their meticulous approach to nutrition, their thorough warm-up routines, their disciplined practice schedules, their commitment to recovery, and even their consistent sleep patterns – these athletes were the most consistent individuals in their respective sports. Fortunately for us, success leaves clues.
The Consistency Factor
I’m often approached with comments like, “I want to look like you.” While I appreciate the sentiment, it makes me pause and reflect. Do these individuals truly want to look like me, or do they desire it in this very moment? To attain a physique like mine, you’d have to rewind the tape nearly 15 years back to when my fitness journey began. I am a product of consistency. I never missed a day of school during my formative years. I never missed a game or practice in high school. I never missed a workout, practice, or game during my college years. I was consistent, and yes, perhaps a bit lucky as well.
The Pitfall of Intensity
If you’re genuinely committed to achieving the goals you often discuss, consistency is the cornerstone of your journey. However, consistency doesn’t have to start with audacious, overwhelming goals. Sometimes, it begins with small, manageable steps to set the wheels in motion. It might be as simple as committing to an early bedtime, taking more than 8,000 steps a day, or working out three times a week. What I frequently observe is people who want to slam the accelerator and make a radical overhaul of their bodies. They dive in with intense diets, new workout routines, cardio regimens, and so on. However, after a week or two, the initial momentum fizzles out, and they find themselves struggling to keep up.
Building a Strong Foundation
If you're genuinely committed to achieving the goals you often discuss, consistency is the cornerstone of your journey. However, consistency doesn't have to start with audacious, overwhelming goals. Sometimes, it begins with small, manageable steps to set the wheels in motion. It might be as simple as committing to an early bedtime, taking more than 8,000 steps a day, or working out three times a week. What I frequently observe is people who want to slam the accelerator and make a radical overhaul of their bodies. They dive in with intense diets, new workout routines, cardio regimens, and so on. However, after a week or two, the initial momentum fizzles out, and they find themselves struggling to keep up.
If your goal is to make significant changes in your life, think about establishing a robust foundation. Start small, stack good habits, and above all, remain consistent. With time, you will mold the person you’ve longed to become, but it all starts with consistency. Remember, consistency triumphs over intensity when it comes to lasting success.
With Strength,
Colin Masterson – Performance Coach
Employee – CM1 Performance
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