Training for Longevity and Resilience

Are we too focused on peak performance?

It's hard to deny that our culture places a lot of emphasis on winning and brief moments of extraordinary achievement. Whether it's a gold medal at the Olympics, a record-breaking sales quarter, or a viral social media post, we seem to be drawn to the highest of highs. But is this obsession with peak performance actually hindering our long-term success and well-being?

To explore this idea, let's consider the career of Tom Brady, the most successful professional athlete of all time. With seven Super Bowl championships and an unheard of 21 seasons in the NFL, it's clear that Brady has had plenty of peak moments. But what sets him apart is not just his ability to perform at a high level in big games, it's his longevity and sustained excellence over the course of his career.

As I approach my 46th birthday, just as Tom Brady will do later this year, I'm still astonished at how he has been able to perform at the highest level and isn't showing signs of slowing down. This is not just a matter of natural talent or good genes – it's the result of years of hard work and dedication to his craft. Brady has famously strict training and nutrition habits, and he is always looking for ways to improve and evolve his game. This long-term focus on performance has allowed him to stay at the top of his field for two decades and counting.

So why do we tend to overlook the importance of sustained excellence in favor of brief periods of peak performance? One possible reason is that it's simply more exciting to talk about a one-time record-breaking feat than the slow and steady progress of a long-term journey. But the reality is that true greatness is often the result of a consistent commitment to improvement and discipline, rather than just a single standout moment.

As a father of two teenage kids, I've learned firsthand the importance of sustained performance in everyday life. My son, in particular, has inspired me to recommit to my own journey towards long-term health and well-being.

The moment COVID struck, my son became overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. All he wanted to do was play video games non-stop as sports were no longer an option for him. By the time spring rolled around, he recognized that the start of freshman year in high school was quickly approaching - and with it came a newfound motivation to bulk up. With his sights set on charming the ladies, he soon discovered that working out not only helped him physically but also improved his confidence as well. His added muscle mass and "swag" became infectious and suddenly his sister and majority of his friends began taking an interest in working out too. This undoubtedly marked a pivotal moment for him both mentally and emotionally.

Like many of us, I've had my fair share of ups and downs when it comes to exercise and healthy habits. There have been times when I was highly motivated and making great progress, only to lose steam and fall back into old patterns. But seeing the positive impact that regular exercise has had on my son's mental health has been a powerful motivator for me to make it a daily practice (no matter how exhausted I am at the end of the day).

But it's not just about working out to succeed in sports or to feel better about ourselves – the concept of long-term performance applies to our businesses as well. How often do we set a target for ourselves, only to become discouraged when we don't achieve it quickly or perfectly? We may be more likely to stick with our goals if we focus on the long-term benefits of healthy living and exercise, rather than just the immediate satisfaction of a brief burst of effort.

The truth is, most of us will never be Tom Brady. But that doesn't mean we can't strive for sustained excellence in our own way. By shifting our focus from brief moments of peak performance to the long-term benefits of healthy habits and consistent effort, we can set ourselves up for a lifetime of success and well-being.

What types of healthy habits do you practice to ensure long-term success? Would love to hear your insights!