It’s easy to think of elite athletes as physical outliers, genetic anomalies who are destined for success. But of course, just because you have the tools doesn’t mean you can put it all together.

The greatest athletes in any sport aren’t the most physically gifted; they’re the ones who transcended their physical limitations and became something more. Training, mental fortitude, problem solving, poise under pressure — athletes have myriad skills that have been forged in the crucible of competition. And these skills don’t just apply to sports. They’re transferable to the courtroom and the law office.

To that end, we’re bringing you the best insights from our conversations with four of the world’s most elite athletes so that you can step up your performance and make your career elite.

It’s All About Preparation

For all these athletes, the wins and records stem from training. But it’s not just about hitting the gym; it’s the mentality you bring to that practice. George Foreman III never lost a professional fight, in part because he challenged himself in training and took his losses there. By the time he got in the ring, the bout was simple compared to what he had overcome before.

For attorneys, so much of the outcome is determined before you set foot in the courtroom. The game is when you show how well you’ve prepared.

Edging the Competition in the Details

Each of these athletes also carries incredible competitive spirit. But to turn success into dominance, you can’t just rely on best practices — that’s what Mat Fraser found. At the elite levels of CrossFit, everybody was training hard. To win five titles in a row, Mat had to find the 1% gains on the fringes — perfecting his nutrition, his sleep, his travel. Stacking these small advantages gave him an edge on competition that led to sustained excellence.

Just Keep Pushing

And just like law, reaching new heights involves navigating the low points. In their journeys, Mark Beaumont and James Lawrence pushed themselves to the limit. They fought through injuries, exhaustion, and the elements. As they persevered, they found they had reserves of strength they didn’t even know about. When James reached his goal of 100 triathlons in 100 days, he ran another, just to show that you can always do one more. Mental toughness isn’t simply a cliche. It’s a skill, cultivated by consistently challenging yourself.

There’s so much for game-changers to learn from these athletes. Their competitive spirit is parallel to some of the top attorneys in the field, as is their relentless drive to be great. So pop in your earbuds, click play, and start your training. No montage necessary.

In this episode:

George Foreman III on taking losses in preparation to avoid them when it counts
Mark Beaumont on how to persevere when you’re at your lowest
Mat Fraser on the 1% gains that separate you at an elite level
James Lawrence on developing and using your support system

Links and Resources

TBD | Inside the Goonerverse

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