15 Lessons in 15 years of Coaching CrossFit Games Athletes with Ben Bergeron
Sep 19, 2023
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Ben Bergeron, CrossFit Affiliate owner, CrossFit Games Coach, and host of Chasing Excellence Podcast, shares 15 major lessons he learned in his 15-year coaching career. Topics discussed include mindset, staying focused, tailoring coaching approaches, being 'dialed in', overcoming adversity, happiness and fulfillment, and the importance of hard work.
Authenticity and staying true to oneself is crucial in coaching and in life.
Actions speak louder than words; it's important to take action and put in the effort.
Character traits like discipline, curiosity, and calmness contribute to athletic success and personal growth.
Being prepared for adversity and maintaining composure are key in overcoming challenges.
True success requires going beyond hard work and being fully committed and dedicated.
Obsession can drive athletic success, but it's important to maintain balance and consider potential negative impacts on other aspects of life.
Deep dives
Be authentically you at all times
The speaker emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not pretending to be someone they are not. They share personal experiences of trying to fit into a role and the realization that being genuine is the best approach in coaching and in life.
Actions speak louder than words
The speaker highlights the importance of taking action and letting one's actions speak for themselves. They discuss how talking about goals and aspirations is not enough, and that it is the actions and effort put in that truly count.
Better people make better athletes
The speaker emphasizes the impact of character traits on athletic performance. They explain that qualities like discipline, curiosity, and calmness contribute to an athlete's success. Additionally, they mention that becoming a better athlete can also lead to personal growth and the cultivation of positive character traits.
You have to be prepared enough for things to go wrong and still be okay
The speaker discusses the importance of being prepared for adversity. They share examples of athletes facing challenges during competitions and highlight the significance of maintaining composure and resilience. The ability to handle unexpected situations with grace and still perform at a high level is emphasized.
Everyone is working hard, few are dialed in
The speaker emphasizes that simply working hard is not enough to achieve success. They discuss the importance of being fully committed and dedicated to one's pursuits, going beyond just the bare minimum and striving for excellence. The distinction between those who are only working hard and those who are truly dialed in is highlighted.
Obsession might not be healthy
The speaker reflects on the value of obsession in achieving athletic success, but also acknowledges that it may not always be healthy. They highlight the sacrifices and potential negative impacts that excessive focus and dedication can have on other aspects of life, while still recognizing the drive and determination it can bring.
It's not going to be perfect, do what you can with what you have
The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action and making the best of any given situation. They stress that waiting for perfect conditions or circumstances will only lead to inaction and missed opportunities. Encouragement is given to make the most of the resources and capabilities at hand.
The right mindset won't make you win, but it can make you lose
The speaker discusses the impact of mindset on performance, highlighting that having the right mindset alone may not guarantee victory, but lacking the right mindset can lead to defeat. They highlight the significance of being mentally prepared and avoiding negative thought patterns that can hinder performance.
Be prepared enough for things to go wrong and still be okay
The speaker stresses the importance of being prepared for challenges and setbacks. They emphasize the need to maintain composure and resilience when things do not go as planned. The ability to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity is highlighted as crucial for success.
Be the best version of you at all times
The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing one's uniqueness and being true to oneself. They discourage imitation and emphasize the need to be genuine. Personal experiences and lessons learned from trying to fit into certain roles are shared, underlining the significance of being authentic.
Importance of Authenticity and Gut Feeling
Being authentic and trusting your gut is crucial in coaching and in life. Success comes from staying true to yourself and not second-guessing your decisions. While it may be challenging to know if you're being authentic, hindsight can provide clarity. Asking for feedback can also help you stay authentic and improve your coaching skills.
Understanding Pressure and the Game of Life
Pressure can either crack pipes or make diamonds. It all depends on how you perceive and approach it. Seeing pressure as a privilege and recognizing that it's just a moment in time can help transform its impact. The game of life, like sports, has its ups and downs, but it's important to maintain perspective and not let the little things consume us. Understanding that life is a game allows us to approach challenges with a playful mindset and focus on being our best selves.
Ben Bergeron is a CrossFit Affiliate owner, CrossFit Games Coach, Owner of CompTrain, Ted Speaker, Author of two books, and host of the Chasing Excellence Podcast.
Ben’s 15 year coaching tenure including working with the best CrossFit Games athletes in the world including world champion Katrin Davidsdottir and Mat Fraser.
In today’s conversation Ben takes a look back at his hall of fame coaching career and pulls out 15 major lessons he learned over the course of 15 years.
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