Preparation, Mindset and Self-Belief

I’ve just been in New York supporting my wife and one of our daughters run the marathon there. Standing among the crowds, I was struck by how much of what we were seeing that day - the pace, the determination, the focus and the resilience - was the visible tip of something much bigger.

A marathon isn’t just run well on the day. A successful race, for any one of the runners - however they each define success - is the product of months of preparation, discipline, and quiet consistency. The planning. The training runs in the rain. Time when you wish you were doing something else. The setbacks and recoveries. The belief that it will all be worth it.

Leadership works the same way. What others see: the presentation; the chaired meeting; the decision; the motivational chat; and the shared ideas are actually the outcome of deeper, longer term, often unseen work. And a vision and a focus on desired outcomes.

🔹 The mindset that shapes how you respond under pressure and deal with resistance or criticism

🔹 The determination to bounce back after a setback

🔹 The reflection that helps you learn rather than repeat mistakes

🔹 The self-management that keeps you effective and your life balanced

🔹The vision of where you are going, what you are doing and most importantly, why

Just as in sport, coaching can play a role here. It gives leaders space to prepare.  Not necessarily for one big event, but for the ongoing marathon of showing up every day to give of your best to the people you lead.

It helps:

✔ Build confidence before the moment of pressure and deal with negative reactions

✔ Sharpen awareness of your own patterns and triggers

✔ Develop habits that build resilience and sustain energy and focus

✔ Turn reflection into action

Performance isn’t luck. It’s the long hours of preparation for being able to meet opportunity when it arises.

And on a personal note, I am very proud of what my wife and daughter both achieved.