Golden Rule #2 Find the Positive
Previously I gave a little bit of insight into my Coaching Ethos and Athlete Philosophy and my 5 golden rules.
I’m diving a little bit deeper in to each one in separate posts. Last week was Rule #1 Control the Controllable
This week it’s Rule #2
Number 2) Find the Positive
Like the first Golden Rule, this one takes a lot of practice and commitment. You can’t just wake up one day and change your mindset. It takes work.
Finding the Positive, like Control the Controllable, means embracing the Stoic way of thinking and controlling your reaction to situations.
As an Endurance Athlete finding the positive is crucial to success.
You are going to have bad races. You are very likely going to experience a DNF. You are very likely going to get injured at some point.
Endurance events are tough. You are going to spend a lot of time feeling beaten up and wondering “why the hell am I doing this”
How you handle being placed in tough situations, as well as dealing with the lows, are what is going to make you as an athlete.
Race DNF – sure it sucks, but what went well.
Why did you DNF? What can you learn?
I had a mechanical failure very early on the bike leg at an Ironman, which was my first DNF ever. It was devastating BUT I had a great swim. I took that away with me. Attempt 1 done… live it, learn it… head back for Attempt 2. Yay, I get swim in the gorgeous lake again.
Injured – yep, its annoying for sure but injuries are opportunities.
Can you train around it?
Yes, then let’s go and it might be the chance to work on a new strength or skill!
No, ok great. Then you now have a bunch of time to devote to developing a different skill that will help you become a better athlete, and a better person.
Jocko Wilink, ex Navy Seal, calls his take on this theory ‘“Good”.
Whatever happens, the response is “Good”
Didn’t get the promotion you wanted.
Good. It gives you more time to sharpen your skillset and become better in your current role.
Can’t afford that fancy piece of equipment you wanted.
Good. It gives you more time to become a savage using the basic things you have available.
As I said, this one isn’t easy but it is worth it.
People love to complain. People love to make excuses… but those people are the ones content with being average at best.
If you want to rise up, you will find the positive and say “Good”
#FindThePositive
Dedicated to endurance, particularly in extreme events like Ironman, OCR and Ultras, Liza stands out not just as a coach but as an emblem of determination and tenacity.
With a reputation for moulding winners and transforming raw potential into prowess, Liza is the top pick for those aspiring to reign supreme in their sport.
Liza’s coaching philosophy centres on the power of the mind. Her five pillars – Control the Controllable, Find the Positive, Focus on You, 100% Effort, and Extreme Ownership – guide athletes to both mental and physical excellence.
Whether you're just starting out or vying for the gold, Liza ensures your hard work delivers results. Train with Liza and unleash the ultimate athlete within you.