At this ultra-competitive level (9-time world champ), motivation becomes a key factor in success. Very few athletes are able to reach the apex of their sport *9* times. Lance Armstrong did it 7 times consecutively (winning the Tour de France). Arnold Schwarzenegger won 7 Mr. Olympia titles (6 of them consecutively). What exactly motivates or drives an athlete to this kind of success? It may surprise you to learn that it doesn't stem from wanting to win... but instead from having something to prove to someone.
In Arnold’s case, it was anger at his father’s unfounded belief that Arnold wasn’t his true son and the blatant favoritism his father showed toward Arnold’s two older brothers. Arnold had something to prove.
In Lance Armstrong’s case, it was his six year rivalry with German cyclist Jan Ullrich who openly challenged Armstrong’s ability to win [following his first Tour win] without any true competition [Ullrich did not race during Armstrong’s first win due to an injury]. Lance had something to prove.
Are you playing just to win… or do you have something to prove? I guess there’s something to the old saying “kites rise highest against the wind.”
(Thanks Ye Old Rag Blog)
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