YOU could say I get around these days. If I’m not filming a TV show I’ll be delivering a talk. If I’m not on stage at a strongman show, I’m in the boxing ring. It’s the life I’ve always wanted, and to live it is, quite literally, a dream come true. That’s why I never forget what it took to get me here.
Occasionally, on my social media, I’ll put up an old video of a training regime from the days before I won World’s Strongest Man in 2017. Cardio sessions that felt like they might do me in at the time! I do it to emphasise that success comes from hard work. When it comes to striving for more in life, no one’s going to step in and do that graft for you. In other words, developing a strong mindset is just as important as developing any other side of your character or physicality.
From the outside it’s easy to think that some people who succeed are simply born stronger-minded than others. Chances are, though, they have developed that side of themselves over time. They have found techniques that allow themselves to push through the big waves and find calmer water on the other side. For me, a lot of that mental strength came from pure ambition; the desire to test myself and pitch myself against the very best. More than that, to become the undisputed number one.
Others find it in different spaces – the challenge is to find what works for you. Don’t adopt someone else’s reasons as your own as in the long-term they won’t work. In fact, unpacking your own motivation is a great way of finding out more about yourself.
It’s worth spending a few minutes thinking about – those few minutes will be a massive help to you in the days, weeks, and years to come. They will also be a source of huge satisfaction.
Achieving a goal is what pushes us on to the next one.
Be strong and back yourself. I will always have faith in you!
Big love – Eddie.