Regular readers of this site are aware of my fascination with world record performances and the secrets to how they took place. Recently, Australian gymnast Shannen Michaela set an accuracy record for foot archery with the longest bullseye in history. Michaela smashed the previous mark of twelve meters by hitting a twelve centimeter target from 18.27 meters while doing a handstand and using only her feet. Below is a news feature detailing the event. Afterwards I will provide 4 Keys To Elite Performance I gleaned from Michaela’s comments.
Elite Performance Takes Time
It took Michaela six years to set this record. The lesson for leaders is simple – you can’t microwave elite performance. It takes time and effort. Elite performance smells a lot like sweat and reeks of tenacity.
Elite Performers Make It Look Much Easier Than It Really Is
Think about the difficulty required to his a bullseye from eighteen meters. Now add in a handstand. If that is not enough, throw-in an inverted shot only using your feet. Michaela said, “I know I make it look easy but it is quite challenging.” That is common among elite performers. They make things look easier than they really are. This is simply because of the countless reps they have taken. Elite performers have gotten in their 10,000 hours of practice. As a result, they often make things look effortless.
Elite Performance Requires Humility
I wrote in my book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders that one of the qualities of the most successful leaders in the world is humility. While this may seem counterintuitive, it shouldn’t be. Elite performers understand how much work is left to be done and how much there is still left to accomplish. Apex leaders know you never arrive. Michaela admitted, “It’s crazy to think I’m the most accurate foot archer in the world.”
Elite Performers Are Rarely Satisfied
Leaders are always looking for the next proverbial mountain to climb. They are always looking for the next challenge. Michaela is no different. Already looking ahead, she added, “Maybe I’ll try it blindfolded in a few months time.” I’m not betting against her!
So if you want to achieve elite performance, know it will take a lot of time, humility, and dissatisfaction. If you stay the course, you may eventually make it look easier than it really is.
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