What separates the best from the rest!
Every day, every race, we see other athletes and question why they excel…better than we could dream of but is there a reason?
It comes down to a mix of tangible and intangible factors. Here's what tends to separate the truly elite:
First of all, mindset and mental toughness.
Relentless competitiveness: Great athletes hate losing more than they love winning.
Resilience under pressure: They thrive in big moments instead of shrinking from them.
Growth mindset: They treat setbacks as fuel, not as final outcomes.
Focus and discipline: They eliminate distractions and stick to grueling routines long after others quit.
We then come to work ethic and preparation.
Extra reps: Great athletes are often the first to arrive and last to leave.
Attention to detail: They obsess over technique, recovery, diet, and even sleep.
Consistency: They train and perform at a high level every day, not just when they feel like it.
How about obsession and purpose.
Love for the hard graft: They find joy in the daily process, not just in winning.
Clear ‘why’: Their motivation runs deeper than just success…often tied to pride, and personal growth.
Born for success?
Elite physiology helps — speed, coordination, strength — but it’s not enough alone. Some “good” athletes have more raw talent than the greats, but lack the drive or mindset to capitalise on it.
Finally…
Performing under pressure: Great athletes don’t just show up when it matters — they dominate.
Consistency at the highest level: Not just one good season, but many. Sustained excellence is a hallmark of greatness.
If we can understand what separates the best from the rest at the highest level, we can start to model excellence ourselves…over to you!
By just picking some of the determining factors and applying to what you can manage, will take you to the next level.
“Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just illusions”.
Michael Jordan