3 Tips to Developing a Will of Iron

Do you know what put a fire in my belly, to do the Ironman Triathlon?

A well-known race commentator once told me that I should just stick to my day job as a blonde television presenter. They said that I would not enjoy the endurance race, because I would never finish it.

There have been very few fitness challenges so egregious but exhilaratingly feasible, that I haven't taken on.

Yes, I had something to prove in that moment.

They really advised me to stick to shorter distances, as a way of tempering my blonde ambition - as if one of the defining markers of sports and fitness, is not to healthily push the human body towards its full potential...to go further than most others would.

12-weeks after those smarting words doused fuel on my existing fire to complete a triathlon, I went on to complete the Ironman Triathlon - widely considered to be one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.

?? 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim

?? 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride

???♀? 26.22-mile (42.20 km) run

I did that!

In that order, I: reached a dream, proved something to someone's words I shouldn't have even let get to me, and I kickstarted a continued love of endurance racing.

Why should you care about this journey?

In life, there are far too many people who will doubt you, question your capabilities, and tell you that you cant do something.

Those negative voices can become a chorus that haunts your every decision and ambition. 

I won't lie, we all do listen to what people are telling us not to do - internalizing their negativity.

We forget what we are capable of.

 So here are 3 tips to keep your focus, when the world throws negativity your way:

1. Get away from people who say you can't do things, all the time! Cut that out of your life, because they could be manifesting a less awesome path for you.
2. Create a folder on your phone or computer, or really great moments in your life, and browse them regularly - not just when you're down. You need to remind yourself that you are awesome. You are allowed to feel proud of what you do, and each bit of positivity you send out into the world.
3. Challenge yourself! Before others throw down doubts that spur you on, or you believe a task is impossible - challenge yourself first to try!

And just like how I got a coach to train me for the 12-weeks leading up to the Ironman Triathlon, you should have coaches and mentors for your professional life.

Get an experienced person, and experts in, to guide you towards your business goals.

There is no shame in seeking out help and knowledge elsewhere too. It will all serve your greater journey.

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Liezel van der Westhuizen is an accomplished presenter, adaptable virtual emcee, Global Branding Specialist, and keynote speaker. Liezel (Masters graduate in Business Communication) is also the owner of The Giraffe Brand Academy, which is dedicated to a mission of personal brand-building - assisting clients to stick their necks out and cultivate their power to stand tall and be unique. This, she believes, is the key to marketplace success. www.thegiraffebrand.com

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