?? Find the time to achieve more

It's one of the main reasons that we value convenience so much. TIME is so precious... and it's limited for us all.

However, it is only when we use this limited time wisely, often when stepping outside our comfort zones, that we really experience genuine transformation and personal growth.

In a world where fledgling tech companies turn into unicorns in an instant and TikTok and Love Island influencers reach fame and fortune overnight, individuals find themselves captivated by the allure of social media and ponder ways to expedite their own path to success... wondering if a shortcut exists to achieve their goals faster, with less effort, and in a more comfortable and convenient way.

Everyone wants a quick fix. There isn't one!

Whether you're focussed on a personal goal or achieving your strategic vision for your business, you have to be disciplined, resilient and accountable to get over the finish line.

It won't happen overnight, and it won't be easy or comfortable!

But when you do cross that line, it will feel amazing!

My slightly crazy wife, Alex, and I have spent the entire year in training, gearing up for the ultimate challenge to "face the dragon" and complete Ironman Wales. Countless early mornings, late nights and weekends have been devoted to braving the elements in an attempt to make gradual and meaningful improvements to our fitness.

It's been an incredible journey, both physically and mentally, as we prepare to conquer the monumental feat of swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles. With no prior swimming experience, having never cycled such a distance, ran such a distance, or ever experienced a triathlon before, the goal at the end of last year seemed so daunting that achieving it felt almost impossible.

...it's easy to overestimate what can be achieved in a short timeframe and completely underestimate the true potential of long-term dedication.

Just last week, we successfully completed the Long Course Weekend (organised brilliantly by ACTIVITY WALES EVENTS / ITER GROUP / LONG COURSE WEEKEND !), a powerful milestone that reaffirmed our individual capabilities in each discipline. The sense of accomplishment was immense, knowing that we can now tackle the distances separately. Now, our focus is on doing them all back-to-back in one long, unforgettable day!

Throughout this transformative training experience, I've come to realise the profound impact of discipline, resilience and accountability and thought I'd share it with my wider business network as the parallels are obvious.

Resilience has always been an attribute I have valued greatly in business and life; being able to ride the rollercoaster, and understanding that the peaks are often only ever as high as the troughs are low. My father would often say, "there are two kinds of people in the world, those who can perform under pressure, and those who can't. Stay strong!"

This journey has taught me that, along with resilience, discipline and accountability plays an enormous role in successful ventures.

Over the years, alongside the stresses that naturally come in life, you must have had countless wise people say to you, "don't worry about the stuff you can't control"... Instead, they say to channel your energy into what you can control, which is where discipline comes into play.

It's not rocket science... it's likely that everyone who reads this will know that it all starts with a purpose, a vision and a goal. Working backwards from this over a period of time and holding yourself accountable for delivering on the small daily or weekly targets will get you to your end goal. Easy right!?

These small targets might seem insignificant enough to miss in isolation, especially if times are tough... we've all experienced bad days in work where you feel you can put something off, or those days that you'd planned a run but it got rained off. It's all too easy to let these daily objectives slip... stepping back into the comfort of your settee and Netflix or social media procrastination. (Maybe like now! Sorry!)

With a willingness to change and make new healthier habits, I have found that the tougher or more uncomfortable these smaller targets are to achieve, the more you grow as a person and get ever closer to your end goal. So don't be fooled - it's not all about convenience and comfort after all! Get out in the wind and rain and don't let the little targets slip!

Proper planning prevents p*ss poor performance!

In a world where convenience and comfort reigns supreme, it's easy to overestimate what can be achieved in a short timeframe and completely underestimate the true potential of long-term dedication.

Though I may not have documented this incredible journey week by week in a journal, my body and mind bear witness to the remarkable transformations I've experienced. The lessons learned through this pursuit have strengthened my belief in the power of accountability and the rewards it can bring to you, your family and your business if you're willing to stay disciplined and step outside of your comfort zone. I am now a firm believer that embracing discomfort - it's where all the best opportunities exist.

I know what you're thinking... "he hasn't done it yet!"

It's undeniable that when we speak our goals aloud, it becomes easier to stay committed and accountable. That's why I'm happy to share my vision and journey.

As the date draws near—September 3rd, 2023—I am confident that, barring any injuries, I will accomplish my goal of becoming an Ironman. This post may seem like a ramble, but it's another way for me to reinforce my commitment and hold myself accountable. After all, nobody wants to be seen as a hypocrite!

The family motto: "no toe-dipping"

This pursuit is about more than just becoming an Ironman—it's a reflection of the values that drive me in both my personal and professional life. Throughout this journey, I've come to appreciate the significance of discipline, resilience and accountability more than ever and I understand that these qualities extend far beyond the realms of sports and seep into every aspect of our lives.

I can't help but feel excited to be bringing my newfound insight to RMS (Retail Merchandising Services) and to support my team with a fresh perspective. Looking ahead, the next year holds great promise as we will embrace new ways of thinking and continue to drive impactful and innovative change, one step at a time.

So remember: we tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in a day, a week, or even a month. However, when we stay disciplined and resilient over the course of a year, or a decade, we can unlock astonishing potential.

Find the time! Harness the power of discipline, embrace resilience, be accountable for the little changes that make the big differences, and achieve more than you ever thought possible!

Thank you!

Big shout out to Dave Tonge, Heathwood Swimming , for the swimming lessons (by far the best in the business!) - yes, I can swim now!

Huge thanks to Archie Malarczyk, Next Level Pro Bike Fit, for all the advice, equipment and adjustments on the bike.

The biggest thanks has go to my wife, Alex, for convincing me that, as busy as our lives are, and as precious as it is, we'd "find the time!"

#IronmanWales #Discipline #Resilience #Accountability #AchieveMore #AnythingIsPossible