Pushing the Limits: 3 Leadership Insights from My Ironman Journey

For those of you who are not familiar with an Ironman, it's a race where you swim 3.8 kilometres, cycle 180 kilometres, and run a full marathon all in one day.

Sounds daunting, right?

It did for me.

Here are three leadership lessons I've learned from my Ironman journey that can make a difference in both your personal and professional life.

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#1. Taking One Bite at a Time: The Art of Adapting and Strategising

Back in 2013, when I wanted to start in the sport, I couldn't swim and didn't have a bike yet. 

I wanted to do the Ironman event, so I had to break this down into smaller goals. 

I said back then that the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and that's literally what I've done over the last ten years.

I first had to get swimming lessons and learn to swim 25 meters in a pool. 

Then, I had to build my confidence to swim in the ocean. 

After that, I got a bicycle and gradually increased my cycling distance until I reached 180 kilometers. 

Running a marathon also required me to start with shorter distances, like 5 and 10 kilometers, before eventually tackling a full marathon. 

Finally, I could combine these skills into a complete triathlon. 

It’s not something that can be done in one go. It’s a step by step approach. 

The whole process required me to adapt, strategize, stick to the plan, and execute it.

#2. Unbreakable Spirit: Building Resilience Through Mental Toughness

The second leadership lesson I've learned from the Ironman race is resilience. 

Practicing mental toughness is crucial because an Ironman race can take up to 16 hours to complete. 

Throughout the race, you experience a lot of emotions and pain, and there are many times when you want to give up. 

Just like life, it's a roller coaster with good and difficult times. 

Stay detached from the emotions and commit to the experience.

By practicing mental toughness and building resilience, you can push through the pain and finish the race.

#3. Strength in Vulnerability: Harnessing the Power of Support Networks

Lastly, I also learned to embrace vulnerability during my Ironman training. 

This might seem odd as it’s a sports event and triathlons are individual races, but to complete it actually requires support from others. 

The race is extreme and no one can manage it all alone. 

The journey of learning to swim, cycle, and run a marathon isn't something you can do alone.

I've worked with many coaches and joined running clubs, cycling clubs, and swim academies to improve my skills. 

Training consistently at 4 AM, rain or shine, is easier when you're vulnerable, honest, and surrounded by supportive peers.

If this article resonates with you, I invite you to subscribe to the Adversity to Excellence newsletter.

Every week, I’ll share 1 actionable tip to help executives face their biggest fears and create a new story of resilience, vulnerability, and high-performance.

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As you face challenges and set ambitious goals, remember the power of strategising, resilience, and vulnerability. 

Your greatness is waiting for you on the other side.