What is it that first drew you to the outdoor sports markets? Where did that first spark of passion for entrepreneurship in the outdoor markets come from? For so many of us, the answer is simple: we love outdoor sports, and we had a great idea for how to improve the experience!
What isn’t often discussed is the overlap in the psychology of being an entrepreneur, and that of an endurance athlete. So many of the skills that we learn from athletics and the outdoors are directly relevant to the experience of getting a business started and sustaining it.
To shed even more light on this overlap, I’m taking with Matt Fitzgerald, author of How Bad Do You Want It, on what he’s learned about “endurance psychology”, the psychology of mind over muscle that gets people through tough physical competitions.
In writing this book, Matt did case studies of athletes like Ned Overend, Siri Lindley and John "The Penguin" Bingham. He’s discussing what it is that motivates and sustains them to such high levels. We’re talking about passion, drive, and the “why” that are necessary to win races, and to start a business.
Matt and I are also discussing something that I personally struggle with – the courage to start! Just getting started on a business idea or in a sport can be daunting, to the point that some of us have ideas we’ve never looked into, sports we’ve never explored for fear of failure.
These fears are limiters and obstacles that will come out in any stressful situation, and what has more potential for stress than the pursuit of our goals? Matt’s looked at endurance athletes that have overcome negative mentalities to go on to amazing careers, and he’s sharing what he’s learned.
Endurance psychology is crucial for athletes in outdoor sports, entrepreneurs, or anyone with an achievement goal. I’ve already read Matt’s book three times, and I’m thrilled with the insights he’s bringing to this week’s podcast.
MattFitzgerald.org
VeloPress.com