The Fortitude Chronicle: A Weekly Digest of Athletic Determination

Monday’s Mindset

The Truth About Exceptional Performance

I've always been fascinated by what separates the truly exceptional from the merely good. As a former Division I football player turned podcaster and performance coach, I've had the privilege of witnessing greatness up close. But it wasn't until my recent conversation with Dr. Julie Gurner, a renowned executive performance coach, that I began to truly understand the intricate number of factors that weave together to create extraordinary achievement.

Let's cut through the noise and get to the heart of what it really takes to be exceptional.

The illusion of overnight success, we've all heard the stories: the college dropout who becomes a tech billionaire, the unknown athlete who suddenly dominates their sport. These narratives are seductive, but they're also dangerous. They paint a picture of success that's not just misleading – it's flat-out wrong.

The truth? Success is a grind. It's messy, it's difficult, and it often requires sacrifices that most people aren't willing to make. As Dr. Gurner pointed out, "There is something kind of monstrous about that type of drive... It's a consumptive, obsessive, never-ending, persistent push that is a fire that just does not end."

This isn't meant to discourage you. On the contrary, it's meant to prepare you for the reality of what lies ahead. Because here's the thing: if you're truly committed to being exceptional, you need to embrace this reality, not run from it.

Those who reach the pinnacle are not concerned about missing that Wednesday night happy hour. They aren’t concerned about missing their cousin’s wedding. They’re completely entrenched in what needs to be done to conquer their sport or field. Is this healthy? That’s not for me to decide, but it is what is required.

One of the most crucial insights from my conversation with Dr. Gurner was the importance of cognitive interpretation. How you perceive challenges, setbacks, and even your own abilities can make or break your journey to greatness.

Consider this: two individuals face the same obstacle. One sees it as proof of their inadequacy, while the other views it as feedback and an opportunity to enhance their ability. Who do you think is more likely to persevere and ultimately succeed?

This isn't about blind positivity. It's about developing a resilient mindset that can weather the storms of doubt, criticism, and failure that inevitably come with pursuing greatness. It's about training your mind to see setbacks not as dead ends, but answers to the test of success in the future.

The elite is reserved for the select few. Those select few? They don’t let short term losses keep them from pushing forward. They use it to propel them into areas they never thought possible.

Here's a counterintuitive truth: the path to being exceptional often lies not in fixing your weaknesses, but in doubling down on your strengths. As Dr. Gurner emphasized, "If you can tap into the things that people are already great at, and then you put a lot of effort behind those things, you just get this hockey stick trajectory over and over and over again."

This doesn't mean ignoring your weaknesses entirely. We all have weaknesses that need improved, but it does mean recognizing that true greatness comes from becoming world-class in a specific area, not from being moderately good at many things.

Think about the most exceptional people in any field. They're not well-rounded – they're spiky. They have honed their unique talents to a razor's edge, often at the expense of other areas. And that's okay. In fact, it's necessary.

Steph Curry can barely dunk a basketball at 6'4", yet he's one of the greatest basketball players to ever live. Tom Brady ran a slower 40-yard dash than his 315lb offensive lineman, yet he's arguably the greatest quarterback ever. These examples illustrate a crucial point: we all have strengths and weaknesses. Success isn't about relying on natural talent alone. It's about identifying our unique abilities and dedicating ourselves to honing those traits into exceptional skills

One aspect of exceptional performance that's often overlooked is energy management. Your mental and emotional energy is a finite resource, and how you allocate it can make all the difference.

This might mean making tough decisions about who you spend time with and what activities you engage in. It might mean setting boundaries that others don't understand. But remember: what seems selfish to others might be essential self-preservation for you.

As Dr. Gurner notes, "Negativity takes a toll that extends far beyond just that hour of productivity. It's about, then, the risks you take and how you think about yourself and the people you reach out to."

Not everyone will understand you and that is a price you’ll have to pay. However, what you will find is that once you transition out of the initial stages of painful lost relationships, you’ll find yourself much more joyous in the relationships that remained.

Ultimately, the pursuit of greatness is not for the faint of heart. It requires a level of commitment, focus, and resilience that most people simply aren't willing to maintain. But for those who are, the rewards can be extraordinary.

Remember: you don't have to be born with supernatural talents to be exceptional. But you do need to be willing to work harder, think differently, and persist longer than everyone else around you.

So ask yourself: Are you willing to embrace the grind? Are you ready to reshape your mindset, focus relentlessly on your strengths, and protect your energy with fierce determination? Are you prepared to be misunderstood, to face setbacks, and to keep pushing forward when others would quit?

If your answer is yes, then you're already on the path to greatness. The journey won't be easy, but I promise you this: it will be worth it.

Now, let's get to work.

Two Quotes

1. "Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." - Arnold Schwarzenegger

2. “Resilience is a choice. It’s choosing to rise above your circumstances, no matter how difficult, and become the person you’re meant to be.” – David Goggins

Three Tweets

To Building Fortitude.

 Best Regards,

Colin Jonov, Founder & CEO Athletic Fortitude