How a sport changed my life and can change yours too
I skipped most of my PE classes, because I was always last. Last to be picked, last to pass the finish line.
The less I trained, the worst I became.
Like 10% of teenagers, I developed an eating disorder, which I hid for years.
Then, I started hitting the gym for the wrong reasons: I exercised to allow myself to binge eat. Working out fuelled my eating disorder.
The more I ate, the more I ran, and vice versa. It became a vicious circle.
Eventually I reached out for help with professionals.
It took me 15 years to finally transform my relationship with sports, turning the skills I acquired into powerful transferable attributes for my entrepreneurial journey and everything else.
Falling in love with tennis helps. So exercising is no longer a chore.
I no longer practice because I must burn calories.
For the first time, I exercise by choice: improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, boost overall physical fitness, enhance my mental well-being, reduce stress, promote self-esteem AND for pleasure.
While I love playing tennis, I can't get better if I don't improve my overall physical condition. Therefore, I also run, weight-lift and do HIIT, which are less fun and require discipline.
Playing tennis might be "effortless" but hitting the gym everyday requires an athletic mindset.
Today, I'm sharing my secret training: how I've used sports - and the athletic mindset - (for a non-sporty person) to transform my life both personally and professionally.
I love discovering hidden gems in the city!
Last weekend, I came across an empty beach 20-minute away from my house.
Today's agenda:
- Find a sport that sparkles joy
- Choose a crowd you resonate with
- Know your worst foe
- Transfer your skill everywhere
Find a sport that sparkles joy
Why is it so important to find a sport that you love? Because you'll naturally want to improve no matter what.
What's the point to fight for it if you don't truly enjoy it? The incentive or reward may not be enticing enough to keep you engaged.
Before I found tennis, I tried A LOT OF sports: basketball, squash, running, ping pong, kickboxing, weightlifting, diving, surfing, yoga, pilates, hip hop, lindy hop, etc.
There are 8,000+ sports. Try as much as you can - most trial classes are free or offered at a discounted price.
Next, consider all external factors that can impact your practice.
When I began kickboxing, I absolutely loved it, but it was too far from my place and the timing didn't fit my schedule. It caused too much friction, and I knew that, despite my liking, it wouldn't be viable for the long run.
Minimise the friction as much as possible.
Which sports make you excited to learn and progress?
Choose a crowd you resonate with
I'm not the type to join sports teams, but engaging in sports with like-minded people makes the experience more enduring and enjoyable.
Passion is contagious.
Today, I'm playing tennis because, in my early days, my partner:
- was very patient: even when I played baseball with my racket ;)
- spoke the same language: clear and tailored explanations to my understanding
I actually tried tennis multiple times at University, but I never understood what my coaches said. As W. Timothy Gallwey said, author of The Inner Game of Tennis, "words can only represent actions, ideas and experiences. Language is not the action, and at best can only hint at the subtlety and complexity contained in the stroke".
I also appreciate the tennis community; connecting with fellow tennis enthusiasts is something I didn't experience when I was dancing for instance.
Like in a company, you might like what you do, but if your environment don't fit your values, it can make your job dreary.
Which community are you attracted to get know?
Know your worst foe
You don't have to compete to know that your worst enemy isn't your opponent, but rather yourself.
Our alter ego acts like a pro in terms of self-sabotage, making us feel tiny.
That inner voice becomes especially loud when we're down, doubtful, or stressed.
Before you know it, you've unconsciously given up, convincing yourself that it's easier to accept failure by believing you didn't try hard enough, rather than trying and then failing.
In tennis, they call it 'tanking,' and even professional athletes fall into that trap.
Yet, it's crucial to remember: WE ARE NOT OUR VOICE. We can hear it, but we aren't defined by it until we act upon it.
Take charge and shut down that inner voice before it takes over your life.
How do you manage your self-talk when being negative?
Transfer your skill everywhere
“Great people become great through great behavior, mentality, and language, not great aptitude.” Trevor Moawad
After discovering a sport worth fighting for, building a supportive community, and gaining some mastery over your inner voice, the repetition of exercising, muscle memory, and grit will boost your confidence and resilience.
This mindset is transferable to all aspects of your life.
My journey wouldn't have led me to entrepreneurship, coaching, and investing if I hadn't cultivated this mindset.
The endurance to train, the joy in taking small steps, the patience for the long journey, the confidence to get up after every fall, and the discipline on days lacking motivation—all of these aspects have played a crucial role.
Looking back, I have no regrets about trying different sports for a decade. Every time, I fall, I got up. That experience alone was already training my mind and body, shaping my athletic mindset and elevating my confidence level.
How about you? Which single skill has helped you cultivate discipline and proven to be transferable across all areas of your life?
Boost your athletic mindset and let’s make a financially confident generation! 💪
Sophie
PS - Fun fact: Did you know that only 23% of Americans get enough exercise weekly vs 66% of French people?
PSS - If you are experiencing an eating disorder, reach out directly to a qualified mental health professional in your local area. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
PSSS - Last week, I offered two FREE 60-minute coaching session for 2 lucky winners: Monica and Melanie, congratulations! Check your inbox :)
