Bad news:
You’ve been lied to (again).
Don’t be too upset, it wasn’t on purpose (this time).
They just think that you’re weak (because they are).
You’re told - Be sure to pace yourself so you don’t burn out.
Did you catch it? The deceitful fable that will drag you down?
“Pace yourself so you don’t burn out.”
Let me rephrase it for you: “Be scared and hold yourself back.”
Bullshit. Don’t let that story be your story. Remember this story instead.
During the 2012 Olympics, 15 year old Katie Ledecky made the 800m finals.
Just before the horn released the restless swimmers from their starting blocks, she repeated her father’s advice:
Take the lead and keep it.
WOOHOO! He didn’t say: “Hey Katie, 800m is a really fucking long way to swim. Make sure to leave a little in the tank so you can kick at the end.” Or “swim your race.” Or “stay within striking distance.”
He told her to go out HARD, get in front, and stay in front.
The best way to guarantee a performance below your abilities is to ‘pace yourself.’ By holding back, you don’t give yourself a chance at a better score, a more favorable outcome.
You will never know what you’re capable of if you don’t work near the edges.
Stop holding yourself back. Go out harder. Push yourself early, and then stay out front.
Instead of being afraid to “hit the wall”, go find it. Race to the wall. It’s liberating. After all, you can’t hit what you already crashed through.
Be great,
Danny Lehr