5am and my alarm goes. I awaken to darkness. One peek behind the curtains and my worst fears are confirmed, sheets of rain lashing down, swirled back and forth by gusts of wind. I don’t want to get out of bed and brave the bitter wet morning that awaits outside my front door in order to spend five hours on my bike when everyone around me takes shelter from the elements.

Be true to yourself. Always contrast your actions with your personal principles. ©James Mitchell

Even before the question is finished I know the answer. With no other option I begrudgingly get out of bed, leaving my wife in a blissful sleep, and begin to get dressed, preparing myself mentally for what lies ahead. Once those five words are silently spoken in my mind there’s no choice but to take action. There’s no alternative but to do what a champion would do. It’s a question that I have lived my life by for several years now, a question that never needs answering, because I instinctively know what to do the moment it is asked.

Knowing that the answers will guide us along the right path, they will also enable us to grow as individuals. The challenge in life, and sport, is to always be improving, to always get better, even when you’re the best, and we do this by asking questions of ourselves, by putting ourselves in positions that challenge our beliefs on a regular basis.

The parameters we work within today won't remain stagnant, so don't rely on them. Your future lies in your own hands.

‘What am I committed to?’, ‘Where am I going?’, ‘What do I value?’, ‘How can I do it better?’, ‘What are my weaknesses?’, ‘Am I being true to myself?’, ‘What’s my legacy?’

It’s imperative that we ask ourselves these on a regular basis in order to cultivate a higher state of consciousness in the nature of our internal questioning because the conversations that we have in our minds are of great importance. The answers can help us to create a champion’s mindset, a mindset focused on growth and excellence in all areas of our lives. As Aristotle said: ‘excellence is the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution’. I would add to that: intelligent questioning.

Everything we do should be focused on moving us towards a champion’s mindset and ultimately achieving our goals in life.

Take a moment to identify the core questions that you use on a regular basis.

Do these questions help to move you towards a more positive state of mind, or result in a positive impact on your life?

6 COMMENTS

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by Aaron Robinson 07.11.2016
Loved reading this article Marcus. You've articulated something very powerful in the realm of introspection, productivity and progress. My favorite line..

"It’s imperative that we ask ourselves these on a regular basis in order to cultivate a higher state of consciousness in the nature of our internal questioning because the conversations that we have in our minds are of great importance."

I consistently evaluate my actions and the spaces I occupy, but to take that one step further by asking pointed questions that require direct and honest responses brings about a natural sort of accountability where it almost becomes trivial. "What would a Champion do?" She/he would get out there and get better. Period.

Thanks for sharing your insight!

Aaron
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by Marcus Leach Aaron Robinson 08.11.2016
Thanks so much for the feedback Aaron, it's much appreciated. I think to so important that we always evaluate all that we do in life in order to progress and develop. Ultimately the goal is to be the best possible version of ourself, and the only way we can truly achieve this is by questioning what we do and how we act in order to focus on areas where we can improve.

You hit the nail on the head when you say he/she would st out there and get better, and that's what life, sport and business are all about.
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by Frank 08.11.2016
Marcus, I really like your post and that your advice is so simple, yet effective. Keep it coming! Cheers, Frank
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by Marcus Leach Frank 08.11.2016
Hey Frank,

Thanks so much for the feedback, much appreciated. Also really glad that you enjoyed the article and found the advice useful. It's such a simple question but one that can have a huge positive impact on all that we do. Have you used core questions before in your daily activity, either work, personal or sport life?
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by Peter 29.11.2016
Nice article, confronting but nice!
I know what I have to do.

Regards,
Reply
Nina Weihrauch
Nina Weihrauch | Editor Peter 06.12.2016
Hi Peter,
thanks for your comment. Keep on pushing...like a champion.

High five,
Nina
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