Dennis Pursley (GB Head Coach) on the positive aspects of sacrifice in the pursuit of excellence
SACRIFICE
In our modern, self indulgent western culture, the title word of this article is often regarded as an unpleasant and undesirable element of our lives. In fact, it seems that one of the goals of many people in our world today is to avoid sacrifice or minimize it as much as possible.
This is unfortunate because success in school, sport, business, and in almost every other aspect of our lives is dependent upon sacrifice. Sacrifice is essential to positive and productive relationships in family life, social life and professional life.
It is largely through sacrifice that all accomplishments of significance have been achieved; both those that are recorded in the history books and the many that go unnoticed in our everyday lives. It should come as no surprise then, that sacrifice is also essential to the success of the British National Swimming Team.
The necessity of sacrifice is readily apparent in the daily regime of each swimmer. Generally speaking, the greater the level of sacrifice, the greater the level of success.
In previous newsletter articles I have also described the positive effect on performance and fulfillment that can be achieved through a unified team environment. It is only through sacrifice that this environment can be established. This is often required in the form of sacrificing our personal preferences in order to comply with or conform to team protocol. When team protocol and policy require behaviour or commitment that is not consistent with our normal routine, this can be especially difficult.
The good news is that sacrifice is not a one way street. Whenever we sacrifice for a worthy cause or goal, the benefits almost always exceed the cost. As already mentioned, this kind of sacrifice will enhance the performance of the team and of every individual on the team. It will also make the competitive experience significantly more rewarding and fulfilling.
Even more important, whenever we sacrifice for a worthy cause, it serves to strengthen our character and diminish our self centered tendencies. This in turn will enhance performance in every aspect of our lives.
Once we understand and internalize this way of thinking, rather than perceive sacrifice to be an undesirable aspect of our lives, we will embrace it as an opportunity and means to achieve success and fulfillment.
A large contingent of Camden Swiss Cottage swimmers competed at the second weekend of the British Gas Middlesex BAGAT and Youth Championships at Southbury Road in Enfield. ...
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