If you’re like most triathletes, you have a ‘thing’ for data and stats and reviewing the numbers of your training and racing results. Those certainly can tell you a lot.
But real success is experienced by what you think and how you feel. Success isn’t a number, it’s an emotion.
Now, stay with me here and don’t worry, I’m not going to get all soft on you.
But I am going to give you a different way to effectively evaluate your season that might give you more insights, hindsight and key distinctions that you can take forward into next year. These answers give you the foundation from which to build on.
Regardless of how high your highs were, or painfully low your lows were, there is always something you can gain from your experience that will make you more informed, more intelligent and more likely to take your triathlon performance to a whole new level the next time.
In fact, this isn’t about evaluating your season.
It’s about evaluating you during your triathlon season.
I highly encourage you to be proactive in this process and WRITE YOUR ANSWERS down. Don’t just read the questions and think “…that’s an interesting question…”.
Answer each question. In writing. You’ll be glad you did.
So grab your pen and paper and here we go…
1. With hindsight, were your season goals clear and attainable?
2. What were you most proud of this season?
3. What would you like to duplicate next year?
4. What frustrated or disappointed you the most this season?
5. What do you not want to happen again next year?
6. What did you learn by going through these experiences?
7. What decisions did you make that were empowering for you?
8. What habits seemed to hold you back from achieving your potential?
9. What decisions must you make in order to have your best triathlon year ahead?
Remember, for maximum impact, take your time and answer all of these in writing. Jot down all the points that come to mind. Write as much as you’d like — often the greatest insights come just after you think you’ve done enough.
Give credit where credit is due. You may not like some of the answers you come up with but it may well set you free and keep your motivation high to stay fit in the off season and be ready to be at your best when the new triathlon season returns.
You’ll be glad you did – your body, mind and results will prove it.
Chris Janzen
Founder of TriathleteMind.com & Inner Game coach