The Overlooked Key To Long-Term Results

Thought For The Week

We’re surrounded by stories of people who seem to be gifted with certain skills, whether it’s athletes, actors, or musicians. But it turns out success is less about being born with an innate gift and more about consistent practice. Our potential isn’t fixed, it’s something that can be nurtured through effort and a mindset that is open to growth. The key to unlocking that potential lies in showing up, putting in the work, riding out the tough times, and – most crucially – finding joy in the journey itself. When we find pleasure in the process, the effort becomes less of a burden and we’re much more likely to stick at it.

Exercise Tip

When it comes to your training, if you’re flogging yourself at every workout or sticking to some rigid routine, any joy will soon evaporate. Consistency is key – but if you’re working in a way that’s not sustainable, you’re unlikely to keep it up.

Try this: Instead, find a type of exercise that feels good, challenging, but also fun. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, strength training or yoga, look for the opportunities to embrace playfulness and focus on what feels energising and enjoyable. Try varying your current workout routine or opt for a change of scenery; anything that sparks your interest and keeps things light. Because more than anything else, it’ll be your enjoyment that drives you to keep improving.

Nutrition Tip

If we treat healthy eating like a set of restrictions, it can quickly start to feel like a chore. But when we approach it as an exciting opportunity to try new foods, experiment with fresh recipes, and explore different cooking methods, it can become something that we enjoy and look forward to. Research shows that when we find joy in the foods we eat, we’re more likely to stick with healthy habits long-term.

Try this: Instead of viewing nutrition as a set of rules, I’m encouraging you to think of it as a creative journey where you get to discover new recipes, savour new flavours and experiment with new ingredients! I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed, like you need to be cooking a new recipe from scratch at every mealtime, and so a nice way to start is by dedicating one night per week as recipe night, where you explore a new dish that’s perhaps something you’ve never tried before, or that contains an ingredient you’ve never used before.

Links & Resources

Book: In Hidden Potential, Adam Grant highlights the idea that our abilities are not fixed, but rather, they are cultivated through consistent effort and a mindset that embraces growth.

Book: Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers overturns conventional wisdom about genius and shows us how the ordinary person can become an extreme overachiever.

Recipe: If you’ve never made savoury pancakes, try my recipe for potato and spring onion pancakes and serve with smoked salmon, ricotta and asparagus for a weekend breakfast treat.

Inspirational Quote

"The journey is the reward"

Steve Jobs