As I mentioned in my last post, I’m currently in the process of writing a book – a collection of inspiring quotes that have profoundly influenced me. This project has been a labour of love, giving me the chance to reflect on the lessons these words carry. Each quote represents a moment of clarity, a shift in perspective, or a reminder of what truly matters in the pursuit of personal growth.
The most recent addition to this collection comes from running coach, Lawrence Van Lingen: “Mastery, not medals.” This phrase struck a chord with me because it captures a principle I’ve come to value deeply in both life and work. It reminds us that success isn’t just about reaching the finish line or collecting accolades – it’s about who we become along the way.
The Pursuit of Mastery
Mastery is about a continuous commitment to becoming better – whether as an athlete, professional, or simply as a person. Unlike medals, mastery isn’t a one-off event. It’s a lifelong journey, defined by resilience, persistence, and the quiet pride of knowing you’ve done the work.
Chasing medals can bring moments of glory, but they’re often short-lived. The process of mastery, however, instils habits and builds a foundation that lasts far beyond the podium. It’s in the effort, the learning, and the incremental improvements that we discover our true potential.
Lessons from the Field
Whether it’s coaching young rugby players or working with clients in a professional capacity, I’ve found the same theme holds true. For young athletes, there’s often immense pressure to win, to rise through ranks, to collect trophies. But the real joy – and the lasting impact – comes from honing their skills, fostering teamwork, and building resilience.
Similarly, in my coaching journey, I started out wanting recognition. I thought success was about proving myself to others. But over time, I realised that the most meaningful achievements weren’t the moments of praise – they were the quiet, everyday efforts that led to personal and collective growth.
How to Embrace Mastery
If you’re looking to shift your focus from medals to mastery, here are a few ways to start:
- Set Intentional Goals: Instead of targeting outcomes, aim for actions that build skills and character.
- Celebrate Progress: Even small improvements deserve recognition – they’re the building blocks of mastery.
- Be Patient: Mastery takes time. Embrace the gradual journey and avoid the temptation of shortcuts.
- Reframe Challenges: View setbacks as lessons. They often teach us more than our successes do.
Moving Forward
If you find yourself chasing external validation, take a step back. Ask yourself: what would happen if you focused on the process instead? How would that shift impact your outlook, your growth, or your sense of fulfilment?
Van Lingen’s words are a powerful reminder that true success lies not in the medals we win but in the mastery we achieve along the way. When we let go of the need for constant recognition and instead embrace the pursuit of mastery, we unlock a deeper sense of accomplishment and purpose.
If you’re ready to explore what mastery looks like for you, I’d love to help. Get in touch today, and let’s start building a journey that’s meaningful, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.
Patrick Hickman 