Adversaries

Podcast Version
(With NotebookLM AI)

The Inner and Outer Competitors That Drive Us 

Introduction: 

​In both sports and business, having a rival can be a powerful motivator. Sometimes that rival is an external opponent, and other times, it’s the person we were yesterday.

​Let’s explore how different kinds of adversaries can drive us to excel in sports, in our careers, and in our personal growth. 

1. Sports Adversaries: The Fuel of Rivalries 

In sports often the very best come in pairs. It almost seems that the rivalry pushes them to the very next level. From Nadal vs. Federer, the Williams sisters, Messi and Ronaldo, to the legendary team matchups of Real Madrid and Barcelona, sports have always thrived on iconic rivalries. These external adversaries push athletes to break limits and achieve greatness. 

The most recent example is how the Norwegian triathlon squad obliterated its competition during the Ironman World Championship in Nice where 3 athletes (Stornes, Iden and Blumenfelt) took the 3 podium spots. The 3 contenders are training buddies and push each other on the regular and ultimately prepared Stornes to step outside the shadow of his 2 compatriots, who had previously been world champions themselves. 

But even for us commoners, regular professionals, we sometimes push just a little harder to get the higher sales number, to be employee of the month versus a colleague. The competitiveness drives us just beyond being comfortable with the status quo. 

2. Professional Adversaries: Corporate Competitions That Shape Industries 

Just as athletes have their rivals, so do companies. Think of the iconic face-offs like Windows versus Apple, Coca Cola and Pepsi, Airbus versus Boeing, where each side’s competitive spirit drove innovation. These professional adversaries can turn markets into arenas of creativity and growth. But would they be as aggressively pushing if there were no other contestant for market leadership. 

3. Triathlon: The Inner Challenge 

The main difference In amateur triathlon is that the most compelling adversary is often the one within. Here, athletes strive to surpass their past performances and personal limitations, turning self-improvement into the ultimate competition. Often, triathletes are driven by inner demons or have created them just enough to continue the pursuit of excellence. 

The professional triathletes at the top, are the ones that find the continued strength to keep growing even after having reached the top and are able to do so for years on end. Despite the contenders working harder and harder to grab the top spot, the best in the world, keep charging forward to stay out of their grasp. 

4. Personal Development in Your Profession: Becoming Your Own Benchmark 

And it is that mindset of continuous learning and improvement that triathletes also excel in the professional world. The idea of bettering yourself, learning, refining your craft, and setting your own standards, can be just as transformative. Becoming your own benchmark for success can fuel continuous growth and fulfillment. If you motivation is within yourself, not relying on external factors, the force is much more stable. Finding your WHY is important, but if that comes from within it is almost unstoppable. 

Don’t forget. It is the small daily steps that turn into positive habits, patterns, and beliefs ingrained in body and mind. Enjoy the journey! 

Bonus Tips from Coach Glenn: 
​

• Identify a challenger at work and try to learn from them to improve each month. Use this tension to drive your momentum. 
• Remember, whether in sport or business, the journey of outdoing yourself is the most rewarding rivalry of all. Ask yourself, what would make me proud and do that! 

Share this blog/newsletter with your friends, family, and colleagues who are also pursuing a sportier and healthier lifestyle!