Farce of Feeling Ready

Prior Preparedness Prevents Piss Poor Performance

We hear how you prepare will impact how you perform. I think of that often, I love it actually, and I talked to my kids about the importance of practice and training to improve at the things you want to be better at in life (sports, school, work, etc.). 

Lately I have heard more about feeling ready, to reduce anxiety, that your preparedness and that feeling ready to take on a task is important. I think that's wrong, if you have a truly focused goal, a first for you, that stretches you, that will be challenging... you should never feel ready. Why? 

First off, the thought of being ready means you have all details controlled (internal and external). In something new, something hard, that is generally not the case. 

Secondly, the notion that you can plan for everything is not possible. So you have to go in knowing that something that was unplanned for happened and that you just hope to react as best possible. I might cramp on the swim, my bike might break down, I could twist my ankle as I start the run... 

So why do I think feeling ready is a farce? I think that because if you really have a big goal... you shouldn't feel ready. Am I ready to get the mail? Yeah, I do it daily and get it done. I think all things in life that will feel like a major accomplishment, should make you never feel perfectly ready. 

Can I complete the 70.3 miles?
I don't know, and I won't know until I cross that finish line. 

What do I know?
I know that I followed a plan, I listened to expert advice, I asked for help for the things I don't do well, I sharpened up the skills I am good at, and I prepared to tackle things I am not good at. 

What do I know?
I know that I can't control external factors, bike issue, muscle injury, other competitors (kicked in face, crash into my bike, etc.), the weather, etc. 

What do I know?
I know I am going to face this 70.3 miles. I am respecting it, I prepared for it, I am anxious about it, and I am fine tuning goals for the day, and hopeful that I end the day with a medal around my neck. 

What do I know?
With or without a medal, I'll walk away, knowing I shot my shot. I tell my kids, I don't care if you win, I care that you give it your best. 

Here goes my best...