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Winning Ways Weekly

Passion, Commitment & The Balance You Can’t Ignore

Published 5 months ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader

I’ve always been an all-or-nothing person. When I was competing internationally, I was obsessive about my training.

  • If I wasn’t training, I was reviewing, checking, and repairing my equipment.
  • I was listening to every podcast that promised an edge.
  • I was fine-tuning my nutrition.
  • I was researching my competitors.
  • I was doing body recovery.

Sport wasn’t just my priority—it was everything.

I turned down parties, outings, and family gatherings to get the rest I needed. I thought I was doing what it took to succeed. But in reality? I was obsessed. My life was out of balance.

If I could go back, I’d do things differently.

Yes, pursuing high-performance success takes commitment. There’s no way around that. But how do you give your all without letting sport take over your entire identity?

I learned that the best athletes don’t just train hard—they also know when to step back.

Passion fuels your drive, but burnout happens when the scales tip too far. When sport becomes your only identity, every setback feels like a crisis. And when that happens, your confidence, self-worth, and mental well-being can take a hit.

That’s why balance matters.

Ask yourself:
✅ Am I making time for the things that energise me outside of sport?
✅ Do I enjoy life beyond my sport just as much as I enjoy competing?
✅ If my sport disappeared tomorrow, would I still know who I am? Would I still feel fulfilled?

It’s deep stuff, but it’s worth thinking about.

Sacrifice is necessary to succeed at the highest level—but it shouldn’t cost you everything. The athletes who go the distance are the ones who learn to balance intensity with perspective.

You are an athlete, but that’s not all you are.

Maybe this week, take a step back and check in with yourself. Is your balance where it needs to be? If not, let’s work on it together. Reach out—I’d love to help.

Stay committed. Stay passionate. But most importantly, stay whole.

Lisa

PS: Book a ​30 minute FREE mindset strategy call whenever you are ready

PPS: Join the Winner's Circle here​

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Winning Ways Weekly

with Coach Lisa Walker

Learn something new every Friday! Join 150+ athletes and sports people just like you who are growing their performance with mindset strategies and topics that work to help them win in their sport and their lives.

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