Triumph doesn't happen by accident

Rod Bannister Photo/File

Are we born to win, is it a gene we are born with, or do we become consistent winners through (smart) hard work?

It is an age old debate I am always asking myself in theory and have a fair grasp on from a competitive perspective, as in my chosen sport I have a career record over the past 35 years of a 91 per cent win ratio; which can be both de-motivating, motivating and full of fear; personally I use this as a motivator.

The 'D' words come to mind when I think about the meaning of winning: Discipline, determination and dedication to the job at hand.

Everyone's a Winner

Deep down we all want to win: in our career, business, love, happiness, sport & life. We don't all want to win in the same endeavour & don't share the same definition of winning. However, we do want to win at what is important to us.

Not drinking alcohol for a month would be a major win for some but for a non drinker, it would be no big issue.

For me, talking to thousands of people in one room would be a win, while for someone else it would be the biggest fear of their life.

As individuals, winning depends on our own standards, our desires, expectations and goals.

Quite simply we all need to determine what winning is for us.

So I pose these questions: "Can anyone be a winner; is it in-built; is it pre-determined?"

What are the key factors to the winning formula

So what are the determinants of success?

I believe it's not what we are given that counts; it's what we do with it.

I want to focus on the following winning formulae with the stuff we can each control, keeping it realistic and simple:

Rod Bannister is an Australasian Masters squash champion, fitness expert and owner of Bannister Group, specialising in mentoring, sales and consultancy - BannisterGroup1@gmail.com