Being a professional rugby player for 17 years, and businessman for 10 years, I've been lucky enough to have learned some invaluable lessons. I've condensed them into 15 insights that have come through various successes and failures, both on and off the field. They're insights that have come from 1. rubbing shoulders with some incredible people, 2. being a part of some extremely successful cultures, and 3. really reflecting on WHY we were successful or why we were not. My hope is that one or more of them helps you in your pursuit of "success", whatever that word means to you
1. Talent Only Gets You So Far
Talent is important, but it only gets you the foot in the door. As Richie Mo'unga says, "you can't cheat the grind." Hard work alongside talent is what really pushes you through. While natural ability gives an initial advantage, it's relentless dedication and continuous effort that drive long-term success. Hard work and perseverance are essential to unlocking your full potential.
2. Everyone Knows Something You Don’t
Be humble and seek to understand first before putting your own spin on things. Be "interested rather than interesting." Approaching every interaction with humility allows you to learn from others. Everyone has unique insights and experiences that provide valuable knowledge and perspectives. Not understanding this removes the opportunity to learn, develop and grow.
3. Put Yourself First
You have to put yourself first to be able to put the team first. Self-care is crucial. Prioritising your physical, mental, and emotional well-being enables you to contribute more effectively to your team and your loved ones. Ensuring you're at your best allows you to support others better. Ultimately what's best for you is what's best for the team. "You can pour more from a full cup".
4. Seek Out Opportunities to Make Mistakes
You've got to be prepared to make mistakes because that is where growth comes. Embrace challenges and view mistakes as learning opportunities. Facing difficulties head-on fosters resilience and innovation, allowing you to grow stronger and wiser with each setback. If you're not making mistakes regularly, you're not growing.
5. Be Present in the Moment
Learn to be as present as you can be in each moment. Mindfulness enhances focus and productivity. Being fully engaged in the present moment improves the quality of your experiences and relationships, whether in professional settings or personal interactions. I'm by no means perfect at this but I definitely strive to be.
6. Intentionally Enjoy the Journey
Enjoy the little moments. Reflecting on how far you've come is important to appreciate the journey. Celebrate small victories and milestones. Taking time to reflect on your progress fosters gratitude and motivation, helping you find joy in the process, not just the outcome. This is something I struggle with still but I know it's super important.
7. Culture Impacts Outcomes
A high-performing culture is about getting the outcomes you want, consistently, while enjoying the process. A positive, supportive culture fosters collaboration, innovation, and sustained high performance. Cultivating a culture that values both results and wellbeing leads to long-term success.
8. Hard Work Isn’t Just Physical
Hard work is also about mental preparation. Mental resilience and strategic thinking are as crucial as physical effort. Balancing intense work periods with moments of reflection and rest ensures sustained performance and prevents burnout.
9. Place Your Focus on What You Can Control
Focus on what you have, and what you can control. This brings more gratitude and fulfilment. There is no point in spending time on something you cannot change. Concentrating on your strengths and aspects within your control reduces anxiety and increases effectiveness.
10. It’s Impossible to Do Lots of Different Things Well
Understand your priorities and focus on excelling in a few key areas. Trying to excel in too many areas can dilute your effectiveness. By focusing on a few key priorities, you can achieve greater success and fulfilment.
11. Understand People You Work With & Surround Yourself with People Who Think Differently
Understanding how to get the best out of each person in your team and having diverse perspectives foster innovation, growth and good ideas. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and provide different viewpoints, leading to better decision-making and creativity.
12. Be a Good Person
It's beneficial to everyone. Kindness and integrity build trust and strong relationships. Being a good person positively impacts those around you and creates a supportive and productive environment. Everyone has an invisible repetition and you contribute to your own every second of every day. Just be a good person.
13. The Little Things Are the Big Things
Small actions and gestures can have a significant impact. It's the extra 1% everyday that gets you closer to your goals you should try nail. Paying attention to details will improve outcomes in both personal and professional settings.
14. Clarity Brings Intensity
Understanding your role clearly and knowing exactly what you're doing allows you to bring intensity to your efforts. Clarity of purpose and understanding your responsibilities enhance focus and drive. Knowing what and why you are doing something will help you perform with greater intensity and confidence.
15. Systems Set You Free
Effective systems and processes create a clear roadmap for achieving goals. Systematising processes that can be, frees up time to focus on the important stuff. They provide structure and consistency, enabling creativity and individual contributions to thrive within a well-defined framework.
For a bonus lesson and more insights listen to pt.1 & pt. 2 of The O-Studio Podcast "15 Lessons from Professional Rugby | How they apply to business & life" here.
