E295: Reframing Failure and Pursuing Big Goals in Sports and Business with Hans Struzyna

Entrepreneurs Circle

Have you ever wondered how top athletes develop the mental toughness and resilience needed to succeed at the highest levels? In this episode, Erik Cabral chats with Hans Struzyna about his journey from rowing in the 2016 Rio Olympics to becoming one of the top real estate agents in the Bay Area.

Hans shares invaluable lessons learned from his rowing career like being coachable, separating physical and emotional reactions, and the importance of recovery and mental preparation. He also explains how overcoming the perceived failure of finishing 4th in the Olympics inspired him to reframe perspectives on both success and failure.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Hans’ family and career background

• College rowing, Olympic dreams, and scholarship opportunities

• Hans’ Olympic experience

• Key things he learned as an athlete that apply to business

• Embracing nervousness and failure

Episode Highlights:

[23:33] Reflections on US Rowing: Seeking Improvement in Athlete Support

• Hans believes that the US rowing organization seems to be lacking in its ability to truly serve the athletes it aims to support. It appears to be a self-centered organization that may not fully understand the needs of the athletes. When reflecting on our experiences and successes, such as winning national championships in college, we draw comparisons to the shortcomings of US Rowing. This allows us to identify what worked and what didn't, and apply those best practices to our own business and team. By analyzing both the failures and successes, we strive to create a more supportive and effective environment for our athletes.

• [25:31] Applying Lessons from Athletics to Business Success

Some of the key things Hans learned as an athlete that he has applied to his business include:

• Coachability: Hans understands the importance of taking feedback and implementing it quickly, enabling him to adapt to changing conditions in his business.

• Rapid Learning: Hans embraces the need to learn quickly and iterate on lessons, ensuring he stays ahead of the competition and avoids potential losses.

• Comfort with Discomfort: Hans pushes through physical and mental discomfort, knowing that giving in can result in setbacks and losses in both athletics and business.

• Prioritizing Recovery and Self-Care: Hans recognizes the significance of rest and self-care to avoid burnout, ensuring long-term sustainability in his business.

• Building a Strong Mental Game: Hans employs techniques like reframing narratives and focusing on performance rather than outcomes, cultivating resilience to overcome setbacks.

[31:06] Embracing Nervousness and Failure

• Feeling nervous is actually a good thing - it signifies that you truly care and want something. This applies to everyone, even the best athletes who experience nerves before a race. The key lies in how you handle those nerves. Will you let them scatter and overwhelm you, or will you channel them into focused determination? Remember, everyone has butterflies; it's how you deal with them that sets you apart. Embrace the nervousness and direct it towards your goal.

Resources Mentioned:

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