Introduction
The phrase "Do What You Love" encapsulates the essence of achieving extraordinary results in any field. This document explores how passion fuels HiLlevel performance, using examples from professional tennis and surfing to illustrate key principles.
Part One: Power - Lessons from Tennis
The 2024 US Open finals between Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz exemplified the power of doing what you love. Their intense match, described as a "slugfest," showcased the elements required for peak performance:
- Mental Preparation: The ability to focus on proper thoughts, feelings, and sensations in crucial moments.
- Physical Fitness: Executing skills with perfect form, tempo, and passion.
- Recovery Capacity: Digesting emotions and continuing to express love for the sport.
The Importance of Breathing
A critical, often overlooked aspect of high-level performance is proper breathing. It serves multiple purposes:
- Regulating energy levels
- Managing stress
- Maintaining focus
- Facilitating quick recovery
- Anchoring the mind to stay present
Mastering breath control can help you consistently access your best effort and truly embody the "Do What You Love" philosophy at the highest levels of competition.
Part Two: HiLevel Performance
HiLevel Performance is the result of combining passion with meticulous attention to detail. Key components include:
- Thriving Under Pressure: A positive mindset towards challenges, as exemplified by Sinner's quote, "Pressure is nice to have."
- Physical Excellence: Dedication to training and maintaining peak fitness.
- Emotional Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, fueled by love for the activity.
- Mindful Presence: Utilizing breathing techniques to stay engaged and focused.
As Steve Jobs said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle."
Part Three: A Case Study - Kalani Rivero
Kalani Rivero, a surfer from the North Shore, exemplifies how love for one's passion enables HiLevel Performance:
- Preparation: Accepting the work needed to perform under extreme conditions.
- Presence: Maintaining physical presence to express creativity and skill.
- Recovery: Using breathing and positive mindset to overcome setbacks and injuries.
- Fellowship: Embracing the support system of friends, family, and community.
Kalani's experience highlights the importance of community in pursuing one's passion. As Wim Hof philosophy suggests, "We're all one. We are a part of nature. The cold is our warm friend and breathing is our great teacher."
Kalani Rivero at Log Cabins
Deep in a wave, where you don't want to meet the bottom. A rock-hard slab of unforgiving stone. Log Cabins is a beach break west of the Banzai Pipeline. The wave breaks in very shallow water. The bottom is one of the most dangerous on the North Shore! P.hoto by Bernie Baker.
Conclusion
The power of love separates the extraordinary from the ordinary. It enables individuals to push boundaries, support one another, and achieve HiLevel Performance in their chosen pursuits. Whether in professional sports or any other field, doing what you love is the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving remarkable results.
That's HiLevel!