The Only Way to Do Something is to Do It: The Relentless Pursuit of Sporting Greatness
The Only Way to Do Something is to Do It:
The Relentless Pursuit of Sporting Greatness
In the world of sport, talent alone is never enough. Dreams remain just dreams without action. No amount of visualisation, planning, or wishing will lead to success if it is not accompanied by effort. This truth is summed up perfectly in the simple but powerful quote: "The only way to do something is to do it."
Great athletes are not just dreamers; they are doers. They don’t wait for the perfect moment, nor do they let fear of failure hold them back. They take action, learn through experience, and relentlessly push their limits. If you want to improve, compete, or achieve something in sport—or any area of life—you must get up, commit, and do the work.
The Power of Taking Action
Many people dream of success, but few truly dedicate themselves to the process required to achieve it. The difference between those who succeed and those who remain stagnant is action. Those who take steps forward—however small—are the ones who make progress.
Consider the story of Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest players. He was not born a superstar. His rise to prominence was fuelled by an unrelenting work ethic. As a young boy growing up in Madeira, Portugal, he trained obsessively, often practising long after his teammates had gone home. While others relied on talent, Ronaldo built himself through sheer effort—running drills, perfecting his technique, and committing to strength and conditioning routines that would later set him apart. His results are no accident. He took action, every single day.
From Visualisation to Execution
Mental preparation is important in sport. Many elite athletes use visualisation techniques to imagine success. However, visualisation alone is meaningless without execution. Thinking about being fitter won’t make you fitter. Imagining yourself lifting a trophy won’t get you there. You must put in the physical and mental work to back it up.
Take Serena Williams, for example. She is renowned not only for her skill and talent but also for her relentless drive. From a young age, she committed herself to countless hours of practice, refining every shot, every movement, and every mental aspect of her game. She didn’t just think about winning Wimbledon—she did the work required to make it happen, time and time again.
Failure is Part of the Process
One of the biggest barriers to action is fear of failure. Many athletes hesitate to push themselves because they fear making mistakes. However, failure is not the opposite of success—it is an essential part of it.
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, famously said: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” Jordan did not let failure define him; he learned from it. Every missed shot, every defeat, and every setback fuelled his determination to improve.
If you fear failure, you will never take action. But if you embrace it as part of the learning process, you will continue moving forward. The only way to get better is to try, fail, learn, and repeat.
Commitment Over Motivation
Motivation is fleeting; commitment is what sustains progress. Many people wait until they feel like training or competing. But the truth is, the best athletes train and compete even when they don’t feel like it.
Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon legend who became the first person to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon, does not rely on motivation alone. His success is built on disciplined daily training, meticulous preparation, and an unwavering commitment to his goals. He runs thousands of miles each year, pushing through fatigue, doubt, and pain. He doesn’t wait for inspiration—he simply does the work.
The Role of Consistency in Sporting Success
Taking action once is not enough. Progress is built through consistent effort over time. Small, daily improvements compound into major success.
Andy Murray, one of Britain’s greatest tennis players, is an example of how persistence and commitment lead to greatness. Early in his career, he faced setbacks and struggled against the sport’s dominant players. However, through relentless practice, physical conditioning, and mental strengthening, he eventually broke through, winning Wimbledon and becoming World No. 1. His success wasn’t built on a single moment of brilliance—it was the result of years of consistent effort.
Overcoming Procrastination and Doubt
Procrastination kills progress. Many athletes struggle with the temptation to delay training or wait for the “perfect moment” to take action. The truth is, waiting achieves nothing—doing something, no matter how small, is what leads to improvement.
How to Overcome Procrastination:
Start Small – Commit to just five minutes of training. Often, starting is the hardest part, but once you begin, momentum builds.
Remove Distractions – Identify what holds you back (social media, TV, excuses) and eliminate them during training time.
Hold Yourself Accountable – Share your goals with a coach, teammate, or training partner who will push you to stay consistent.
Practical Steps to Take Action
If you want to improve in sport, don’t wait for the perfect time. The perfect time doesn’t exist. The only way to do something is to start doing it. Here’s how:
1. Set Clear Goals
Decide what you want to achieve. Whether it’s running a faster 5K, improving your football skills, or becoming stronger, set specific and measurable targets.
2. Create a Plan
Break your goal into actionable steps. If your goal is to run a marathon, begin by committing to running regularly and gradually increasing your distance.
3. Take Small Steps Daily
Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Start where you are and build gradually. Even if it’s a short training session, it’s better than doing nothing.
4. Push Through Challenges
There will be setbacks, tough days, and moments of doubt. Accept them as part of the process and keep going.
5. Track Your Progress
Keeping a record of your training, successes, and struggles helps you see growth over time and keeps you motivated.
No Excuses—Only Action
Excuses are the enemy of progress. There will always be reasons to delay—bad weather, tiredness, lack of time. But great athletes find a way. Usain Bolt did not become the fastest man in history by making excuses. He showed up, trained, and put in the work consistently.
It’s easy to overthink, to wait for motivation, or to hope for a shortcut. But the truth is simple: if you want to achieve something, the only way to do it is to do it. Lace up your shoes, get out there, and take the first step. Because nothing happens until you take action.
Conclusion: Action Defines Success
Every great sporting achievement begins with a single step. The difference between those who reach their goals and those who do not is action. Visualisation, planning, and motivation are helpful, but they mean nothing without effort.
No one ever won a race by sitting on the sidelines. No championship was ever won by someone who never took the first step. If you have a goal, a dream, or a desire to succeed, the message is clear: start now.
Your journey begins the moment you take action. The only way to do something is to do it. Now go and make it happen.
Unlock Your Athletic Potential - A Guide to Sports Psychology - Work Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D26GXFSC
