Turning Pain into Gain: A High-Performance Perspective

Extracting valuable insights from an unexpected challenge

Hi, it’s Clive. This is for people who are committed to exceptional performance. Let's exchange what's predictable for what's possible. Post 22 for a 30 day writing challenge.

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I was going to write about the importance of personal networks.

We invest too little time in this.  And it’s important to think about who to spend time with.  That’s as important on social networks as it is in real life.

But that essay is going to have to wait.

I had an accident pulling ivy off my garden wall.

When I say accident I’m not sure if this qualifies. I was leaning over, pulling on a clump of twisted vines, when wham! Shooting across my lower back let me know, in no uncertain terms, that I had a problem.

At the time I was on top of an 8’ high wall, which was a whole other problem.

I winced and took a breath, the pain eased immediately. Was I stuck in no-man’s land between pain and no-pain? Would I be able to move without further pain?

Long story short, I managed to get down off the wall.

I stretched and was able to ease the back pain. Then I got indoors, found an ice pack and applied it. Everything was fine — until I decided to take a hot shower.

And then drying myself afterwards I twinged my back again, this time it was worse.

So here I sit now, ice pack in place. The two paracetamol I’ve taken as a quick fix are starting to kick in. Yet I’m feeling uneasy.

Anxious, knowing there is a 12-hour journey coming up in a day and a half's time.

What's this got to do with high performance?

Let's do some reflection. Here's what I've learnt so far from this incident:

1. A commitment is a commitment - publish. Despite the unexpected setback, I'm still writing and sharing this experience.

2. Don't take physical health and abilities for granted. This incident is a stark reminder of how quickly our capabilities can change.

3. Get to the root cause, not temporary fixes. While painkillers provide relief, addressing the underlying issue is crucial for long-term well-being.

4. It's okay to change plans. Adapting to circumstances, like potentially modifying my upcoming journey, is a key aspect of maintaining performance.

Some cadence between rest and gentle exercise is my next move. I know movement helps with back pain, even if it is counterintuitive. And my 12-hour journey — well by the time you read this that will be underway.

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🚀 Before you go, let me ask — what are you committed to achieving?

I work 1:1 as a Sparring Partner with highly high performing experts in consultancy, software, and technology. We work on an agenda to deliver unreasonably high performance: including mindset and behaviour change, leading others in a high stakes situations, and influencing decisions with integrity. If that’s for you please get in touch.

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