At the beginning of the month, we had the honor of welcoming Jonas Deichmann—an extreme athlete and the “German Forrest Gump”—as a speaker in our sports management program. A triathlon around the world or 120 Ironmans in 120 consecutive days—what this person achieves is unimaginable. His story and mindset deeply impressed me… and above all, gave me new perspectives to think about.

Here are some learnings I took away from his talk and would like to share with you:

1. Do shit first!
Jonas lives by a simple yet incredibly powerful rule: start the day with the least pleasant task—without questioning it. Before beginning a project, he asks himself three questions: Do I want this? Can I do this? And do I know it will be tough? So, during his triathlon around the world, when the alarm went off at 5:40 a.m., he got up and went swimming—no discussion, no hesitation. It’s about developing routines that become habits. In the beginning, it’s often difficult, but over time it becomes second nature. This pattern of tackling the “unpleasant things” first creates enormous inner strength and discipline, which supports Jonas in all his adventures. Once the “hard tasks” are done, the mind is free for what truly matters. A principle that can help all of us become more focused and effective—not just in sports.

2. Visualize goals
Jonas showed how important it is to have a clear picture of your goal in mind. He repeatedly visualized his big visions—such as crossing Russia all the way to Lake Baikal. But visualization alone is not enough—you have to truly want it and firmly believe in it. This imagination gives him the strength and focus to keep going, even in difficult moments. The anticipation of the goal provides the energy and motivation to be the best version of himself every day.

3. Break big goals down into small steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming. Jonas showed how he breaks his challenges down into small, manageable steps—like buying a chocolate bar at the next gas station during his triathlon around the world. It’s about visualizing big visions, but translating them into small, tangible goals in day-to-day execution. These small milestones make the journey more approachable and motivate you day by day without losing sight of the bigger picture.

At the end, Jonas shared a wonderful insight with us: the best things in life are free.

It is the experiences, the encounters with people and nature, that give us unforgettable moments—and none of that needs a price tag. So let’s pursue big dreams, value our daily routines, and not lose sight of the simple things in life.

This post was published by Christian Lang on LinkedIn on January 8, 2025. Zum Original-Beitrag