I've seen many changes over the years in coaching and racing. Some changes have been positive, such as advancements in technology, the sharing of information, access to coaches, and improved equipment. However, one negative trend is the prevalence of unrealistic expectations, which has led to a reluctance—or even an inability—to celebrate our progress in sports.

In my early days of racing, I set goals and ambitions based on a realistic understanding of my abilities as an athlete. I felt excited and grateful for any improvement I made. This mindset was common among my friends and the athletes I worked with, supported, or coached throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

These days, as a coach, I have noticed a significant change in attitudes among athletes. It is increasingly common for newcomers to struggle with an overwhelming sense of disappointment regarding their performances. It’s not uncommon to receive an email or feedback from an athlete expressing dissatisfaction, only to find that they finished on the podium, won their event, or set a new personal best. As someone who has been involved in sports for three decades, I find this mindset quite perplexing. How did we arrive at this point? What has led new athletes to view outstanding performances as sources of disappointment? What can we do about it?

Sport has advanced at an incredible pace over the past 30 years, largely due to the internet and the accessibility of information. While this progress is beneficial, it has also introduced challenges, particularly the double-edged sword of comparison. On one hand, seeing someone perform a backflip can inspire us to aspire to do the same. On the other hand, it can also lead us to feel that our own efforts are futile or insignificant. It’s vital to recognize both sides of this coin. We should aim high but avoid using others as a benchmark for our own progress.

A personal best (PB) is still a PB, even if it’s not a world record! Just because we aspire to ride a sub-21-minute time trial (or whatever your specific goal is) doesn’t diminish the achievement of breaking a sub-22 time, especially if that had previously been your PB. 

For example, achieving a time of 21:59 should be celebrated. So should 21:58, 21:57, and 21:56. Each PB is a significant reason to celebrate. However, when we focus on comparisons to others and the "current best," we risk losing sight of a crucial aspect of our journey: the importance of celebrating our successes. These milestones are what make our efforts meaningful.

If you are both an athlete and a coach (I personally consider myself a coach first and an athlete second), it becomes even more imperative to maintain this perspective. Leading by example is crucial, and you want your athletes to feel excited about their achievements. Their satisfaction reflects the true value of your efforts. Believe me, there are few things more demoralizing than helping an athlete improve and then hearing them express disappointment over their success. 

Staying motivated is the key. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small; recognize every progression and every small goal achieved. Dreaming is essential, but it’s equally important to stay grounded. Remember where you are in your journey, and be kind to yourself every time you make progress. No matter how distant that lofty goal may seem, you are always one step closer, and that is a commendable achievement.