Unlock a Better Performance: Physical Preparation

 

The path to success, whether in sports or studies, requires three essential elements: motivation, discipline, and willpower. Preparing for an important exam, such as a state license or college degree, is similar to training for a physical challenge, like running a marathon or participating in a stage of the Tour de France. Both require daily dedication, the development of effective habits, and above all, a passion for achieving the goal. Next, I share my personal experience as both an amateur runner and cyclist, as well as a student, to illustrate how discipline in sports can translate into academic discipline. Physical preparation not only enhances overall well-being but also clears the mind, reduces stress, and fosters the concentration needed to tackle any academic challenge.

When I passed the Florida real estate broker exam, I felt immense joy and an incredible sense of empowerment, as if I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. This feeling reminded me of a similar moment nine years earlier, in 1990, when I completed the Los Angeles Marathon after six months of preparation. I experienced it again later, after earning my four university degrees. As a real estate instructor, I have encountered many students with similar goals: they aspire to get ahead despite balancing responsibilities like work, family, or caring for children. These obligations often make it difficult to find time for physical activity, but that should not be an excuse. Walking or running for 10 to 20 minutes, four times a week, is enough to begin cultivating physical discipline. If this describes your situation, consult your doctor before starting any new physical activity. I am not a doctor or professional trainer; I share my experience as an amateur runner and cyclist. Being disciplined in sports helped me develop the focus and persistence I later applied to my studies.

When I decided to run the Los Angeles Marathon, I began with small goals: walking 15 minutes a day, gradually increasing the duration, and eventually transitioning to running longer distances. By the time of the marathon, I was running between 100 and 150 miles a week. Cycling, another passion I’ve had since the age of six, follows a similar approach. For years, I cycled about 210 miles during the week and 90 miles on Sundays. Like running, I started small and gradually increased the intensity. This incremental approach is key in both sports and studies: start small, build the habit, and maintain consistency.

There is a clear parallel between beginning physical training and resuming studies after a long break. Without passion, both processes can feel arduous and tedious. Passion for learning or physical improvement drives us to overcome obstacles. Just as a professional cyclist ascends mountains during the Tour de France, a student must maintain a clear goal and strive daily to reach the summit: passing an exam, earning a license, or completing a degree. Two important lessons emerge from this experience. First, while not everyone can be a professional athlete, anyone can succeed academically by exercising their mind daily. Second, passion makes the process more bearable. With motivation and discipline, any physical, academic, or professional goal becomes attainable. Human beings are incredibly adaptable. Just as we have survived extreme conditions for millennia, we can adjust our lives to study efficiently and achieve our objectives. It’s not about training like a Tour de France cyclist or running hundreds of miles a week, but about demonstrating what is possible with willpower and dedication. If you can develop the habit of walking, running, or cycling for 15 to 30 minutes daily, you can also cultivate the discipline to study for several hours and master the material needed to pass an exam. Incorporating physical activity into your preparation will not only clear your mind but also reduce stress and enhance concentration. A balanced diet and adequate rest are equally crucial to maintaining a healthy body and mind during the study process.

Success—whether academic or physical—is built through consistent, small efforts each day. The key is to combine motivation, discipline, and willpower, transforming positive habits into a natural part of your routine. Physical activity not only improves your health but also strengthens your mental clarity and ability to meet academic challenges. Take care of your body and mind during exam preparation, as both are essential allies in achieving your goals. No matter how daunting the mountain before you may seem, with passion, discipline, and a clear plan, you will reach the summit. Your success is within reach!

Physical Preparation Exercise

How many minutes, four days a week, will you dedicate to going to the gym, walking, running, or cycling?

10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes are enough to begin awakening your muscles and forming the habit of regular exercise amidst work, studies, and family obligations.

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What to read next:

Master Your Mind: Simple Strategies for Mental Preparation here

Facing New Challenges With Emotional Strength here

Benefits of Emotional, Mental and Physical Preparation here

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