When EVERYTHING goes wrong, sometimes you need the strength of other people to keep believing 🌊⛵ in yourself

I am following the Vendée Globe 2024 with great enthusiasm: a single-handed regatta race non-stop around the world – in 80 days. For me, it is the last great adventure of our time.

The challenges are inhumane – for people and material: waves as high as skyscrapers, gusts of wind with 50 knots, freezing cold and loneliness, material fatigue, permanent sleep deprivation, constant risks … Anyone who asks himself something like this is a professional through and through. Physically, mentally and emotionally.

But even with 100% commitment, it can happen that dreams are shattered. Skipper Louis Burton had to learn that. After a serious material breakage, he had to stop the race and sail his racing yacht back to Cape Town. I followed his decision via an Instagram video – a decision that was incredibly difficult, but courageous and right.

Yesterday I was there when he arrived in Cape Town out of respect and respect. It was incredibly touching. His family, we fans, the children – everyone welcomed him with hand-painted signs, shouts of “Bravo” and open arms. The disappointment was palpable, but you could still feel something deeper: humility, pride, love – and unbroken passion.

I had tears in my eyes because I was able to empathize so well with the soul of an athlete who gave everything for his dream. And then it doesn’t go the way we dream it would. It’s not just athletes who know this …

Real professionals do the following:

They go through the deep valley of emotions and disappointment. They have a support team and know that they are never alone – no matter what they decide. They ask themselves: Is the longing still big enough? If the answer is yes , they shake themselves, get up, straighten their backs – and move on. They try again and again and give it their all. Because every setback makes us stronger. We are growing. We learn that we can’t control everything. And yes: We should be proud of what we have already achieved – because without pride, success simply does not work.

Louis Burton inspired me deeply. He looked abysmally exhausted, so approachable and human. But his disappointment quickly gave way to a smile when he was able to embrace his proud family. People who love you and believe in you are simply everything in life.

So: Even if dreams burst – keep going! 🚀 It’s soooo worth it. coaching, sparring partner, #success, #passion, #courage, #dreams

This post is also available in: German