People of a certain age will remember the BBC show called Superstars, where top athletes from a range of sporting disciplines come together to compete against each other in several different sport competitions such as running, swimming, shooting and cycling. One of the most memorable moments of the series was when the then footballer, Kevin Keegan fell off his bike during the cycling race, suffering several cuts and bruises.
If you think that was bad, spare a thought for former world heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Frazier competed in the American equivalent of the show. During the swimming event, it soon became apparent that swimming was not his strong point. In fact, at the turn it was looking likely that he wasn't going to make it to the wall. Spectators looked on in horror, not to mention the producers.
It would be an exaggeration to say that Frazier nearly drowned, but it was clear that he was not a swimmer. When asked by the producers why he didn't tell them he couldn't swim, he simply replied 'How was I to know I couldn't until I tried it?' Perhaps his response gives us an insight into what made Joe Frazier such a great champion.
What can you learn from Joe Frazier's attitude and how can you apply this to your own particular career journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts.