Elite

A Tactical Approach to Excellence

Achieving elite status in any specific endeavor is undeniably challenging, often influenced by factors beyond our control. Being considered "elite" typically means being among the best in the nation or even the world in a particular field—whether that’s sports, a professional domain, or another specialized area. Outside of competitive arenas like athletics, defining what it means to be elite can be quite complex. The idea of excelling in two or more areas is even more daunting; the expectation of becoming the best in multiple fields can seem unrealistic, if not impossible.

A thought that resonates deeply is the value of taking a tactical approach. In this context, it’s possible to excel in various skills without necessarily reaching elite status in any single one. You can perform well at an amateur level in sports while also thriving in your professional life. You can be a dedicated parent and a loving spouse. The key is to recognize that excelling across multiple areas often requires careful prioritization.

As you pursue greatness in multiple domains, the challenge of maintaining high performance increases. At some point, you will need to learn to say no and make deliberate choices about where to invest your time and energy. It’s essential to define who you want to be and what you want to achieve.

The most crucial factor in achieving excellence across different sectors is time. Allowing yourself a longer timeframe makes it more feasible to cultivate skills in multiple areas. For instance, you can develop strength and cardiovascular fitness, excel at your job, and be an attentive parent. However, becoming great in both parenting and your career typically won’t happen in just one year; it may take decades of consistent effort to master both.

So, how long does it really take to become great? Generally, it requires 5-7 years of sustained commitment. For example, in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, training three times a week for an hour often leads to achieving a black belt in about ten years. If you train for 30 minutes a day, you might reach that goal more quickly. Dedicating 3-5 hours a week—or 30 minutes a day—for 7-10 years can yield significant improvements. While it’s possible to achieve mastery in several areas, becoming a black belt in ten different pursuits is considerably more challenging.

To make your goals a reality, turn what you care about into a habit. If your health is a priority, establish routines around sleep, nutrition, and exercise. If professional growth matters to you, integrate ongoing learning into your schedule. For family connections, prioritize quality time with your kids. If your faith is important, make prayer a regular practice. Likewise, nurture your relationship with your spouse through meaningful interactions. It’s essential to recognize that when you neglect these habits, the benefits tend to fade away.

Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day. After accounting for sleep, eating, and basic needs, you might have around 14 hours left to invest in your passions. With an average work commitment of 8 hours a day, that leaves about 6 hours—or 12 blocks of time—to pursue other interests. When you factor in family responsibilities, which many of us want to excel at, you might find yourself with only 3-5 time blocks for personal growth. Choosing how to allocate those blocks can be a significant challenge.

Ultimately, it’s about defining who you want to be and focusing on a few key areas. Invest your time wisely, remain curious, and stay committed to your pursuits. If you seek greater rewards and a lasting legacy, consider sharing the lessons you learn along the way with others. By doing so, you not only enrich your own journey but also inspire those around you to strive for their own versions of greatness.