Thriving After the Fall
A world record has been broken in one of the most challenging and grueling sporting events, the Tour de France. Last week my all-time favorite cyclist, Mark Cavendish (Cav), won his 35th stage (the most for any TDF rider ever) in an event that challenges even the most elite athletes.
Given that less than 0.1% of the US population watch each stage, the chances of you knowing Cavendish’s story are miniscule. His accomplishments are profound. They have required unimaginable resilience and teaching us valuable lessons professionally and personally.
Cav's story is one of passion, resilience, grit, competitive spirit, and remarkable mental and physical strength. Often seen as the underdog, Cav didn’t have the large build of some sprinters. His wife, Peta, welcomed doubters, knowing that the louder the critics, the larger the fire that would be lit within Cav.
Throughout his career, Cavendish faced numerous crashes resulting in severe injuries, including broken bones. He was forced to abandon multiple Tour de France races, including last year's, just short of breaking the stage record. Yet, he persevered.
Cavendish also battled depression, describing his struggle as, “Depression you just associate with being sad – and it’s not sad. The amount of times I’ve tried to paint a picture. But you can’t, there’s no picture to paint. You either don’t have any feelings at all or how you act or respond is completely irrational." He was also diagnosed with Epstein-Barr, which forced him out of competition.
In addition to his physical and mental health challenges, Cavendish and his wife were robbed at knifepoint in their home. Despite these setbacks, he continued to push forward, demonstrating incredible resilience and determination.
Cavendish's journey offers several valuable lessons:
Play the Hand You're Dealt: Cav is smaller than most sprinters. Instead of seeing this as a disadvantage, he leveraged his size to his advantage.
Channel Your Passion: Cav’s fieriness and competitiveness sometimes caused friction, but he learned to harness his emotions to achieve his goals.
Prioritize Mindset: Cav admitted to feeling bad for himself and wanting to quit, but after processing the self-doubt, he always bounced back.
Build a Strong Support System: His wife, Peta, and various teammates have been an unwavering source of support, highlighting the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.
Be Adaptable: Cav switched racing teams multiple times, akin to changing companies. He understood the need for the right support and culture to reach his goals.
Ignore the Critics: Cav used criticism as fuel for his fire, showing us the power of turning negativity into motivation.
Overcome Adversity: Whether dealing with physical injuries, mental health struggles, or personal safety threats, Cavendish exemplifies the power of resilience.
Celebrate Every Victory: From breaking records to being knighted by King Charles, recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, is crucial.
Last week, Mark Cavendish became the second oldest rider to win a stage at the Tour de France when he broke Eddy Merckx’s 49-year-old record last week. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and an unwavering spirit. No matter the obstacles, he continues to rise and inspire us all to thrive after the fall.
I try to gain inspiration from everywhere, especially from ‘strangers’ whose stories are new to me. Cavendish’s journey is a powerful reminder that no matter how many times we get knocked down, we have the strength to rise again. I hope you will take inspiration from his story and use it to fuel your own fire. Whether you face professional challenges, personal setbacks, or moments of self-doubt, remember that resilience, passion, and an unwavering spirit can lead you to triumph. Let's all strive to thrive after the fall.
