CONTACT

Wellbeing. The high-performance edge.

#distractedpodcast highperformance leadership mindset wellbeing Jul 30, 2024

In a recent episode of my podcast, Distracted, I had the pleasure of chatting with Matt Elliott, a former NRL coach, Leadership and Mindset Coordinator at St George Illawarra Dragons and the founder of The Change Room. Through our conversation we delved into the intertwining worlds of wellbeing and high performance, shedding light on how they not only complement each other but rely on each other if we are to live whole and well lives. 

Through our conversation it showed me again how important it is to have open honest conversations about our own experiences with the ups and downs of wellbeing in order to learn how to navigate life. 

Matt's journey into coaching began unexpectedly. After enduring his 13th knee injury, his rugby league playing career ended at the age of 28. This pivotal moment led him to a coaching role, a path that allowed him to serve and impact others positively, in a way he knew was in alignment to his strengths and philosophy of health and wellbeing. Despite the illustrious achievements listed in his biography as Head Coach of professional Rugby League teams Canberra Raiders, Penrith Panthers,New Zealand Warriors and Assistant Coach at St George Illawarra Dragons.

Matt's true passion lies in helping people improve their lives through sports and mindset training.

Facing Challenges Head-On

One of the central themes of Matt's philosophy is encapsulated in his quote, "Nothing can be changed until it is faced." He emphasized that ignoring emotional and physical challenges only exacerbates them. We know the whispers that come from our environment, relationships and our body when something needs to change. For Matt, ignoring these whispers led to his own health experience of being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. It was through this experience that Matt realised the importance of addressing issues head-on. By making lifestyle changes and altering his perception of life, he managed to control a condition deemed incurable by doctors. This major setback shifted his focus to finding the balance between embracing wellbeing and high performance.

The Shift in High Performance

The landscape of high performance has evolved significantly. Matt observed that while physical and strategic improvements in athletes are minimal with the level of training and access to technology for today’s athletes, the real game-changer lies in mindset. Young athletes today have access to vast amounts of information, making quality relationships, emotional safety, and inspiration even more crucial. Known to be a leader with heart, this shift necessitates honesty and vulnerability, which Matt prefers to term as taking responsibility.

Wellbeing and Performance: A Symbiotic Relationship

Matt passionately discussed the integral relationship between wellbeing and high performance. Sustained high performance is impossible without wellbeing, and vice versa. In corporate settings, he criticized the superficial approach to wellbeing, like providing apples at lunch, and stressed the importance of deeper, meaningful initiatives. Organizations that genuinely care about their employees' health see reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.

Practical Strategies for Wellbeing

For Matt, maintaining personal wellbeing involves a combination of introspection, physical activity, and meaningful connections. Every morning, he reflects on his feelings and goals, a practice akin to meditation. His training regimen, which includes ice baths and a consistent exercise routine, is complemented by mindful eating based on Anthony Minichiello's principles. Fun and laughter are also crucial elements of his daily routine, underscoring the importance of joy in achieving high performance.

A Look Ahead: Aging with Purpose

Matt is co-authoring a new book on aging, exploring the concept of health span versus lifespan. He emphasizes the abundance of choices available to maintain health and vitality in modern life. His goal is to break preconceived notions about aging and inspire people to enjoy life fully at any age.

Matt Elliott's insights remind us that high performance and wellbeing are not mutually exclusive. By embracing both, we can lead fulfilling, productive lives. For more about Matt's philosophy and his work, visit The Change Room and stay tuned for his upcoming book.

To listen to the full episode go to Wellbeing. The High-Performance Edge.


The Simplicity of the Sticky Note

Nov 05, 2024

Finding Calm Through Your Breath

Oct 29, 2024

Learning To Be Present

Oct 22, 2024