E64 - Héctor Bellerín: How curiosity can seriously damage your ignorance

It’s our third EURO 2020 special episodes, we are joined by Arsenal and Spain defender Héctor Bellerín.

Héctor joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2011 before making his first-team debut, aged 18, in the 2013 League Cup. He has since gone on to lift two Emirates FA Cups.

As you will discover in this compelling podcast, Héctor has fascinating interests and insights outside of the game that all contribute to his lessons in high performance. 

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## Hector Bellerin: High Performance Podcast Episode Summary

### Introduction

- Hector Bellerin, the Arsenal and Spain defender, joins the podcast for a candid conversation about his unique perspective on high performance and his journey as a professional footballer.
- Bellerin emphasizes the importance of being effective and reaching a state where one can perform at their best, viewing high performance as a continuous pursuit of improvement through various aspects of life.

### Swimming Against the Tide

- Bellerin reflects on his younger years, where he felt different from his teammates due to his views and opinions.
- He highlights the influence of living in London, which exposed him to diverse characters and inspired him to embrace his individuality.
- Bellerin acknowledges the challenges of expressing his views in a dressing room filled with established players but emphasizes the importance of earning respect and establishing his worth.

### Growing Up in Catalonia

- Bellerin discusses his upbringing in Catalonia, a region known for its independence movement.
- He emphasizes his impartiality in political matters and attributes his sense of independence to his unique upbringing, which involved long hours of training and travel.
- Bellerin highlights the role of his family in supporting his independence while also providing guidance and boundaries.

### The Power of Being an Individual

- Bellerin stresses the significance of being comfortable with oneself and being different to achieve peak performance.
- He draws parallels to the experience of Marcelino Asambe, a Royal Ballet principal dancer who came out as gay, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in achieving high performance.
- Bellerin underscores the therapeutic value of speaking out about personal challenges and expressing his views, both publicly and privately.

### Social Awareness and Scrutiny

- Bellerin acknowledges the scrutiny and criticism he faced for his social activism and interests outside of football, particularly during periods of poor team performance.
- He challenges the stereotype that footballers should conform to certain expectations and highlights the double standards in media portrayal.
- Bellerin emphasizes that having interests beyond football can contribute to a well-rounded perspective and enhance overall performance.

### The Skills That Translate

- Bellerin explains how his interests in photography and spending time in nature help him recharge and connect with his surroundings.
- He emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from football-related activities to maintain mental health and well-being.
- Bellerin highlights the benefits of observing and appreciating the world around him, which enhances his awareness and attention to detail on the field.

### Family as the Foundation

- Bellerin discusses the importance of family in his life, emphasizing the unwavering support he has received from his parents and sister.
- He credits his family for providing a stable foundation and helping him navigate the challenges of his career.
- Bellerin acknowledges the sacrifices his family made to support his football aspirations and expresses his gratitude for their unwavering belief in him.

### Conclusion

- Bellerin reiterates the importance of embracing individuality and pursuing personal growth to achieve high performance.
- He encourages listeners to challenge societal norms and expectations, emphasizing the value of authenticity and self-expression.
- Bellerin highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals who encourage personal and professional development.

# Podcast Episode Summary: Héctor Bellerín: High Performance Podcast

## Introduction

* Héctor Bellerín, Arsenal and Spain defender, joins the podcast for a discussion about his life and career.
* Bellerín has been with Arsenal since 2011, winning two FA Cups during his time at the club.
* He is known for his outspoken views on a variety of social issues, including racism, sexism, and climate change.

## Key Insights

* **Bellerín believes that it is important for athletes to use their platform to speak out about social issues.** He says, "I think that we have a responsibility to use our voices for good. We have a huge platform, and we can reach a lot of people. So I think it's important to use that platform to try to make a difference in the world."
* **Bellerín is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness.** He says, "I think it's really important to talk about mental health, because it's something that affects so many people. And I think that there's still a lot of stigma around it. So I think it's important to talk about it and to try to break down that stigma."
* **Bellerín is a role model for many young people, and he takes that responsibility seriously.** He says, "I think it's important to be a good role model for young people. I think that we have a responsibility to try to set a good example and to show them that it's okay to be different and to be yourself."

## Memorable Quotes

* "I think that we have a responsibility to use our voices for good. We have a huge platform, and we can reach a lot of people. So I think it's important to use that platform to try to make a difference in the world."
* "I think it's really important to talk about mental health, because it's something that affects so many people. And I think that there's still a lot of stigma around it. So I think it's important to talk about it and to try to break down that stigma."
* "I think it's important to be a good role model for young people. I think that we have a responsibility to try to set a good example and to show them that it's okay to be different and to be yourself."

## Overall Message

Héctor Bellerín is a thoughtful and articulate young man who is using his platform as a professional athlete to make a difference in the world. He is a role model for many young people, and his message of hope and change is inspiring.

# The High Performance Podcast: Redefining Success and Overcoming Performance Anxiety with Héctor Bellerín

Héctor Bellerín, Arsenal and Spain defender, joins the podcast to discuss his unique perspectives on performance, mental health, and his journey to redefine success.

**Key Insights:**

* **Redefining Success:** Bellerín challenges the traditional view of success in football, emphasizing the importance of personal values, mental well-being, and holistic development. He advocates for a shift away from defining success solely based on results and external validation.

* **Overcoming Performance Anxiety:** Bellerín openly shares his struggles with performance anxiety and mental health issues. He highlights the detrimental impact of the toxic masculinity prevalent in sports culture, which often leads to athletes suppressing their emotions and prioritizing winning at all costs.

* **Embracing Compassion and Empathy:** Bellerín advocates for cultivating compassion and empathy in sports, both on and off the field. He believes that creating a supportive environment where athletes feel safe to express their emotions and seek help is crucial for promoting mental well-being and overall performance.

* **The Value of Consistency:** Bellerín emphasizes the importance of consistency in performance, highlighting the value of players who consistently deliver solid performances rather than those who have sporadic moments of brilliance. He acknowledges the challenge of maintaining consistency in a high-pressure environment but stresses its significance for team success.

* **Challenging Societal Norms:** Bellerín reflects on the societal pressures that young athletes face, particularly the emphasis on winning and the fear of failure. He encourages coaches and parents to prioritize enjoyment and skill development over results, creating a positive and nurturing environment for young athletes to thrive.

* **The Importance of Self-Reflection:** Bellerín emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness in achieving high performance. He advocates for athletes to take time to understand their emotions, values, and motivations, as this self-knowledge is essential for personal growth and development.

* **Finding Balance:** Bellerín discusses the importance of finding balance in life, both on and off the field. He highlights the need for athletes to pursue interests and hobbies outside of their sport, as this can help them maintain perspective and prevent burnout.

* **The Power of Perspective:** Bellerín shares his unique approach to analyzing his own performance, viewing himself as a third person to detach himself from personal judgment. This perspective allows him to objectively assess his strengths and weaknesses and make improvements without being overly critical of himself.

**Memorable Quotes:**

* "Your value as a human being should always be like a candle that's always burning at the same rate... It doesn't matter if you score a goal, it doesn't matter if you score an own goal, it doesn't matter if you lose, you always win. Your value is always here."

* "I feel like I care less and less and I let myself be less affected by what other people say."

* "I think people that are really in the industry really value how hard it is to be that kind of player and how much that gives a team."

**Overall Message:**

Héctor Bellerín's journey and insights offer a refreshing perspective on success, mental health, and performance in sports. He challenges conventional notions of success, advocating for a more holistic approach that prioritizes personal well-being, compassion, and empathy. Bellerín's experiences and reflections serve as a valuable reminder of the importance of self-awareness, self-reflection, and finding balance in life to achieve true high performance.

# Hector Bellerín: On Mental Health, Curiosity, and High Performance

In the third installment of the EURO 2020 special episodes, Arsenal and Spain defender Héctor Bellerín joins the show.

Bellerín, who joined Arsenal from Barcelona in 2011, has become a prominent figure in the world of football. However, his interests and insights extend far beyond the pitch. He is an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He also has a keen interest in fashion and sustainability.

In this episode, Bellerín discusses the importance of mental health and how it relates to high performance. He emphasizes the need for honesty, curiosity, and self-awareness in order to achieve success in any area of life. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of Arsenal and his hopes for the future.

## Key Insights:

- **Mental Health and High Performance**: Bellerín believes that mental health is crucial for high performance. He emphasizes the need for honesty, curiosity, and self-awareness in order to achieve success in any area of life.


- **The Importance of Curiosity**: Bellerín encourages people to be curious and open-minded. He believes that learning and growing come from being willing to explore new ideas and perspectives.


- **The Power of Self-Awareness**: Bellerín stresses the importance of self-awareness in order to identify and address mental health issues. He believes that being honest with oneself about one's feelings and experiences is the first step towards healing and growth.


- **The Current State of Arsenal**: Bellerín acknowledges that Arsenal has had a difficult season. However, he is optimistic about the future and believes that the team is moving in the right direction under the leadership of Mikel Arteta.


- **Bellerín's Hopes for the Future**: Bellerín hopes to continue to grow and develop as a player and as a person. He wants to help Arsenal achieve success and to make a positive impact on the world through his advocacy for mental health awareness and sustainability.

## Memorable Quotes:

- "I think the most important thing is to be honest with yourself and to be honest with the people around you."


- "I think curiosity is one of the most important things in life. If you're not curious, you're not going to learn anything."


- "I think self-awareness is the key to everything. If you're not self-aware, you're not going to be able to change anything."


- "I think we're moving in the right direction. We've got a lot of young players who are really exciting. I think we're going to be a really good team in the future."


- "I want to continue to grow and develop as a player and as a person. I want to help Arsenal achieve success and to make a positive impact on the world."