E7 - Robin Van Persie: Lessons for your children

Robin Van Persie is one the greatest strikers to win the Premier League. He scored 144 goals making him the highest-scoring player from the Netherlands in English top-flight history. He was a cult hero at Arsenal, before moving to arch rivals Manchester United in 2012, then finishing his career at his first club Feyenoord. Listen to the lessons he learnt through his career, the truth behind his controversial Arsenal and Manchester Untied exits, the sacrifices he made to be an elite athlete and so much more.

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### Introduction: ###

- Robin van Persie, a renowned striker and Premier League legend, joins the High Performance podcast.
- He shares his journey as a top-level athlete, the lessons he learned throughout his career, and the sacrifices he made to achieve success.


### High Performance: ###

- For Robin van Persie, high performance is about consistently delivering at the highest level while competing against equally skilled opponents.


### Achieving High Performance: ###

- Robin believes he reached his peak performance around the age of 27 or 28.
- He attributes his success to a combination of physical, mental, and emotional factors that came together during that period.


### Overcoming Impulsivity: ###

- In his early years, Robin admits to being impulsive and struggling with emotional control on and off the field.
- He realized that these impulsive reactions were detrimental to his performance and well-being.


### Mental and Emotional Transformation: ###

- Robin underwent a gradual transformation to overcome his impulsive tendencies.
- He learned to control his emotions, avoid reacting to provocations, and maintain a calm and focused mindset during matches.
- This transformation led to a significant improvement in his performance and overall satisfaction with the game.


### Communication and Self-Reflection: ###

- Robin emphasizes the importance of communication and self-reflection in achieving high performance.
- He engaged in regular self-analysis, writing letters to himself to identify areas for improvement and hold himself accountable.
- He credits his friends and wife for their support and honest feedback during this process.


### Making Tough Decisions: ###

- Robin acknowledges that achieving high performance sometimes requires making difficult choices.
- He discusses the challenges of cutting off negative influences and relationships that hinder personal and professional growth.


### The Importance of Positivity: ###

- Robin highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with positive and supportive individuals.
- He emphasizes the need to eliminate negativity from one's life and focus on building relationships that contribute to personal growth.


### The Zander Letter: ###

- Robin describes the concept of the "Zander letter," a technique used to set goals and reflect on future achievements.
- He explains how writing such letters helped him focus on specific areas of improvement and stay motivated.


### Transition from Arsenal to Manchester United: ###

- Robin reflects on his move from Arsenal to Manchester United, describing it as a transition from a nurturing environment to a more demanding and ruthless atmosphere.
- He acknowledges the pressure and expectations at Manchester United and the challenges he faced during his time there.


### Dealing with Criticism and Rejection: ###

- Robin recalls a conversation with Louis van Gaal, the manager at Manchester United, who bluntly informed him that his time at the club was over.
- He describes the emotional turmoil and uncertainty he experienced after receiving this news.


### Maintaining Composure Under Pressure: ###

- Robin explains how he remained calm and collected in the face of criticism and rejection.
- He attributes his ability to stay composed to his belief in his own abilities and his determination to prove his worth.


### Learning from Great Coaches: ###

- Robin expresses his gratitude for having worked with exceptional coaches throughout his career.
- He singles out Arsene Wenger as a particularly influential figure, praising his intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to connect with players on a personal level.


### The Impact of Arsene Wenger: ###

- Robin highlights the lessons he learned from Arsene Wenger beyond football, including the importance of composure, patience, and attention to detail.
- He recalls observing Wenger's behavior and mannerisms, adopting some of his traits to improve his own approach to the game.



* Robin Van Persie, one of the most prolific strikers in Premier League history, shares his insights on leadership, decision-making, and personal growth during his illustrious career.

* Reflecting on his departure from Arsenal, Van Persie acknowledges that his decision to leave was difficult but necessary. He felt that the club did not share his vision for improvement, and he sought a more ambitious environment at Manchester United.

* Van Persie emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's career and making tough decisions when necessary. He encourages individuals to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

* He stresses the significance of effective communication and maintaining open dialogue, especially during challenging times. He believes that fostering a culture of open discussion and seeking diverse perspectives can lead to better decision-making and outcomes.

* Van Persie highlights the need for young athletes to find their passion and dedicate themselves to achieving their goals. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear objectives, seeking guidance from mentors, and continuously learning and adapting.

* He shares his belief that failure is an essential part of the growth process and that individuals should embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes. He encourages young people to take calculated risks, push their limits, and strive for greatness.

* Van Persie emphasizes the importance of living a balanced life and finding fulfillment outside of football. He believes that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, pursuing hobbies, and nurturing relationships contribute to overall well-being and success.

* The podcast concludes with Van Persie reflecting on his legacy and the impact he hopes to have on future generations. He expresses his desire to inspire young people to pursue their dreams, overcome obstacles, and make a positive difference in the world.