E88 - Dan Carter: How to make the leap from being good to being great

This week we welcome All Black legend Dan Carter to the podcast. Born and raised in New Zealand, Dan is one of the finest players in rugby union history. 

Dan played 112 test matches for the All Blacks, winning two Rugby World Cups. He is the highest point scorer in test rugby and the most capped All Blacks Fly Half of all time.

Get the pen and notepad ready as we delve into the lessons Dan has learnt from his incredible career and life to date - something he calls 'the art of winning'. These are skills relevant to not only sports people, but entrepreneurs, leaders and beyond. Dan showed just what you can achieve when you set ambitious goals, have self-belief, and relentlessly pursue the skills to help you achieve them.

. . . . . . . 

High Performance Live Tour 2022  - Register interest here - thehighperformancepodcast.com/signup 

Pre-order our audiobook ‘Lessons From the Best on Becoming Your Best’: https://adbl.co/3xQQSCF 

Get a special signed copy, out Dec 9th: https://bit.ly/3kCqhFp

Pre-order link: http://smarturl.it/hv0sdz

Mission Tea are back with us this week and we love it! Get our exclusive offer of 20% off Mission products. We love their teas so please check them out. Type PERFORMANCE20 at checkout at www.missionuk.com

Thank you to our founding partner Lotus Cars. Check them out at lotuscars.com 

Thanks also to GIVEMESPORT - the exclusive sports partner of the High Performance Podcast. To gain further access to editorial and social content from the Podcast click here https://www.givemesport.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

# Dan Carter: The Art of Winning - High Performance Podcast
---

### Introduction

- The podcast welcomes Dan Carter, a legendary All Black rugby player.
- Carter shares his insights on high performance, gained from his incredible career and life experiences, which he refers to as "the art of winning."
- The episode focuses on practical lessons and strategies that are valuable not only for athletes but also for entrepreneurs, leaders, and individuals seeking personal growth.

### High Performance

- For Carter, high performance is about controlling the mind, especially under pressure.
- He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and resilience in achieving success.
- Carter believes that pressure can be a positive force, driving individuals to achieve greatness.

### Dealing with Pressure

- Carter shares techniques he learned to manage pressure, including:
- Recognizing and managing different types of pressure.
- Embracing pressure as an opportunity for growth and achievement.
- Utilizing breathing techniques and self-talk to stay calm and focused.
- Practicing visualization and positive affirmations to boost confidence.
- Seeking support from teammates, coaches, and mental health professionals when needed.

### The Power of Mindset

- Carter discusses the importance of mindset in achieving high performance.
- He emphasizes the need to cultivate a positive and growth-oriented mindset, focusing on solutions rather than problems.
- Carter believes that a strong mindset can help individuals overcome challenges, setbacks, and self-doubt.

### The All Blacks' No Dickhead Policy

- Carter explains the All Blacks' "no dickhead policy," which aims to create a positive and supportive team culture.
- He defines a "dickhead" as someone who is negative, disruptive, or selfish, and who undermines team unity and performance.
- Carter emphasizes the importance of addressing and eliminating dickhead behavior within a team to maintain a healthy and high-performing environment.

### Overcoming Fear

- Carter discusses the role of fear in high-performance environments.
- He acknowledges that fear is a natural human emotion, but it should not be allowed to control or limit an individual's potential.
- Carter shares strategies for overcoming fear, including:
- Recognizing and acknowledging fears.
- Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs.
- Taking small steps towards facing fears.
- Seeking support from others.

### Embracing Failure

- Carter stresses the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity.
- He believes that mistakes and failures are inevitable and should be viewed as chances to grow and improve.
- Carter encourages individuals to learn from their mistakes, make adjustments, and move forward with a positive mindset.

### Conclusion

- Carter reflects on his experiences and shares his final thoughts on high performance.
- He emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals, having self-belief, and relentlessly pursuing the skills and knowledge needed to achieve those goals.
- Carter encourages listeners to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and strive for greatness in all aspects of their lives.

# **Summary of the Podcast Episode: The Art of Winning with Dan Carter**

In this episode of The High Performance Podcast, host Jake Humphrey sits down with legendary All Black Dan Carter to discuss the lessons he's learned from his incredible career and life to date, which he calls 'the art of winning.' These lessons are relevant not only to sportspeople but also to entrepreneurs, leaders, and beyond.

**Key Points:**

1. **Setting Ambitious Goals:** Dan emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals and having the self-belief to achieve them. He shares how he set his sights on becoming an All Black great, not just a one-season player, and how this vision drove him to relentlessly pursue the skills and mindset needed to succeed.

2. **Self-Discipline and Structure:** Dan highlights the significance of structure and discipline in achieving success. He explains how he broke down his long-term goal of becoming an All Black great into smaller, more manageable steps, creating a weekly and daily plan that ensured he was consistently working towards his objective.

3. **Culture and Team Dynamics:** Dan stresses the crucial role of culture and team dynamics in high performance. He emphasizes the importance of building an amazing culture where players are selected not only for their individual talent but also for their ability to fit into the team vision and values. He shares how the All Blacks fostered a culture where players were held accountable for their actions and where the team's success was prioritized over individual glory.

4. **Dealing with Selfish Behavior:** When asked how to deal with selfish or disruptive individuals in a team environment, Dan suggests focusing on the team purpose and vision. He explains that when everyone is clear on the team's goals and understands how their individual purpose fits into that vision, it becomes easier to address and resolve any issues related to selfish behavior.

5. **Personal Purpose and Goal Alignment:** Dan discusses the significance of having a personal purpose and aligning it with the team's goals. He shares how he stumbled upon his personal purpose after playing his first test match for the All Blacks and how this realization fueled his drive to become a great player. He emphasizes the importance of every team member having a clear understanding of their personal purpose and how it contributes to the team's success.

6. **Consistency and Avoiding Complacency:** Dan explains how he maintained such brilliant consistency throughout his career by having a structured approach to his training and preparation. He shares how he broke down his goals into smaller, daily tasks and planned out his week and day to ensure he was making progress every day. He also emphasizes the importance of avoiding complacency and continuously striving for improvement.

7. **Gratitude and Mindfulness:** Dan highlights the benefits of practicing gratitude and mindfulness. He explains how he keeps a gratitude book where he writes down things he's grateful for each day, and how this helps him maintain a positive mindset and focus on the present moment. He credits his coach, Wayne Smith, for introducing him to the concept of gratitude and its impact on performance.

8. **Parenting and Values:** Dan discusses how he applies the lessons he learned from his rugby career to his parenting. He emphasizes the importance of being supportive, setting good examples, and encouraging his children to be driven and competitive. He also shares his approach to teaching his children about gratitude and the value of being patient and following the process rather than seeking instant results.

9. **Patience and Following the Process:** Dan acknowledges the challenge of instilling patience and a focus on the process in children growing up in a society that values instant success. He emphasizes the importance of leading by example, being there to support his children, and allowing them to learn and grow at their own pace. He believes that by demonstrating the virtues of patience and perseverance, he can help his children develop a strong work ethic and a mindset that values long-term success over short-term gratification.

# Summary: The Art of Winning with Dan Carter

In this podcast episode, Dan Carter, a legendary All Black rugby player, shares valuable insights on the art of winning, leadership, and personal development.

1. **The Importance of Gratitude and Enjoying the Journey:**
- Dan emphasizes the significance of appreciating the little things and practicing gratitude.
- He believes that focusing on the positive aspects of life can help counterbalance the tendency to dwell on negative aspects.
- He also highlights the importance of enjoying the journey rather than solely focusing on the destination.

2. **Maintaining a Clear Mindset:**
- Dan discusses the importance of having a clear head and maintaining focus, especially in high-pressure situations.
- He shares that he would often write down three things before a game: work rate, accelerate, and accuracy, followed by "enjoy."
- This practice helped him unwind and stay present in the moment.

3. **The Value of Humility and Resilience:**
- Dan stresses the importance of humility and resilience in both sports and life.
- He believes that young people today can benefit from learning these values to navigate the challenges of social media and societal pressures.

4. **Discovering Purpose Beyond Sports:**
- After retiring from rugby, Dan embarked on a journey of self-discovery to define his purpose beyond the sport.
- He emphasizes the importance of knowing one's character, beliefs, and values to shape a meaningful life.
- Dan is excited about using his knowledge and experience to mentor younger people and give back to the community.

5. **The Power of Purpose and Vision:**
- Dan shares how the All Blacks' strong sense of purpose and vision helped them achieve greatness and maintain dominance in rugby.
- He believes that having a clear purpose and vision can inspire individuals and teams to strive for excellence and overcome challenges.

6. **Maintaining a Challenger Mentality:**
- Dan discusses the importance of maintaining a challenger mentality even after achieving success.
- He emphasizes the need to avoid complacency and continue striving for improvement.
- Dan highlights the example of Marvin Hagler, a boxer who trained in a prison-like environment to maintain his hunger and drive.

7. **Embracing Growth Mindset and Continuous Improvement:**
- Dan stresses the importance of embracing a growth mindset and continuously seeking improvement.
- He believes that every day presents an opportunity to learn and grow, both in sports and in life.
- Dan encourages individuals to focus on their own goals and strive for excellence rather than being preoccupied with being the hunted.

8. **Balance and Enjoying Life:**
- Dan acknowledges that his approach to life, which involves constant reflection and self-improvement, can be demanding.
- However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and enjoying life.
- Dan ensures that he allocates time for activities he loves and spends quality time with family and friends.

Overall, Dan Carter's insights provide valuable lessons on the art of winning, leadership, and personal development, emphasizing the importance of purpose, resilience, gratitude, and continuous improvement. These principles are applicable not only to athletes but to individuals in all walks of life seeking to achieve success and fulfillment.

**Summary of the Podcast Episode: Dan Carter - The Art of Winning**

Dan Carter, a legendary New Zealand All Black, joins the podcast to share his insights on high performance and winning. With 112 test matches and two Rugby World Cups under his belt, Carter is widely regarded as one of the finest rugby union players in history.

**Key Points:**

* **The Art of Winning:** Carter's approach to success emphasizes setting ambitious goals, self-belief, and relentless pursuit of skills. He highlights the importance of striving for excellence and maintaining a positive mindset.

* **Balance and Enjoyment:** While striving for excellence is crucial, Carter emphasizes the need for balance and enjoyment in life. He believes that fully absorbing oneself in a single pursuit can be detrimental and advocates for finding activities that provide a mental break from high-performance endeavors.

* **Non-Negotiable Behaviors:** Carter identifies three non-negotiable behaviors that he and those around him must adhere to: work ethic, reliability, and trust. He stresses the importance of these qualities in building strong relationships and achieving success.

* **Legacy:** Carter views legacy as a crucial aspect of a successful career. He believes that true success involves inspiring future generations and leaving a positive impact on the sport.

* **Recommended Resources:** Carter recommends Michael Jordan's documentary "The Last Dance" as an inspiring example of a high-performance mindset. He also suggests the book "Lessons From the Best on Becoming Your Best" for insights from top performers.

* **Gratitude and Optimism:** Carter emphasizes the importance of gratitude and optimism in maintaining a positive mindset. He keeps a gratitude book to record things he is thankful for, which helps him focus on the positive aspects of life and overcome challenges.

* **Growth Mindset:** Carter believes that a growth mindset is essential for continuous improvement. He encourages individuals to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and seek opportunities for personal growth.

* **High-Performance Lunches:** Henry Weeks, a teacher, shares his experience implementing high-performance lunches at his school. He invites speakers from various walks of life to share their stories and life lessons with students. This initiative has been a success, with students showing increased engagement and interest in personal development.

**Takeaways:**

* **Strive for Excellence:** Set ambitious goals and relentlessly pursue the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve them.

* **Maintain Balance:** Find a balance between high-performance pursuits and personal well-being. Enjoy the process and avoid becoming overly absorbed in a single endeavor.

* **Cultivate Non-Negotiable Behaviors:** Identify and uphold core values and behaviors that guide your actions and relationships.

* **Build a Legacy:** Focus on leaving a positive impact and inspiring future generations through your accomplishments.

* **Embrace a Growth Mindset:** Be open to challenges, learn from mistakes, and continuously seek opportunities for personal growth.

* **Foster Gratitude and Optimism:** Practice gratitude and maintain a positive outlook to overcome challenges and maintain a high-performance mindset.

Certainly! Here is a detailed, logically structured, and informative summary of the podcast episode transcript:

# Summary of The High Performance Podcast Episode: The Art of Winning with Dan Carter

### Introduction

- Dan Carter, a legendary All Black rugby player, joins the podcast to discuss his incredible career and life lessons.
- Carter shares his insights on setting ambitious goals, self-belief, and developing the skills necessary for success.

### Key Points

#### 1. The Importance of Self-Development:

- Carter emphasizes the significance of continuous self-development and learning to achieve peak performance.
- He believes in striving to be the best version of oneself, both professionally and personally.

#### 2. Setting Ambitious Goals:

- Carter stresses the importance of setting ambitious goals to drive motivation and focus.
- He encourages listeners to aim high and challenge themselves to achieve their full potential.

#### 3. The Power of Self-Belief:

- Carter highlights the crucial role of self-belief in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
- He emphasizes the need to believe in oneself, even when faced with setbacks and obstacles.

#### 4. Developing Essential Skills:

- Carter discusses the importance of developing the necessary skills to achieve one's goals.
- He emphasizes the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in honing these skills.

#### 5. The Art of Winning:

- Carter shares his insights on the "art of winning," which involves a combination of mental and physical preparation.
- He highlights the importance of staying focused, maintaining composure, and executing under pressure.

#### 6. Overcoming Challenges:

- Carter reflects on the challenges he faced throughout his career, including injuries and setbacks.
- He emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and learning from failures.

#### 7. The Value of Teamwork:

- Carter stresses the significance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success.
- He shares his experiences working with teammates and coaches to achieve common goals.

#### 8. Giving Back to the Community:

- Carter discusses the importance of giving back to the community and using one's platform to make a positive impact.
- He highlights the value of mentorship, coaching, and inspiring others to achieve their goals.

### Conclusion

- Carter's journey and insights offer valuable lessons for individuals seeking success in various aspects of life.
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals, developing essential skills, and maintaining self-belief to achieve peak performance.