Speeder was not just talking about money. His remarks very much mirror mine. I too have given this substantial thought.
First, let me point out that champion behavior (that's what I call it) is very unique. As they say, some competitors practice until they get it right, while champions practice until they cannot get it wrong. And then, they don't stop there. Every night, they ask themselves three questions. What did I do wrong today? What did I do right? What's my plan for tomorrow? These people typically have 3-4 hours of effort in before the rest of us are finished with our morning coffee. They evaluate every bit of information in terms of how it can be used to create just a tiny bit more advantage. They don't have 'hobbies,' they don't have leisure, they don't have distractions of any kind. And quite frankly, if you want to stand at the top podium where they want to stand, you will fail unless your devotion to the goal is at least as complete as theirs. I have known some of these people. National and world champions.
Speeder, and I, just want to be happy. And for us, the sacrificing of one's life to achieve a single goal....is not the recipe for happiness. So yeah, if you call that mediocrity, then we're mediocre. But we still might be able to kick your ass.
