The Strategy

Imagine this scenario: it’s 2016 at Camp Nou, where tens of thousands of fans are cheering for FC Barcelona. As you look around, your gaze lands on none other than Lionel Messi, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner. In a moment that seems out of place, instead of sprinting to receive every pass or create opportunities for his teammates, he’s simply walking.

This may seem odd at first, but it’s actually a hidden strategy. Consider LeBron James, renowned for his incredible stamina. Contrary to popular belief, he isn’t a non-stop force on the court. Instead, during intense NBA games, he spends a significant amount of time... walking.

Doubt this? Let’s examine the statistics:

Reports indicate that James walks approximately 60% of a game, while Messi tops that at a staggering 78%. In contrast, the average player walks around 40% of the match.

So, what’s going on? Are they just slacking off? Not at all.

Many people mistakenly equate peak athletic performance with constant exertion. However, the truth is much more complex: elite athletes recognize that managing energy is just as crucial as expending it. Practically, this often translates to a lot of walking.

Initially, I viewed this as a sign of laziness—how wrong I was! This strategy is about conserving energy for those critical moments that make a difference—like scoring the game-winning goal, making that pivotal steal, or clinching a last-minute victory.

Research supports this approach. A study from Loughborough University revealed that elite football players who walked the most during games were also the ones who showcased the most explosive plays later on. In essence, those who effectively managed their energy levels were the ones who had the most left when it truly counted.

Now, consider your smartphone. If you keep it at maximum brightness for everything—scrolling social media, checking emails, watching videos—how long would it last? Not very long, right? In a way, top athletes resemble high-performance smartphones; they must manage their resources wisely to perform at their peak.

The encouraging takeaway? There’s an invaluable lesson in this for all of us. While others may be running at full throttle, take a moment to pause. Remember that, like time, your energy is finite. Save it for when it truly matters.

The first video titled "3 SECRETS of Motivation that Elite Athletes are Hiding" delves into the strategies that top athletes use to stay motivated and energized, providing insights into how you can adopt these techniques for your own goals.