Way back in the day a common term used to identify UFOs was œflying saucers. If you have the opportunity in the near future to drive Highway 99 through Bakersfield, CA you may actually see some œflying saucers.

They wont be piloted by aliens but will be launched by two œelderly throwers of the discus, Cameron Bolles, who competes in the 45-49 year old division and Ralph Fruguglietti who competes in the 55-59 year old division. Both men compete successfully at the national and international levels.

I do not know these two gentlemen and I would bet serious money (if I were a betting man) that they would say they dont have much experience of getting old. I know there are those that would say that 60 is the new 40 yet I dont see a whole lot of people still competing at such a high level.

Both men say they train to win even more vigorously than when they were young (as reported in the Bakersfield Californian, Aug. 2011). I would like to examine that with them a little more closely. Could it be that what really gets them up in the morning is that they compete with a chance to win each time out?

Neither man always wins. If winning was the sole purpose, I dont think they would sustain their rigorous training over long periods of time. Competing is what allows for the opportunity to win. Winning is a result that decides when the competition is over. It is the process of preparation and competition that most athletes love. It has them continue long after many have taken seats in the bleachers.

I dont think we know the capacity of our bodies and minds to perform. Our performance is a match for how we see the opportunity. Tom Watson (in his 60s) competes in the British Open and competes well. It still occurs to him as a possibility for winning and even more importantly that he can still compete which he did last month.

There will, of course, be times when physical limitations will interfere in anyones performance. I think when it happens will be much later that the œexperts say if our mental approach is sound.

The world is what we say it is. We are who we say we are. I dont mean some œPolyanna way of looking at things. It requires creating a purpose and then taking the actions necessary to deliver on that purpose.

It is not just in athletic competition that this works. It is the key to everyday life. There is an element that becomes more and more a factor as we get older. Whatever we are doing becomes less about œus and more about œthem. If you asked my flying saucer guys I bet their relationship, working together and the relationships they have with their competitors are key factors in an enjoyable experience.

Have a purpose, have fun and give 100% to everything you do. Who knows what your capabilities are. The answer to that question is œask the person in the mirror in the morning.

If you want to impact your performance in any area of your life, check out Coach Todds books on-line at lulu.com or Vervante.com. Continuing to learn is key to the longevity of your performance.