BITESIZE #61 | John McAvoy : Let go of your ego

This week’s bitesize clip comes from a man who has lived two lives - former convicted armed robber turned elite athlete, John McAvoy.

John became the proud holder of three world records and seven British records in indoor rowing, all achieved in confinement.

John talks about the power of letting go of his ego to move forward. 

Listen to the full episode with John and understand how we can all change our situation by changing our mindset: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/podcast/johnmcavoy

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**John McAvoy's Journey from Convicted Armed Robber to Elite Athlete: Embracing Change and Letting Go of Ego**

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of John McAvoy, a former convicted armed robber who transformed his life and became an elite athlete, breaking three world records and seven British records in indoor rowing while confined in prison. John's story highlights the power of letting go of ego and embracing change to achieve personal growth and success.

**Letting Go of Ego: The Key to Moving Forward**

John emphasizes the importance of letting go of ego as a crucial step in moving forward and achieving success. He explains how, in the criminal world, individuals often develop a strong ego and reputation that becomes intertwined with their sense of self. When they leave that environment and return to normal life, they struggle to adapt to being average and face challenges without the respect and fear they were accustomed to. John's realization that he needed to let go of his ego and accept his new reality was a pivotal moment in his transformation.

**Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Resilience**

John's journey was not without its challenges. He faced financial difficulties, having to sleep in his mother's spare room after his release from prison. Despite these obstacles, he remained steadfast in his belief that he could become a successful athlete. John's unwavering resilience and determination to pursue his goals, even in the face of adversity, serve as an inspiration to listeners.

**The Power of Incremental Progress and Consistency**

John highlights the significance of incremental progress and consistency in achieving long-term goals. He emphasizes that success is not achieved through giant leaps but through small, consistent steps. John's journey in prison, where he gradually improved his fitness and rowing skills through daily training, exemplifies the power of this approach. He encourages listeners to focus on making small improvements each day, as these accumulate over time and lead to significant achievements.

**Finding Purpose and Meaning Through Athletics**

John's passion for athletics became a source of purpose and meaning in his life. After his release from prison, he dedicated himself to training and competing, finding fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment through his athletic pursuits. John's story demonstrates how finding a passion or purpose can help individuals overcome adversity and lead more fulfilling lives.

**The High Performance Circle: A Community for Inspiration and Motivation**

The podcast also promotes the High Performance Circle, a new addition that aims to connect with listeners and provide inspiration, motivation, and purpose at the beginning of each week. The Circle offers exclusive podcasts, keynote speeches, and boosts from special guests.

This episode of the High Performance podcast serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of letting go of ego, embracing change, and pursuing personal growth. John McAvoy's journey from convicted armed robber to elite athlete is an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the ability to find purpose and meaning through passion and perseverance.

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[03:09.080 -> 03:11.400] I was in a concrete coffin.
[03:11.400 -> 03:14.240] And I remember like when I was doing the cell circuits
[03:14.240 -> 03:16.320] and the training on the round machine,
[03:16.320 -> 03:18.240] it was the small incremental steps.
[03:18.240 -> 03:20.200] It isn't, you don't jump from A to B,
[03:20.200 -> 03:23.080] it's tiny, so small that sometimes you don't even notice
[03:23.080 -> 03:24.100] you're getting better.
[03:24.100 -> 03:26.400] But it's just that constant pursuit
[03:26.400 -> 03:28.840] of making sure you put yourself in the position
[03:28.840 -> 03:30.440] when it's ready to take the opportunity
[03:30.440 -> 03:32.800] when it presents itself and having resilience.
[03:32.800 -> 03:33.840] Like it isn't easy, mate.
[03:33.840 -> 03:34.680] Like it is hard.
[03:34.680 -> 03:35.500] We all know it's hard.
[03:35.500 -> 03:36.340] It's not easy.
[03:36.340 -> 03:37.960] Like no one gives you anything in life for nothing.
[03:37.960 -> 03:39.160] Like when I got out of prison,
[03:39.160 -> 03:40.520] I was sleeping in my mom's spare room.
[03:40.520 -> 03:41.360] I had no money.
[03:41.360 -> 03:44.280] I was training people in a local park for 35 quid,
[03:44.280 -> 03:46.400] but I had this absolute belief
[03:46.400 -> 03:49.240] that I would become successful being an athlete.
[03:49.240 -> 03:50.560] And you're talking about a man that was like, again,
[03:50.560 -> 03:52.180] locked in that cage, got released from prison.
[03:52.180 -> 03:53.020] I had nothing.
[03:53.020 -> 03:55.680] I couldn't even afford rent when I got released from prison.
[03:55.680 -> 03:57.960] And my mum was letting me sleep in the spare room,
[03:57.960 -> 03:59.240] but I used to get up every morning.
[03:59.240 -> 04:01.120] And I remember sitting there talking to my mum once
[04:01.120 -> 04:02.720] and I said to my mum about,
[04:02.720 -> 04:26.000] I knew I had the ability because I did what I did in prison. And I said, I don't just want to be a builder. fy mhob un, ac rydw i wedi dweud wrth fy mhob un, Rydw i wedi dweud wrth fy mhob un, ydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i wedi gwneud yr hyn rydw i'n ei wneud yn y gofyn. ac rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod bod gen i'r gallu oherwydd ryd, ac roedd yn amlwg i'r brifysgrif a'r trauma a'r tragedi.
[04:26.000 -> 04:30.000] Ac roeddent yn meddwl bod ychydig o addicts o heroin yn dod yn ôl i'r America.
[04:30.000 -> 04:34.000] Ac roedd y realiaeth, pan ddod yn ôl i'r bywydau'r soldiwr,
[04:34.000 -> 04:37.000] roeddent yn rhoi'r ffordd, oherwydd roedd yn amgylchedd gwahanol.
[04:37.000 -> 04:40.000] Felly, pa ffocws roeddech chi'n ei gael,
[04:40.000 -> 04:43.000] roedd gennych chi'r ffordd o ddysgofi,
[04:43.000 -> 04:46.560] a gallech dderbynio, a roedd gennych y potensial i fod yn athlet elit, you'd been on this road of discovery and you could suffer and you had the potential to be an elite athlete.
[04:46.560 -> 04:48.360] Going back to your mom's house,
[04:49.240 -> 04:51.800] what concern did you have that you'd fall back into?
[04:51.800 -> 04:52.640] Those roles?
[04:52.640 -> 04:54.360] Letting go of the ego.
[04:54.360 -> 04:55.440] Letting go of the ego.
[04:55.440 -> 04:59.000] Because I, and again, I would say this,
[04:59.000 -> 05:01.720] that I think this is one of the biggest things
[05:01.720 -> 05:03.480] that people struggle with the most
[05:03.480 -> 05:05.240] to overcome when they get released.
[05:05.240 -> 05:07.000] Like, especially people involved
[05:07.000 -> 05:09.080] in more high-end criminality.
[05:09.080 -> 05:11.440] So their whole ego gets wrapped up
[05:11.440 -> 05:13.400] in this reputation, respect.
[05:13.400 -> 05:15.720] In their little universe, their bubble,
[05:15.720 -> 05:17.280] they are the king of their world.
[05:17.280 -> 05:20.160] And then they don't just want to then be normal and average.
[05:20.160 -> 05:22.120] And it's how you deal with problems in life
[05:22.120 -> 05:23.400] when they present themselves.
[05:23.400 -> 05:25.680] Again, people don't challenge them because of who they are
[05:25.760 -> 05:30.400] They got respect and suddenly you're just a normal person and people will challenge you and they don't like that
[05:30.800 -> 05:34.320] Um, and I remember when I got out like if you would have said to me now when my friend died
[05:34.860 -> 05:37.300] 2009 I knew from that night in november
[05:37.840 -> 05:42.400] The 14th, I would never commit a crime in my life again. That was me done. I was out, right?
[05:42.480 -> 05:45.100] They weren't they're not just gonna let me walk out of prison, but I knew myself,
[05:45.100 -> 05:46.780] I was finished. I'm out of that world.
[05:48.220 -> 05:50.500] Well, as always, thank you so much for joining us. Don't forget,
[05:50.500 -> 05:53.020] you can also check out the high performance store.
[05:53.380 -> 05:58.060] Just go to the high performance podcast.com click on shop and you can see what
[05:58.060 -> 06:00.380] we've got for you there. And there's loads more there as well.
[06:00.380 -> 06:03.860] You can join the high performance circle. You can get your hands on our book.
[06:03.860 -> 06:10.560] You can get tickets to our live events there's loads waiting for you just head to the highperformancepodcast.com
[06:10.560 -> 06:15.440] and i'll see you next time remember there is no secret it is all there for you be your
[06:15.440 -> 06:20.560] own biggest cheerleader and make world-class basics your calling card see you next time
[06:20.720 -> 06:21.560] See you next time.