High Achievers & Athletes,

This week, I want to dive deep into a concept that is often overlooked but critical to long-term success in any endeavor: adherence. While many factors contribute to performance—whether athletic, professional, or personal—none are as foundational as the ability to stick with what we set out to do. In fact, I would argue that adherence is the primary determinant of success in any pursuit.

WHY IS ADHERENCE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR?

We live in a world where we’re bombarded with countless training programs, tools, diets, and motivational content. But here’s the truth: none of that matters if you can’t maintain consistency over time. You might have the best plan in the world, or the most cutting-edge technology at your disposal, but without adherence, those things are meaningless.

Adherence is what bridges the gap between intention and result. It’s the glue that holds your goals together when the initial excitement fades, when life gets busy, or when things don’t go as planned. If you can create a routine or system that you can follow, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult, you’ll be miles ahead of those who are constantly chasing new methods but can’t sustain any of them.

But here's the thing: adherence isn't just about discipline. It’s about designing a lifestyle that supports your goals in a way that feels sustainable and, most importantly, enjoyable. If your training or routine feels like a constant battle, the chances of you sticking with it long-term are slim. We need to create a system where adherence is as natural as possible.

MY PERSONAL APPROACH

As many of you know, I’m preparing for a major life shift as I’ll be welcoming a new chapter into my life—becoming a father by the end of this year. This is exciting, but it also presents challenges. It would be easy to let my training or personal goals slip as I take on this new role. But I’ve spent years building a system that allows me to balance my professional, personal, and athletic goals.

For me, it’s not just about finding time—it’s about creating a structure I can adhere to that supports my new responsibilities while still allowing me to stay aligned with my goals. I’ve built a routine that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice but rather something I look forward to, something that fits seamlessly into my life.

This idea of adherence through lifestyle design is crucial. It’s about knowing what matters to you and then creating a system that supports that, no matter how life changes.

WHAT STOPS ADHERENCE?

Often, the problem isn't about willpower; it's about over-complicating things. When the goals we set for ourselves seem too far away or too difficult, adherence naturally breaks down. This is why simplicity is key. You don’t need the perfect training plan or a flawless nutrition regime—you need something that works for you in your current situation.

People often look at performance as something driven purely by effort or talent, but adherence is more about creating an environment where you’re not constantly battling against yourself. If you're always struggling to maintain your schedule, it's worth reassessing how you approach your goals.

OTHER FACTORS OF PERFORMANCE

While adherence is the foundation, other factors also contribute to performance:

• Discipline: Yes, discipline is important. But it's the ability to use discipline strategically—to push through when needed—that matters. Over time, adherence builds habits, and those habits reduce the need for constant discipline. In short, discipline will get you started, but adherence keeps you going.

• Recovery: Proper recovery is essential for adherence. Burnout and injury are two of the biggest obstacles to long-term progress. Recovery isn't a sign of weakness; it’s part of the plan. In fact, taking the time to rest and recover is a signal that you're committed to the long game.

• Clarity of Purpose: A clear sense of why you're doing something makes adherence far easier. If your goals aren't clear, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Make sure you know exactly why you're chasing your goals, and remind yourself of that purpose regularly.

ADHERENCE IS NOT RIGID

I want to be clear that adherence doesn't mean rigidity. Life will throw things at you that force you to adapt. What adherence looks like for you will change over time.

For example, what works for me now will inevitably evolve as I step into fatherhood. But the key is to stay flexible while maintaining consistency. It’s about finding a balance that works, not about being perfect.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR OWN ADHERENCE?

So, how can you build better adherence in your own life? Here are a few key principles:

• Start small: Trying to overhaul your life in one go is a recipe for failure. Pick one or two small things you can consistently do, and then build from there. Success compounds over time

   

• Track your progress: If you don’t measure something, you can’t manage it. Keep a log of your workouts, nutrition, or habits—whatever your goal is—and review it regularly. Seeing progress, no matter how small, reinforces the habit of adherence.

• Celebrate wins: Recognize your achievements, no matter how minor. These little celebrations will help you build positive associations with the habit you’re developing.

• Build in flexibility: Life is unpredictable. Build a routine that allows for flexibility, so you don’t feel derailed if things don’t go exactly as planned. This helps reduce stress and keeps you on track in the long run.

• Make it enjoyable: Find joy in the process. Whether it’s training, nutrition, or a professional pursuit, if you can find enjoyment in the journey, adherence becomes second nature.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As athletes, professionals, and human beings, we’re all striving to improve in some way. But improvement doesn’t come from a one-time burst of effort—it comes from sustained, consistent action over time. And that action is driven by adherence.

Remember, adherence is not a constraint but a tool—a way of designing your life so that your goals are naturally supported by your daily actions. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters, consistently.

Take some time this week to reflect on how you can improve your own adherence to what’s important to you. If it matters enough, you’ll create the time and space for it.

Let’s continue to build, grow, and elevate the quality of our life —together.

Passionately, 

Max & Ben 

Written by Maxime Dupont 

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