Learn from Padraig Harrington

It is a few years since I've run a marathon. To some extent, the actual race was just the meat in a very big sandwich. Reaction from friends and colleagues in the few days after completing the 26 miles and 385 yards (believe me I know) made one feel the whole effort was worthwhile. The other side of the sandwich was all the preparation and hard work that I had to do to get ready for the event. I would not have completed the marathon had I not pounded the pavements for months prior to the event.

I am reminded of that experience after watching my compatriot Irishman Padraig Harrington win at the PGA this past Sunday. Although he sometimes downplays it, this very likeable character was blessed with a genuine talent. (We are all born with talent of some kind). Harrington though has worked incredibly - I'm choosing that word carefully - hard to get to where he is today.

Compare pictures of Harrington from 10 years ago to today and you see a different individually - much slimmer, no slight pot-belly and a man who exudes confidence. This confidence has come about because of all the hard work he has put in. As a keynote speaker on Branding, Marketing and how to create Success, I'm intrigued by people who 'make it.'

Prior to Harrington teeing up for - and winning - the British Open three weeks ago, there was real concern that an injury he suffered in training would prevent him from defending his title.
The amazing this is how he sustained the injury. Harrington won the Irish PGA Championship the week before the Open. Having won this title at The European Club, he drove the short distance back to his home and THEN started whacking more golf balls before he suffered his injury. The injury occurred when he swung his club into what he called an "impact ball," apparently designed to improve his power.

Forgive the poor English, but how nuts is this? He's just won a tournament and then he goes on to practice some more! Of course it is the kind of 'nuts' that gets you to be one of the best in the world at what you do. It's the kind of 'nuts' that many successful people exhibit. In a different context, many years ago, that great motivational keynote speaker and inspirational politician told students at Harrow School, Oct 29th 1941 - "(N)ever give in, never give in, never, never, never...."

Harrington never gives in, on the practice ground or on the golf course. It is a lesson for all of us. Your success depends on the hard work you put in. It won't happen just because you want it to happen. You have got to make it happen.

Do you?
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Conor Cunneen is an Irish keynote speaker and business humorist who does his best to make it happen for his audiences. He does try to live the lessons of this blog by being a diligent student of the communication process and a speaker who is constantly on ‘the practice ground,’ rehearsing, researching speech material for clients like Harley-Davidson, Abbott, Siemens.

Conor is a regular participant in speech competitions and is a winner of the coveted Chicago Toastmasters Humorous Speaker of the Year for a speech on ……. would you believe? …. Customer Service in San Quentin Jail.

If you are seeking a speaker who will Energize, Educate and Entertain your audience Contact Conor today.