Snapshot · On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Miles's pre-competition strategy involves not analyzing opponents or even thinking about fencing until the morning of the event, keeping himself unpredictable.
Where this was said
At 32:23 · chapter starts 27:50
Jay probes what competition-day preparation looks like for Miles, and the answer surprises him. Unlike most elite athletes who obsessively study opponent footage, Miles does the opposite. Inspired by a book on samurais advising against worrying about the unknown, he doesn't watch fencing, doesn't discuss tactics, and often doesn't even know who he's competing against until the morning of the event. He doesn't visit the venue the night before — instead wandering around whatever city he's in. Sometimes he doesn't decide how he's going to fence until he steps onto the strip. The reasoning is tactical rather than careless: once he tried over-preparing, couldn't sleep, visualised the bout all night, and arrived exhausted. His conclusion: if he himself doesn't know what he's going to do, how can anyone plan for him? He also reframes competitive pressure not as a burden but as a privilege — a signal that you are someone who is supposed to win, which is itself a gift. [1] — Miles Chamley-Watson "Most elite athletes obsess over opponent film. Miles does the opposite. He doesn't watch fencing, doesn't discuss tactics, and often doesn'…" 32:00
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Most elite athletes obsess over opponent film. Miles does the opposite. He doesn't watch fencing, doesn't discuss tactics, and often doesn't even know who he's competing against until the morning of the match. His logic: if he doesn't know what he's doing, how can they possibly prepare for him?
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