I never thought minimalism would be associated with peak performance. When you think of performance you think complexity. This video interview of John Smith talks about what it took to become the best.

One important detail he emphasizes is living on a budget. After he won the world championships and lost at a tournament in Cuba the following year, he set himself on a $1,000 a month budget. This kept his lifestyle simple and basic. His essential needs were met, but lacked money for lavish luxuries associated with winning sponsorships and endorsements.

I think this showed great insight into his reasoning to be and continue to be the best. He intentionally rid all potential distractions by putting himself on a budget. If you don’t have money, you tend to be limited with what you can do. John had no choice but to train because that was the only thing he could afford to do.

The important take away from this video is in understanding the source of your distractions and how you can regulate or control them. John Smith probably noticed the comforts of money and how that was distracting him from pursuing his goals as a wrestler. His monthly budget fixed that. He owned up to the distractions and fixed it. He did so immediately when he noticed they were a hinderance to him winning.