Lewis Hamilton On The Mindset Behind High Performance

Lewis Hamilton on the mindset behind high performance

In the first episode of lululemon's 'Rest Day with Lewis Hamilton' content series, the F1 star steps outside of his comfort zone with Australian golfer Min Woo Lee

EVER WONDERED what gets Lewis Hamilton out of his comfort zone? For a guy who has been piloting chunks of metal around race tracks at more than 350km/h for the last two decades, you might be surprised to discover that it can be as simple as spending a day on a golf course.

lululemon’s new content series, Rest Day with Lewis Hamilton, follows the driver as he steps off the track and into someone else’s arena with the goal of getting better at things he’s not already good at.

First up on the tee: Min Woo Lee, golfer and fellow lululemon ambassador. Lee spent a day walking the course with Hamilton, trading swing tips for insights on staying composed when the pressure’s on. Turns out champions speak the same language.

Watch the debut episode below and see everything Hamilton had to say about the new series.

Q. What made you say yes to hosting this video series?

A. I’ve always loved trying new things. Even after all these years in the sport, I
still get a lot from putting myself in new situations and learning things I didn’t
know before, on and off the track. This series gave me the chance to spend time
with people at the top of completely different sports and understand how they
think and prepare. Every discipline is different, but there’s common ground in
mindset, preparation, and the work you put in when no one’s watching.

What do you want viewers to take away?

“Well the first thing, is I hope people just enjoy it. It would be great, if people watch this series and are inspired to keep pushing themselves, stay curious, and continue learning from the experiences and people they come across along the way, because no matter how much you’ve done, there’s always another way to
improve or a different perspective to consider.

This series is about looking outside your own world for inspiration, as a lot of growth comes from being open to ideas and experiences beyond what you already know, and understanding that everyone’s path is different, with their
own story, setbacks, and ways of working through them.

This series is all about getting out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges. What drives you to challenge yourself, even in your down-time?

I’ve always been curious, and I’ve never been comfortable standing still, whether that’s in the car or in other areas I’m involved in, like fashion, film, or
music, and for me, growth comes from putting yourself in unfamiliar situations and being willing to learn from new people, new environments, and things you don’t fully understand yet. That mindset of always trying to improve is
something I really hold on to.

You got into some great conversation with Min Woo Lee in episode 1, what really stood out for you from your time together?

Min Woo is a great guy and it’s clear he is driven to keep getting better, and while he’s already achieved a lot, you can see he’s always looking for the next step, which is a quality I really respect. It was great getting to know him and
sharing stories, and I also admired how comfortable he is being himself, which isn’t always easy when you’re competing at the top level with so much attention on you.

I found Min Woo’s approach to pressure really interesting, because at that level, there are always moments that don’t go your way, and staying composed and focused through them is a real skill.

Any memorable behind the scenes moments from your day on the golf course?

Well I’m super competitive and therefore going up against one of the best was always going to be a struggle but Min Woo was super generous with his
advice. What stuck with me most were the small tips Min Woo shared throughout the day, especially his approach to mindfulness, how he manages his inner voice, and how he stays present.

Any favourite lululemon golf pieces from the shoot?

The Grand Standard Short Sleeve Polo was my favourite, as it’s comfortable, easy to wear, and works well both on and off the course, and I also like the Unshaken Relaxed-Fit Pant, because they’re lightweight, which really matters when you’re out there all day.

By Cayle Reid

Cayle Reid is Associate Content Editor at Men's Health Australia, covering everything from developments in fitness and nutrition to the latest innovations in performance gear. When he's not tracking down a celebrity's fitness routine or putting a new product to the test, he spends his time staving off injury on long runs, surfing and staying up late watching sports in incompatible time zones.

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