When I was the most focused on my ice hockey training, I knew that success wasn’t just about showing up on game day. I had to get my nutrition right, sleep well, practice my skills, train consistently, and stay away from distractions. Every game day had its own ritual that helped me feel sharp and ready to perform.

The best business owners I know operate with the same level of structure and discipline. They are intentional about their routines, how they train their minds, and how they prepare for key decisions. The future of high-level leadership will look even more like elite sports. CEOs will need to take care of their nutrition, sleep, exercise, and business training to perform at their best, just like athletes.

The best future CEOs actually focus on the same core principles as elite athletes: nutrition, sleep, training, and business development. The health of the CEO will determine the health of the company long-term.

Skill Practice: Mastery Comes From Repetition

Athletes don’t just show up and play. They practice core skills, break down their technique, and refine the smallest details. A hockey player spends hours perfecting their stickhandling (what we call “dribbla” in Swedish), timing passes, and shots. These skills don’t develop overnight; they require constant repetition and refinement.

Most CEOs rely only on experience to improve their leadership skills instead of practicing deliberately. If you want to improve your ability to lead, negotiate, or make better decisions, you need structured training.

• Rehearse important conversations the way an athlete drills game scenarios.
• Get coaching and mentorship to refine leadership and strategy.
• Track progress and review past decisions the same way an athlete studies game footage.

Steve Jobs practiced his keynotes hundreds of times before stepping on stage. He did not rely on natural talent. CEOs who take skill development as seriously as athletes will always have the advantage.

Training and Adaptation: The Best Keep Improving

In sports, what worked last season will not always work this season. Athletes evolve, change their training, and adapt to new challenges.

Great CEOs approach business the same way. They are not locked into outdated strategies. They stay ahead by constantly improving.

• They study their industry the way an athlete studies game footage.
• They refine weaknesses instead of ignoring them.
• They test new strategies, knowing that staying static is not an option.

Amazon is a great example of this mindset. Jeff Bezos built a culture of constant testing and adaptation. Businesses that fail to evolve will be overtaken by those that are always learning.

Teamwork and Leadership: Success is Built With Others

The greatest athletes are not just skilled. They elevate their team. They lead by example and create an environment where everyone performs at a higher level.

A CEO needs to do the same.

• Develop the people around you instead of trying to do everything alone.
• Build a culture of feedback and growth so the company keeps improving.
• Learn to trust and delegate rather than micromanaging every decision.

Phil Jackson, the legendary coach of the Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers, built championship teams by focusing on leadership and team dynamics. The best CEOs build companies that operate at a high level because of strong leadership, not just because of their personal effort.

Recovery: The Most Overlooked Advantage

Athletes know that recovery is as important as training. Without it, injuries happen and performance declines.

Many CEOs pride themselves on overworking. They treat exhaustion as a badge of honor. They do not realize that overwork leads to worse decisions, slower reaction times, and burnout.

• High performers treat sleep, exercise, and mental clarity as business priorities.
• Breaks and recovery are built into the schedule, not left to chance.
• Long-term performance matters more than short-term grinding.

LeBron James spends over a million dollars a year on recovery because he knows it extends his career. CEOs who take care of themselves will outlast and outperform those who burn themselves out.

The Danger of Compensation Patterns

Athletes who compensate for an injury create bigger problems in the long run. A minor knee issue ignored today can lead to a serious tear later.

The same happens in business.

• A leader avoiding difficult conversations will see their team fall apart.
• A company chasing fast revenue with no foundation will struggle long-term.
• A CEO who micromanages will become the bottleneck that holds the company back.

Short-term fixes cause long-term damage. The best leaders solve the real problems instead of covering them up with temporary solutions.

Elon Musk built Tesla by focusing on long-term vision, not short-term sales. The businesses that think ahead will always win over those that chase quick results.

The Future CEO Will Train Like an Athlete

The next generation of CEOs will not just be managers. They will be trained to perform at a high level in all areas of their lives.

• They will practice leadership skills deliberately.
• They will treat recovery as part of performance, not a luxury.
• They will focus on long-term strategies instead of quick fixes.

Athletes know that real success comes from smart training, discipline, and recovery. The CEOs of the future will operate the same way.

3 Quick Questions

1. What is one skill you should be deliberately practicing instead of hoping to improve over time?
2. Are you allowing yourself proper recovery, or are you heading toward burnout?
3. Where in your business have you been compensating instead of fixing the real issue?

Do you find yourself constantly jumping from one project to another, always chasing the latest idea or trend, yet never feeling truly satisfied? If so, you’re not alone. This perpetual pursuit can be a sign of not closing off projects or unresolved conflicts in your life.

The Cycle of Unfinished Business

Many people identify as either project starters or closers. Starters are full of enthusiasm at the beginning but often struggle to see things through to the end. While it’s great to have the spark of initiation, without the skill of closing, distractions accumulate, and no project ever truly launches.

Why Learning to Close Matters

I believe that anyone who is a starter needs to learn the skill of closing. By facing the tough stuff and practicing the art of completion, you not only finish more projects but also gain a deeper sense of satisfaction. Closing off projects frees up mental space and energy, allowing you to focus more effectively on new endeavors. (You have probably heard about the 3 min rule? If something takes less than 3 min, instead of planning it, just do it.)

My Own Struggle with Unfinished Projects

I know this from personal experience. I’ve bought courses, subscribed to services, and initiated projects that I never got around to completing. Right now, I still have some open loops I’m working to close and what brings me to write about this topic. What helps me is the accountability of a mentor and coach. They motivate me and push me through the uncomfortable phases, ensuring I don’t abandon what’s important.

Zeigarnik Effect – The Psychological Effect at Play

This tendency to remember and be affected by unfinished tasks is known as the Zeigarnik Effect, a psychological phenomenon identified by psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik. It suggests that incomplete tasks linger in our minds, causing mental tension and distraction. By closing these tasks, we alleviate this tension and gain a sense of accomplishment.

Elon Musks Super Power

If you’re tired of feeling unsatisfied and always chasing the next new thing, consider focusing on closing off your current projects before taking on a new one.

Learn to say “no” is one of the super powers that Elon Musk has been titled with. He says “no” very often because it bring him away from a bigger “yes” (flying to Mars).

Practice facing the challenging parts head-on. You’ll not only complete more projects but also find greater fulfillment in your work and personal life.

If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me a message on Instagram @rickardlong, and let’s continue the conversation.

Quick 3 Questions

1. What unfinished project can you commit to completing this week?
2. How could having a mentor or accountability partner help you stay accountable and motivated?
3. What steps can you take to improve your ability to close projects and reduce distractions?