They say that the definition of madness is ‘doing the same thing over and over again whilst expecting different results’. However elite sport may be the very exception that proves the rule.
Repetition and routine are the very cornerstone of improvement and reliability is a serious competitive area and without putting in the reps you are unlikely to gain the rewards. There comes a time though, when you must decide to do something differently if you seem to have reached the end of a particular path.
Following my Q-School disappointment and with a few other real life matters changing, it may well be time to freshen up my approach and temper things with a little realism.
I have often commented, here and elsewhere, that the life of a professional or semi-pro dart player is not quite the glamorous ride that some may think. There is a huge amount of travelling, as well as separation from family and friends, and the resultant lifestyle in terms of food, drink and exercise is not conducive to decent general wellbeing.
This not to whinge as I have enjoyed almost all of it for more than 15 years. But, as if this wasn’t enough, there have been far too many remarks such as ‘none of us is getting any younger’ and ‘The Seniors Tour is around the corner…’ recently.
So, it‘s off to the gym and back to work for The Wizard. More daily structure, and improved quality of life, combined with as much practice and preparation as humanly possible. I am sure it will take a little time to adapt but a fitter, more relaxed and happier person and player will be the end result.
Typically this new regime started off with a fall and damage to my throwing arm during a few days away in Ireland and limited my efforts during a recent ADC weekend. Especially annoying as the first 8 events have been in my original stomping ground of Middlebrough!
Up and at ‘em though. See you out there #UTB
——ENDS—–
‘The Wizard’ won 6 PDC Pro Tour events, reached the UK Open final, and won the 2009 Championship of Darts and currently holds multiple win records at MODUS Super Series.
Colin is supported by GM Darts Management, Winmau & Sidekick Sports. He is also a Darts World Ambassador.
