The path to improvement is one that includes hard work and commitment, but too often we travel that path alone. We seek our personal goals in a very personal way. It can often be a solitary endeavor. Not only does it not have to be, but it also shouldn’t be. "You cannot expect to optimize your performance or results if you always take the journey alone." In this episode of the Purple Patch Podcast, IRONMAN Master Coach Matt Dixon highlights the benefits and impact of chasing your individual improvements by engaging in team and group training. The thread that unites athletes of all levels and abilities is a desire to improve. Tapping into that shared motivation fosters a supportive, fun, and competitive environment that provides accountability and inspires a diverse performance culture. Using stories of Purple Patch Squads enduring 5 am coldwater plunges and scaling virtual mountains together through video-coached bike classes, Matt illustrates how individual gains emerge from the practices and habits that develop from these shared group experiences. While these stories are of empowerment, improvement, and the amplified performance gains that come from team or group training in sport, the lessons from Matt’s discussion are easily applicable in all areas of life. Regardless of your skill level, stage of development, goals, or training needs, individuals within a team, united under a common approach and mindset, naturally upskill and thrive, as does the team. "The team as a whole develops greater resiliency, higher effectiveness, and a greater ability to adapt and absorb uncontrollable forces that occur from external factors. In other words, there is a culture of performance. And it is when this takes footing, that there emerges a virtuous circle of productivity for individuals, teams, and organizations." The goal of this episode is to inspire you to become a part of something and participate in building a supportive collective where everyone commits, engages, and grows together along their performance journey. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - 03:28 - Welcome and Episode Introduction 03:35 - 06:21 - Matt's News-ings 06:36 - 08:37 - Word of the Week 08:44 - 32:59 - The Meat and Potatoes - Episode 265: The Power of Team in Boosting Individual Performance Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Free Webinar - Maximize Your 70.3 or IRONMAN Performance as a Time-Starved Athlete The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit If you have any questions or want to learn more about leveraging Purple Patch in your performance journey, reach out to us by clicking the links below. Purple Patch Coaching Consultation Learn more about our Tri Squad Program Join Tri-Squad Send us a message Purple Patch and Episode Resources Purple Patch Video Podcast and More Free Webinar - Maximize Your 70.3 or IRONMAN Performance as a Time-Starved Athlete The Purple Patch Center is Open - Learn More and Schedule a Visit Purple Patch Coaching Consultation This episode is sponsored by our collaboration with INSIDE TRACKER. Inside Tracker and Purple Patch- Receive 20% off their services with code: PURPLEPATCHPRO20 Ask Matt Anything - Leave a voicemail question for Matt Learn more about Purple Patch Squad High-Performance Training Program Join Bike Squad - Don’t just exercise and work out; learn to train with our structured online cycling program Join Run Squad - Increase your running performance through our progressive, multi-sport approach to running Learn more about Purple Patch Fully Customized 1:1 Coaching Learn more about Purple Patch Strength Programming Purple Patch Swim Analysis Stay Up-to-Date with Purple Patch News and Events Purple Patch Upcoming Webinars and Events