Precision Management Accounting is proudly sponsoring an athlete, ADAM BARBALET to compete in the 2015 Western Australia Ironman being held on December 6th 2015 to raise awareness and proceeds for the charity beyondbluE. Want to know why?...

On March 3rd, 2015, I had the opportunity to experience something which had a profound, and life changing effect on me. With no knowledge of what was involved prior, I was invited to attend an ‘Ironman Triathlon’, to support an old friend of mine.

An Ironman event involves a 3.8km open water swim, 180km bike ride and finish with a 42km marathon – all in one race! Training and preparation requires constant dedication and focus from athletes who sacrifice huge amounts of time to be prepared to compete in the event.

What I experienced on the day was awe inspiring, and the stories of the roads that each one of these athletes has traveled to get to that finish line - ones of hard work and commitment, really resonated with me, but not only from a fitness perspective.
These stories of hard work and overcoming life’s obstacles are the stories that any goal oriented person would endure.

I began to realise links in training for an Ironman Triathlon, and building and operating a small business.

How is an Ironman like running a business?

Both requires constant dedication. Every day requires motivation and focus to achieve what you need to do in order to reach your goals.
Results don’t happen overnight, but every day you work you are closer to achieving your goal.
You can achieve a lot on your own, but you achieve more with a support team. Be it words of advice or tough love when you need it.
Don't under estimate the kindness of strangers. There are lots of people who have been in or are in similar circumstances who will offer their support and advice.
It’s not a race, it’s an endurance test.
Your mind is your most powerful asset. Sometimes you doubt yourself and start to question what you're doing and you must find the inner strength to continue with what you believe in.

It made me realise that competing is not as much of a physical battle, as it is a mental one. Training is not only about strengthening your body, but it is about strengthening your mind.

As an accountant, I am inspired by the athlete’s level of dedication and focus. I envy their level of commitment, endurance and their personal success.

Read more about my first Ironman experience here

HOW IS PRECISION MA HELPING?

Your mental well being is everything. It drives everything we do. Unfortunately however, it has the ability to work against us, and there are many people losing the battles with their own mind, and suffering from mental conditions which make it hard to do everyday activities that most of us take for granted. It could be from a vast number of reasons, but the condition is very real, and around 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness during their lifetime.

Based on my past experience with attending an Ironman event, and my desire to make a difference, Precision Management Accounting is proudly sponsoring an athlete, ADAM BARBALET to compete in the 2015 Western Australia Ironman being held on December 6th 2015 to raise awareness and proceeds for the charity beyondblue.

Beyondblue works to reduce the impact of depression and anxiety in the community by raising awareness and understanding, empowering people to seek help, and supporting recovery, management and resilience.

Just like in business, you can achieve a lot on your own, but you can go further with a healthy mind, and a good support team.

How can you help?

Everyone can relate to day to day struggles and many of us have experienced periods of stress, anxiety or depression. It’s easy to forget that our mind is our most powerful asset and also needs training and care.

If you would like to support beyondblue and encourage the Ironman athletes to raise awareness around mental health you can make a donation and leave encouraging words at Adam's Everyday Hero account.

Follow the PrecisionMA facebook page and Twitter account to hear updates about the race and to support Adam on the day.

We support beyondblue and the work they do to help people through their toughest times so they can fulfil their greatest dreams.