MEET YOUR HOSTE
I’m Igor, a former professional athlete, three-time world champion, and trained sports psychologist who later moved into business and entrepreneurship.
I’ve spent years performing under pressure and learning what actually drives results. Not hype. Not shortcuts. But clarity, discipline, and focus.
MAF is for people who want to show up sharper in work and life. Expect practical mindset tools, honest reflections, and a small but necessary dose of humor along the way.
If that resonates, you’re in the right place.
TODAY’S TOPIC
What are you optimizing for actually?
Before you dive into today’s edition, take a step back and think about this question: What is it that we really want to get out of this one life we have on the planet? No pressure lol.
Also, don’t forget to check out the 2025 Reflection Handbook PDF, which you can download right below.
“Optimize for your desired lifestyle, not your desired title."
Deep dive
This is where so many of us end up taking the wrong path. We tend to get attracted to a shiny object. I know I am definitely guilty of this. However, what happens when that shiny object is attained? We tend to start looking for the next, and then the next, and the next, and so on. But if you ask yourself what is the life you actually want to live, how much of that is in alignment with the title you are chasing?
“Great can come from anywhere.”
Deep dive
Greatness has so many shapes and forms. It is hard to define it in one specific way. Is an amazing doctor and a shitty parent better than an amazing parent with a shitty job? We tend to label greatness only as the things happening in public, but the true champions are those who do amazing sh*t behind the scenes when no one is looking. Just crush it in your domain, be a freaking great human being, and you will live the best life possible.
“If I had infinite money, had no fear, and didn't feel the need to receive any recognition, what would I do or create?”
Deep dive
What a way to end the year… The last quote of the last newsletter on the last day of the year. Take a few minutes and answer the question above for yourselves. It might reshape your approach to life. I hope it will!
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
I was all about that title: But what happened when I got it?
I wanted so badly to be a World Champion in rowing that I put my whole life in service to my rowing career. I would not go out, not celebrate birthdays, not go to my prom, and I lost touch with my family and friends. All of that was done consciously for what? To become a World Champion.
So what happened when I finally got THE title? It was the emptiest feeling in the world. It was like dying in a way… I had a moment to look back and appreciate the journey I had behind me, only to realize that I pushed all the people I love away from me and did not enjoy the journey nearly enough. And when you sum it up, the whole journey took eight years. However, the race was done in less than seven minutes… You be the judge of what was more important.
EXTRA MATERIAL
Social media
HUMOR SECTION
One step at the time 😅
Ava with Milo in their van
