As fans prepare for the launch of ‘Celebrity Race Across the World’ series 2, it seems like the perfect time to consider what the show can teach us about a winning mind set.

Most people are not aware of this but Race Across the World was first broadcast in the 90’s and I was an avid viewer of this late-night TV show (as it was at the time).

Back then, teams were dropped at a random location somewhere in the world and they had to figure out where they were and race back to Trafalgar Square by whatever means possible. There were no pre-arranged job opportunities and no rest breaks in those days. Teams were given some money and they had their passports. After that, they had to get themselves back through their own resourcefulness. [view vintage edition]

There are many key moments that I still remember – a team trying to figure out where in the world they were whilst life was going on, at pace, around them; a team lost in the arctic and being helped by local people; and a team finding themselves in a sticky situation in Turkey. 

In those days, there were no well-being breaks and no crew to help them. Teams were given a crash course in filming documentary and packed off to fend for themselves. 

The show today doesn’t have the same edge but there is still a lot to learn from the contestants about nurturing a winning mindset.

Here are my key takeaways:

1. Run your own race – the teams spend a lot of time thinking about their place in the race and where the other contestants might be. When they find themselves on the same train or bus, they run through a range of scenarios about the other team. It’s natural and probably helpful to consider what the game plan of your opponents might be but advice from top athletes would be to run your own race and focus on your own performance rather than being distracted by what others might be doing. For more inspiration on this, watch former Olympian, Sally Gunnell – Run your Own Race

2. Think positive – in series 4, Alfie and Owen race to catch a ferry to the final checkpoint, only to find there are no boats until the next morning and another team right on their tail. With the adrenaline they spent to get there, only to be stopped in their tracks, they were naturally feeling defeated. At this point you hear Alfie say ‘we just need to keep a positive mental headspace’. The race wasn’t over and by staying positive, they were able to plan ahead and ensure they were on the first boat out the next day. For more on this read – The Power of Positivity in Leadership

3. Keep your cool – after they crossed to the island where they would find the final checkpoint, they were given directions. Part of the instruction was to ‘head north’ which would usually have been straight forward but they had ditched their bags which meant they had no compass. They knew that they could use the sun but they were struggling to think because they were under so much pressure. Thankfully, they were able to clear their heads and take a moment to think so they could be confident in the direction they needed to take which won them first place. To find more calm, read How to Stay Calm Under Pressure

I’m unable to finish a blog about RATW without mentioning Harry Judd and his mum! If you don’t know what I’m referring to, catch up on BBC iPlayer – it’s worth it ❤

The BBC have just shared that radio personality, Scott Mills, is a star of the forthcoming series. In promoting the show, he said that it is by far the most challenging thing both physically and mentally that he has ever done so worth tuning in when the new series begins next week.

Have you ever challenged yourself? Do you have your own tips for resilience? Share them in the comments below.