We have been able to reconnect with Peter Nicholas who has answered a few questions for us.

“What is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift, and why?  Or what are one to three books that have greatly influenced your life?”

“Maximum Performance” by Laurence E Morehouse and Leonard Gross. I found this book at an early time in my sporting life when I was trying to understand how to turn my dreams and energy to be the best in the world into reality. This was an early sports psychology book that I read and followed.

“Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach. An amazing book kindly given to me by my parents

“Dove” by Robin Lee Graham. This is a Very cool book, Free spirited, again kindly given to me by my parents.

“What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months (or in recent memory)?

Clip on mountain bike shoes without laces, great for taking your shoes off when you come back muddy!

“How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favourite failure” of yours?”

I have lost in competition far more times than I have ever won. I hate to lose, but have learnt to take lessons from each loss; I step back, take some deep breaths and write the perceived

issues down and decide on “what” and “how”, to change it for the next competition. This has enabled me to move positively forward in my life.

“If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it - metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions - what would it say and why? It could be a few words or a paragraph. (If helpful, it can be someone else’s quote: Are there any quotes you think of often or live your life by?)”

My motto: To utilise and maximise time wisely is not only life’s greatest investment but hugely enhances the excitement of life.

Also Muhammad Ali’s quote sums up top sports people:

“Champions aren’t made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”

“What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made? (Could be an investment of money, time, energy, etc.)”

Best investment in my life is the massive time committed with training, racing and technical development to become a world champion in my Olympic sport. I have also invested in this huge commitment in our business to become leaders in our chosen industry sector.

“What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?”

I crave to do some form of exercise each day by myself. Even if it means running or biking at night. For me, this exercise time is critical for solving problems and staying positively in the zone.

“In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit has most improved your life?”

Spending less time in the office (although I still love our business, I now concentrate my office time to providing Technical and Strategy support). Lisa and I are still passionate about how our business is moving forward. We are enjoying spending more time with family and friends. Having time to watch and provide encouragement to our son in sport has been perhaps the biggest reward for all those years working crazy hours in the office!

“What advice would you give to a smart, driven student about to enter the “real world”? What advice should they ignore?”

Actively seek advice from inspirational high achievers in their particular fields of expertise. This will not only shorten the time line to reach your goals but the relationship will enhance your enjoyment of the experience. Think very carefully when taking advice, although the best learning is often taken from failure, I think it is best to first understand how to achieve success and self-learn from the failures.

“What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?”

That there is a quick and easy route to being able to maximise your potential at high level sport and business.

“When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do? (If helpful: What questions do you ask yourself?)”

I exercise or get out sailing on the water to get some time alone, in order to prioritise what is important in my life, and how I will take positive steps to get on top of the perceived issues.

Are you a past student who would like to reconnect with Massey High School? Are you interested in sharing your story?  We would love to hear from you!  Please contact ecurtis@masseyhigh.school.nz.