I watched a half dozen Rd 2 heats last night and was up early this morning to check what happened and I was NOT expecting to see Parko get his third consecutive 17th in Mundaka.

Naturally the media spot light has now swung to Fanning and I really loved how he handled it

A month ago Fanning wasn't even in the race, but back to back wins have him staring down the barrel of his second world title.

However, I really loves how he puts the World Title race all in perspective, in a truly professional and mentally tough way.

“I’m not thinking about it (ASP World Title) at all, it’s just one heat. If you want to win the World Title, you have to win heats and that’s all I’m working on. I’ve got a long way to go"

Do you get what he’s saying here, its worth reading again. Because what Fanning is demonstrating here is a real ability to be in the present and deal with what is in front of him.

I talk with so many surfers who are worried about what is going to happen at the end of their heat, or in two heats time, or if they make the final, or if they can just get to the quarters in 3 of the next 5 events.

Because these surfers are future focused, they aren’t focuses on the job at hand – doing everything they need to do to win their heat. Things like preparing well, hunting the peak, talking positively and so on.

You can’t be focused on two things at once.

And there is a delicious irony to all this that Fanning obviously has insight into. If you focus on the job at hand, the results will take care of themselves.

The World Title – “It’s just one heat” That’s my vote for quote of the year.

Good on ya Mick!

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