My Mission

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It is sunny and warm when Magdalena Neuner welcomes us at her home with her son, and we sit down to talk on the terrace. According to surveys, an above-average number of people still know the former top biathlete, and she can still be found at the top of the ranking of the most famous personalities. The reason becomes clear very soon into our conversation.

 

We talk about Magdalena's current projects, where she passionately speaks about her heart project, the "Peak Performer Foundation". The "Peak Performer Foundation", of which she is a founding member, is the first foundation for "more joy in performing". Magdalena tells with contagious enthusiasm what goals the foundation has committed itself to: "We want to convey to children how nice it is to create something on their own and be successful with it, to do something with joy and to discover one's talent. Children can discover their talents in various camps, deal with nutrition, and try different sports. You will learn what mental health means and how important it is to balance all these components of 'real life'. At some point, we came up with the idea of writing a book based on our experiences to convey to people what our mission is, what it means to discover 'the joy of achievement'." And so, together with Magdalena, three other members of the foundation have come together for a book project with the exciting title "Peak Performer – learning from top performers to master real life". At its core, the book deals with the question of how I can track down my talents and achieve my goals, become successful, and be happy and mentally healthy at the same time. The book contains numerous interviews with successful athletes and entrepreneurs. They all have one thing in common: success in life. The exciting thing is that the paths to succeeding couldn't be more different. The book will be released in mid-October

 

If you now think that overseeing a foundation and writing a book would be enough to do besides a household and three children, then you don't know Magdalena Neuner. She is also taking various at-home learning courses on gastronomy management, stress management, resilience training, time and self-management, rhetoric training, and communication. She tells us about this extraordinary mix of classes: "My vision is to create a place for young and old where people can exchange ideas and learn from each other. Among other things, I can offer various courses, workshops, and assistance for daily life. The topic of 'stress management' is particularly close to my heart. It is more relevant than ever because it affects all of us: moms, children, adolescents, employees, or employers. How do I deal with my daily time management? What do I like to do? What do I not like to do? What takes energy away from me? What gives me energy? Recognizing the difference between positive and negative stress. The topic of family also plays a major role and how important it is to create a balance." According to the WHO, negative stress is the most significant health-threatening factor of the 21st century. At the same time, studies have found that positive stress even prolongs life. "This is an important issue, especially for us women, because we often live with extra burden of household, children and work. And we usually put our own needs behind," she adds. "but it's never too late to make your dreams come true! And as a woman, to be able to deal well with extra burden."

 

Some readers may now think it is undoubtedly easier for Magdalena Neuner to manage this bundle of projects because she can get a lot of help for everyday life. But I can tell you that it's not easier for her. She tells us in passing how she sorted a pile of laundry the night before, a full drying rack welcomes us in the garden, and little Seppi tells us that his mom cooked his favorite meal today.

 

What is the message of this afternoon? Every person has visions, goals, and a mission for which they lives. And each of us can achieve our goals if we believe in ourselves, work on them, don't lose sight of our mental health, and go through life with a big dose of optimism.

 

Little Seppi usually listens attentively. And at some point, he also talks about his essential mission. The first wobbly tooth has to come out! I give him a few tips from my childhood that sometimes led to success and sometimes didn't. He listens wide-eyed and wants to try it out later. We make an appointment for the next day. Then he wants to tell me how his mission "wobbly tooth" went. 

 

Impressed by our conversation, we make our way home. Was the "Wobbly Tooth" mission successful? This will remain our secret.