Layne Beachley AO: How I got over my breaking point

I started surfing at the young age of four – and when I was 14, I already knew I wanted to become a world champion surfer.

I developed a ferocious appetite to achieve this goal and assumed a brutal all-or-nothing mindset. I became blinded to everything else, and didn’t realise my sense of self-worth and identity were slowly becoming intertwined with my ambition.

I drove myself into the ground, year after year, sacrificing my health and wellbeing and pushing through pain. I placed unrealistic expectations on myself and projected those onto the people who had my back, compromising many relationships. In my eyes, that was what I needed to do to accomplish my goal.

In retrospect, I was trying to prove to the world – and ultimately myself – that I was deserving of love. These feelings originated from my abandonment complex after I was told I was adopted at eight-years-old. 

I joined the Pro Tour in 1990 at age 17, determined and hungry to clinch my first title. But five years later, I came close to falling apart.

My gruelling regime had taken its toll on me – I had completely abused my body, and the cracks were beginning to show. The harder I worked, the more fatigued I became, to the point where my body completely shut down. I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, and my life went into a tailspin. I was physically, mentally and emotionally broken, and found myself in a dark, debilitating headspace.

While this was a bleak period in my life, it also taught me some important lessons. I learned how to communicate with my body and developed the courage I needed to reach out for help.

In 1997, I took part in a rebirthing breathing session to help uncover and process my subconscious fear. I wasn’t ready for so much emotion to come bubbling up to the surface – when I found just how much fear I had built up over the years, I began sobbing uncontrollably.

I realised I was scared of my own success. In my eyes, I saw winners as arrogant and obnoxious – and that was the last thing I wanted to be. I was afraid of becoming the very thing I denounced.

Once I contextualised these emotions, I rewrote the narrative and began healing. I eventually adopted a love-based mindset, which led me to win my first world title in 1998.

I’ve learned many lessons over my career, and those experiences form the basis of my self-empowerment platform, Awake Academy. The courses aim to help people develop a positive mindset, shortcutting struggles and avoiding the same pitfalls I experienced.

Many of Awake Academy's values also align with AIA’s, which is why I’m so proud to be an AIA Vitality Ambassador.

Mental health plays a huge role in our wellbeing, and we should consciously set aside time to look after it – not only when something goes wrong. I usually meditate for 20 minutes a day, but when life gets in the way, I do a quick two-minute breathing exercise instead. Remember, it’s not all-or-nothing, it’s All or Something.

Together, we want to help Australians make better choices and take more responsibility for their lives. Having ownership over the path we’re treading gives us the power to be the change we want to see, and it’s the best way to a healthier, longer, better life.

Article 1: A healthy lifestyle doesn't need to be 'All or Nothing'
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Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.