You feel it, that quiet pull to be better but you're stuck in cycles of inconsistency, distraction, or underperformance. If you're done drifting and ready to take control, this book shows you how. Chasing Great is a straight-talking guide to building real performance on your terms. Drawing on decades in elite sport, coaching, and leadership, Rod Bannister cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually works: Disciplined habits, intentional choices, and standards that hold under pressure. Each short chapter delivers a clear principle, a real-world insight, and three practical actions you can apply immediately. This isn't theory, it's a system for building momentum. Whether you're an athlete, professional, or someone refusing to settle, this book gives you the tools to move forward with purpose and clarity. After reading this book, you will be able to: Apply consistent habits that drive performance Understand what separates high performers Improve focus, discipline, and resilience Implement simple systems for lasting results
Rod Bannister is a performance coach, leader, and author of Fitness from the Inside Out. A dual international in squash and cricket, he has represented New Zealand and competed globally, winning six national squash titles. He has coached and led programs across Australasia, Europe, and the USA, including roles within high performance environments. Beyond sport, Rod has held senior leadership roles with Konica Minolta and Coca-Cola Amatil and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from the University of Waikato. A certified life coach, Rod specializes in performance, mindset, and leadership, helping others turn potential into results.
Given that Rod has reached the top in different codes and in different countries tells us he knows a thing or two about pursuing - and reaching - excellence. By bringing his experiences through sport, business and coaching together, he has given me many ideas in how to mentor the ordinary (including me!) to achieve the extraordinary. Not just useful for sport but for life in general, Rod's ideas will help me and those I work with strive to reach our potential.--Jeremy White, Year 13 Dean, King's High School, Dunedin Former Third Grade off-spin bowler Rod Bannister knows how much energy and effort excellence requires. An accomplished athlete across multiple sporting codes, he understands that if high performance is your goal, nothing can be left to chance. The bite size chapters are easy to read, accessible for the non-expert, and highly engaging. His explanations of how to maximise one's potential are backed up by case studies based on his own experience, along with practical tips and tricks picked up along the way from fellow athletes committed to realising their potential. I know I'll be using some of Rod's guidance in my own work as a mentor.--Dr. Damien Gibson, Academic Dean
