What does it take to stay at the top of your sport for decades – physically and mentally? In this episode of The Ready State Podcast, Kelly and Juliet Starrett sit down with three-time World Surfing Champion John John Florence to explore what it really means to play the long game.

From recovering from multiple ACL tears to stepping away from competition at the peak of his career, John John shares the mindset shifts that helped him redefine success on his own terms. The conversation dives into everything from injury recovery and mental performance to fueling, training, and why learning to love the process matters far more than chasing outcomes.

John John also opens up about trading the World Tour for life aboard a sailboat with his wife and son, where surfing remote waves, solving problems, and embracing adventure have become the next chapter of his journey. Whether you're an athlete, parent, or simply someone trying to build a more meaningful life, this episode is packed with timeless lessons on resilience, intentional living, and finding fulfillment beyond achievement.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

Why playing the long game leads to better performance, longevity, and fulfillment
How to recover mentally after setbacks, injuries, and unexpected detours
Why learning to love the process creates more sustainable success than chasing outcomes
The surprising nutrition and recovery changes that helped John John perform at his best
How family, adventure, and purpose can redefine success beyond competition

Key Highlights:

(0:00) Intro & Episode Preview

(0:40) Meet John John Florence

(3:47) Intro to The Long Game

(4:39) Post-Championship Depression & Loving the Process

(7:25) When You Win Your First World Title

(11:26) Where in the World: Sailing in Panama

(12:01) The Vela Docuseries

(14:21) Surfing Remote Waves & the Journey to Get There

(16:43) Raising a Kid on a Boat & Problem Solving

(20:49) ACL Injuries: The Mental Side of Serious Setbacks

(25:52) Daily Routine, Breathwork, & Warmup Habits

(35:15) The Warmup Ritual and Mind-Body Connection

(39:30) Fueling: The Biggest Performance Gap

(40:45) Comp-Day Nutrition & Gels in the Lineup

(43:00) Deciding to Step Away from the Tour

(47:44) Burnout, Back-to-Back ACLs, & Body Listening

(54:37) Working with Mental Performance Coach Dr. Mike Gervais

(1:00:16) Visualization & the 2024 Lowers World Title Clinch

(1:03:27) How His Son Grounded Him Before the Final

(1:04:16) Infinite Shelf: Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

(1:05:26) What's Next: Waves, Boat Repairs, & Closing Thoughts

Huge thanks to our sponsors, Momentous and LMNT.