"The future is still on your terms"

In these days of change and overwhelm, we need all the help we can get to stay sane. In his new book Thrive, Richard Sutton shows us how to do just that

- ROBYN MACLARTY

'Embedded in the challenge is the gift.’ Richard Sutton’s latest book, Thrive: The Power of Resilience, begins with these words – and it’s clear from the first pages that he’s taken them to heart. He then gives a harrowing account of the physical abuse he endured at the hands of his stepfather.’

The all-too-common consequences of alcohol dependence and financial struggle meant his home life was one of disruption, hostility and neglect. He avoided being at home for longer than absolutely necessary, which meant his school work suffered and he came to believe that he was destined for ‘a life of mediocrity’.

‘To compound matters, I discovered [decades later] that I have several gene variants that increase my vulnerability to adversity by amplifying my reactivity to stress and limiting my ability to recover from traumatic events.’

Ironically, it was the dreaded compulsory national service that rekindled Richard’s optimism. It was in the military that he learned the value of collaboration, and the power of health and physical fitness in supporting his mental and emotional wellbeing. ‘Finally, at the age of 20, I believed I could do anything I set my mind to.’

He began to channel the new skills he’d acquired into pursuing a career in professional sport. And while the road has not been smooth, he established a successful career in health and sports performance over the next two decades. His tennis client base has included five former world No. 1 players and 22 top 20 players. He is now an in-demand speaker, CEO of his own highperformance health consultancies, and the author of three books.