Val Smith has been an international bowler for a decade, but does not find life at the top getting any easier.
''No, no, it hasn't got any easier for me. I never believe I'm good enough. I always try to be better,'' Smith told the Otago Daily Times.
''I'm always striving to find ways to gain an edge. I want to get technically better, so I can be more consistently accurate.
''I am always trying to get mentally tougher, so I can perform well under pressure. There are things that I'm working on all the time.''
Smith is noted for her mental strength in the international arena. She has competed at 12 major international events and the 2006 Commonwealth Games was the only time she did not come home with a medal.
She won two gold medals at World Bowls in 2008 and two years later at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi she won silver in the singles and was the only New Zealand bowler to get a medal.
''I think I'm mentally strong because I enjoy what I do,'' Smith said.
Smith is always probing to find ways to improve herself.
''Sometimes my personality lets me down,'' Smith said.
''I could be a bit more ruthless at times. It's a hard thing to find because it's not a natural part of my personality.
''I see people too much as my friends. I need to become more ruthless in a game.
''I'm more performance based and work hard on trying to play well. The desire to win needs to be a bit stronger at times.''
Smith has a busy six months ahead as she prepares for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
''I don't know what comes after that,'' Smith said.
It is not the end. She still wants to represent New Zealand as long as she enjoys what she is doing.
''If it gets to the point of becoming a chore and my heart is not in it I will know it's time to hang up the bowls.''
Smith said.
At the moment, Smith is still enjoying being at the top of her sport and wants to continue.
''People see the glory side but it's not all easy,'' she said.
''It is hard work and there is a lot of sacrifice involved.''
Smith likes the change from seven to five-person teams at the Commonwealth Games.
''It's a much better format,'' Smith said.
''You get to play two disciplines and the whole team works hard together.''
World Bowls in 2016 will be played in Christchurch and Smith is keen to again represent New Zealand.
At Christchurch in 2008, Smith won gold medals in the singles and the pairs with Jo Edwards.
''If I'm enjoying what I'm doing and my form is good enough I'd love to be there,'' Smith said.
''If my form is slipping and my heart is not quite there, I would consider retiring from the New Zealand team. I don't feel that way inside just now.''
Smith does not take any short cuts when preparing to represent New Zealand.
''I like to give it 100%. It is not just about representing my country. I want to do a good job for New Zealand.''
Smith works hard on her game leading into major events.
''I love the incentive that being in the New Zealand team creates for you,'' Smith said.
''I just want to keep getting better. If the fire is in the belly I'd still like to be there in 2016.''
Smith recently started a new job as women's bowls co-ordinator at the Merrylands Bowling Club in Sydney.
