8 Ways to Awaken the Olympian Within

 


With the 2024 Olympics in Paris underway, excitement and anticipation are building for the games. The Paris Olympics promise to be another grand stage where athletes from around the world will demonstrate their perseverance, dedication, and excellence. The historical and cultural backdrop of Paris will add a unique charm to the games, making it a memorable event for both athletes and spectators. Let's hope we see some fireworks and the best athletes produce their best performance in the biggest stage. Already 22 year old shooter Manu Bhaker won bronze in the women's 10 m air pistol final, becoming the first Indian female shooter to win an Olympic medal. Already USA has won 5 gold medals. This is an exciting start to this edition of the Olympics.

In the last 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, we witnessed what the Olympian spirit truly is, an inspirational event for the entire world considering the circumstances we were in at the time. It was remarkable to see the human spirit in action. Simone Biles’s resilience, determination, and support for her teammates, even while facing personal challenges, embodied the true Olympian spirit.

My purpose with this article is to inspire us to think like Olympians metaphorically. The Olympics symbolize the triumph of the human spirit in action. Anyone who participates in the Olympics deserves applause for the immense preparation and the trials they undergo even before they have the privilege of participation, let alone winning a medal.

Here are the traits we can learn from Olympians and how they can help us get the most out of ourselves, expanded with additional insights and examples:

  • Optimism — Just to participate in the Olympics, athletes have to put in a minimum of 4,000 hours of preparation. This requires unwavering optimism. Many of us suffer from learned helplessness, but developing an optimistic outlook helps overcome this. Optimism means not taking setbacks personally and believing that the best is yet to come. Michael Phelps has often spoken about the power of a positive mindset in overcoming his struggles. Elon Musk's vision for space travel, despite numerous failures with SpaceX rockets, shows how optimism fuels relentless pursuit of goals.

  • Love — All Olympians love what they do. The sacrifices needed to reach the top require passion for their craft. Roger Federer’s love for tennis and Serena Williams’s dedication to the sport are prime examples of how passion fuels excellence. Loving your work enables you to bring passion and dedication to what you do. Steve Jobs famously said, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do," reflecting how love for one's work can drive exceptional performance.

  • Yesterday — Olympians, including greats like Michael Phelps and Simone Biles, have had personal tribulations. They have overcome these by focusing on the present and future, not dwelling on past failures. Novak Djokovic’s ability to bounce back after losses showcases the importance of letting go of yesterday. Jeff Bezos, after multiple failures with early Amazon ventures, emphasized the importance of focusing on the next opportunity rather than past mistakes.

  • Manage yourself — Olympians have the same 24 hours as everyone else. They manage their time and stress effectively to get the most out of themselves. Tom Brady’s meticulous approach to his diet, exercise, and sleep routines demonstrates the importance of self-management. Decide your major purpose and align your activities accordingly. Sheryl Sandberg's advocacy for work-life balance underscores the importance of managing oneself to achieve peak performance.

  • Perform — Preparation is essential, but performance is what counts. Athletes like Usain Bolt and Simone Biles are only as good as their current performances. They continually strive to improve and perform at their best in every event. Performance requires focus and dedication to be in peak condition when it matters most. Warren Buffett's disciplined investment strategies and consistent performance over decades highlight the importance of delivering results consistently.

  • Inspired — Olympians are driven by an internal inspiration. U.S. Cyclist Kristin Armstrong, who won her third straight Olympic time trial at 43, exemplifies how internal drive can lead to remarkable achievements. Internal inspiration propels individuals to overcome setbacks and achieve their goals. Tony Robbins, through his motivational speaking, inspires millions to find their inner drive and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

  • Attitude — A positive attitude is crucial. Winners are willing to learn from their mistakes and maintain a positive outlook. Bruce Jenner’s desire to contribute more to humanity beyond winning the decathlon highlights the importance of sustaining a positive attitude. The right attitude involves continuous learning and resilience. Indra Nooyi's leadership at PepsiCo, with her focus on learning and adapting, shows how a positive attitude can lead to significant organizational success.

  • Never say die — Resilience is key. Derek Redmond’s story from the 1992 Olympics, where he finished the race despite a hamstring injury with his father’s support, exemplifies the never-say-die spirit. Resilience means bouncing back from failures and continuing to strive for success. This spirit is essential in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term goals. Jack Ma, who faced numerous rejections before founding Alibaba, embodies the never-say-die spirit that leads to ultimate success.

There you have the traits needed to awaken the Olympian within. These principles can help us navigate challenges and achieve our goals, much like the athletes participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.

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