8 Ways to Awaken the Olympian Within

 


As we witness the closing of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the world has once again captivated by the sheer display of athleticism, resilience, and determination. The Olympics are not just a sporting event; they are a celebration of the human spirit, an arena where individuals push the boundaries of their physical and mental limits. It was great to see Simon Biles winning 4 medals and proving she is one the greatest Olympians of all time. Djokovic once again showed what it takes to be a champion. The US Basketball team once again won the gold and showed class. Leon Marchand did great to win 5 medals for France. United States finished with the highest number of medals. India won 6 medals in total and we have seen some surprises as well.

In the last 2020 Tokyo Olympics one of the most inspirational moments was Simone Biles’ courageous decision to prioritize her mental health, stepping back from several events to support her teammates and take care of herself. Her actions resonated globally, reminding us that strength comes in many forms and that true champions know when to push forward and when to take a step back. Biles’ resilience and her support for her teammates are a testament to the true Olympian spirit.

The Olympics teach us valuable lessons that extend far beyond the stadiums and arenas. The dedication, perseverance, and mindset of Olympians are qualities that can inspire us all, whether in our personal lives or our professional endeavors. By adopting an Olympian mindset, we can awaken the potential within us to achieve greatness in our respective fields.

In this article, we explore how the characteristics that define Olympians can be applied metaphorically to help us get the most out of ourselves. By examining each letter of the word “Olympian,” we uncover the qualities needed to succeed.

O for Optimism

Participating in the Olympics requires athletes to undergo extensive preparation, often dedicating a minimum of 4,000 hours to their craft. Such commitment is fueled by unwavering optimism, a belief that their best is yet to come. This mindset is essential, not just for athletes but for anyone striving to achieve greatness.

Research has shown that many people suffer from learned helplessness, a state where they believe they have no control over their circumstances. Overcoming this requires developing an optimistic outlook on life, always believing in the potential for improvement. However, optimism alone is not enough; it must be paired with action to unlock the hidden reservoirs of potential within us. According to Martin Seligman’s research, optimism involves not taking setbacks personally, understanding that no loss is permanent, and recognizing that problems in one area of life do not necessarily affect all other areas.

L for Love

All Olympians share a deep love for their sport. This passion drives them to make sacrifices, endure hardships, and push through the toughest challenges to reach the pinnacle of their careers. Without love for what they do, the sacrifices required to reach the top would be impossible to sustain.

This principle applies universally. Whether in business or any other field, loving what you do is a minimum requirement for achieving success. Embracing the positive aspects of your work and understanding how it contributes to your life’s meaning can fuel the passion needed to excel. Just as legends like Roger Federer and Tiger Woods have shown love for their craft, business leaders must also find love in their work to reach the top of their summit.

Y for Yesterday

To succeed like an Olympian, one must learn to let go of the past. Even the greatest athletes, like Michael Phelps, have faced personal tribulations. Their ability to overcome these setbacks and focus on future goals is something we can all learn from.

Letting go of yesterday is easier said than done, but it is crucial for reaching new heights. While it’s important to acknowledge past successes, dwelling on them for too long can hinder future performance. Similarly, dwelling on past failures can prevent us from moving forward. Even top athletes like Novak Djokovic lose matches, but they do not let these losses define their future. Instead, they focus on their next opportunity to excel.

M for Manage Yourself

Olympians, like all of us, have the same 24 hours in a day. The key to their success lies in how they manage their time and energy. Managing oneself effectively is crucial to achieving peak performance, whether in sports or business.

Stress is a common challenge, but finding personalized coping mechanisms can help us stay focused and productive. Olympians take care of their bodies and minds by eating well, exercising, and getting sufficient rest. Although we may not be competing in the Olympics, we can adopt similar habits to improve our well-being and productivity. By aligning our daily activities with our major goals and values, we can ensure that our time is spent effectively.

P for Perform

Preparation is essential, but it’s the actual performance that ultimately matters. Every athlete knows they are only as good as their most recent performance. This is true in business as well, where each project or deal is judged by its current success, not past achievements.

Even athletes like Novak Djokovic, who have won multiple grand slams, understand that they must continue to perform at their best to satisfy their fans and maintain their own sense of accomplishment. The same principle applies to business leaders, who must continually strive to outperform themselves, looking to the future rather than resting on past laurels.

I for Inspired

Olympians possess an internally inspired spirit, a driving force that pushes them to achieve remarkable feats despite challenges. This inspiration is often fueled by a deep desire to achieve something significant.

One inspiring example is U.S. cyclist Kristin Armstrong, who, at the age of 43, won her third straight Olympic time trial, became the oldest women’s cycling gold medalist in 2016 Rio Olympics. Her achievement is a testament to the power of internal inspiration and the ability to overcome setbacks. Similarly, in our own lives, having a burning desire to achieve our goals can help us stay motivated and overcome obstacles.

A for Attitude

A positive attitude is a defining characteristic of all winners. Attitude determines how we respond to challenges, learn from mistakes, and continue to strive for excellence.

Research has shown that those who win bronze medals are often happier than those who win silver, as the disappointment of narrowly missing gold can overshadow the achievement. This illustrates the importance of perspective and the role of attitude in maintaining motivation and resilience. Winners understand that while achieving a goal is important, it is equally vital to sustain a positive attitude and create new reasons to continue striving every day.

N for Never Say Die

Resilience is a key trait for success, both in sports and in life. The ability to bounce back from failure and keep pushing forward is what sets Olympians apart.

A powerful example of this resilience is Derek Redmond, Great Britain’s premier 400m runner at the 1992 Olympics. During the race, Redmond’s hamstring snapped, causing excruciating pain. Despite this, he was determined to finish the race. With the help of his father, who joined him on the track, Redmond crossed the finish line to a standing ovation. This moment of grit and determination is a reminder that failure is never final and that we must keep pushing forward no matter the circumstances.

The qualities that define Olympians—optimism, love, resilience, and more—are not just for athletes. They are qualities that anyone can cultivate to achieve greatness in their own life. By embracing the Olympian spirit, we can awaken the potential within us to overcome challenges, achieve our goals, and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals and strive to bring out the best in ourselves.

The views expressed here are my own and do not represent my organization.

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