What I Learned from Olympic Athletes

Summary: Learn from the Olympic athletes, while they aiming to be the best in the world they have missteps. It doesn’t get them down. Learn how they move on.

Like most of the world right now, I am fascinated with the Olympics. Every four years these athletes come together to show the world they are the best in their choosen sport. I have to admit, I get extra encouragement from those who misstep, fall, or wobble and get right back up without missing a beat. For example: the cyclist who falls because of the wet street, the gymnast who looses their grip and falls on their face in the mat or the swimmer who makes a bad turn. They recognize this as a “bump” in the road and get back to doing their best. I know for myself this isn’t always easy and I admire how they keep moving forward.

Do you do this? Do you let a bad decision, missed opportunity or complaint get you down.

Learn from the Olympics atheletes and get back up.  So what are they doing that we may be missing?

• Why and What. What happened and why? Look at it objectively and only at yourself (too easy to blame others).
• How. How to make sure it doesn’t happen again. In other words, learn from it and make the necessary adjustments.
• Accept it. We are human and regardless of how much we train, research or learn – we will make mistakes. Accept it and move on.
• Stay focused. Remember what you are trying to achieve and keep your goal in mind. While you have had a temporary set back don’t let it take you off course.

You never hear an athlete say “I was distracted by my competitor” or “the judges don’t like me”…no, they accept what has happened, looked at why and train to make sure they don’t make the same mistake again. That doesn’t mean they won’t make another one – just a different one.

In the end, believe in yourself, your goals and work through the challenges that come your way.

What challenges have you had to overcome?