Olympians have a lot to teach us in helping us reach for and achieve our dreams. Their stories are a source not just of inspiration but also of invaluable strategies that are applicable to both our personal and professional lives, no matter what we do in life and what we are trying to achieve.
These strategies are as much about the mind as they are about the body. The things you say to yourself, your mindset, your ability to focus on that which will give you energy and strength are all key components of your personal success - whatever "success" means to you.
JoAnn Dahlkoetter, a sports psychologist, has a great book on the subject called "Your Performing Edge," which I expect to be reviewing in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, as an introduction to the topic, I wanted to pass along a few inspirational quotes from women athletes that landed in my mailbox this morning courtesy Oprah's Spirit Newsletter.
Read them and be inspired - but don't stop there. Set the intention to read the advice of these athletes and actually take it to heart. In other words, don't just be inspired. Be transformed. This week, choose to pick one thing you could do to bring you closer to your dream. Do the same next week and the week after, and let momentum develop.
And here's a tip for making this a success. Imagine that you are on an Olympian's schedule. Imagine that you only have four years to achieve your goal and that in your entire life, you'll only have 2-3 opportunities (your personal equivalents of the Olympic games) to make your dream come true. Let that fill you with the sense of urgency needed to finally give your dream a priority.
With that, here's your Monday morning dose of inspiration.
"Define success for you. Make it based on what you're doing and not what other people are doing, not based on someone else's interpretation of what you should be doing."
— Natalie Coughlin, swimming
"If you're not having fun doing what you're doing, I really think there's no reason to do it. I think there are other things you can do that you'll have a good time doing, so you definitely have to put your mind to it. Have a plan, but definitely have a good time at the same time."
— Lindsey Berg, women's volleyball
"Part of [achieving your dream is] not being afraid to take risks. I took a year off school [for the Olympics]. There were times when it was really hard. Just keep believin', keep truckin'."
— Elle Logan, rowing
"Everybody's always trying to do something physical, but I would say feed your spirit more than anything 'cause I think that's where it all starts, especially for myself. When I'm healthy spiritually, I'm able to do any and everything that I put my mind to."
— DeLisha Milton-Jones, women's basketball
"Starting small and dreaming big is the biggest thing. We always say you have to begin with the end in mind, but then you have to go back and begin."
— Kara Lawson, women's basketball
"Don't stop believing, ever. I was a swimmer as a kid, and my sister and I would play in the pool and pretend we were at the Olympics. I got there—I just did it with a sport change. Be flexible and go for it!"
— Caroline Lind, rowing
"God has a place for everybody, so just trust in him and trust that he gave you the talent that he wanted, so you just got to roll with what you have."
— Bridget Sloan, women's gymnastics
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