8 Things we can learn from Champions
In some ways, I think, we’re all athletes in pursuit of our own championships.
More commonly recognized as the goals we set for ourselves. Sports can be seen as a metaphor for life.
➀ Dream Big.
Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. It’s our goal in life to find it and keep it lit.
– Mary Lou Retton, Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics in 1984
As I watch each athlete tackle one course after another during the Olympic Games in Rio, I realize we may not be so different. We all have a dream – no matter what it may be – as we jump over hurdles to carry it out to it’s fullest potential. Nothing is more exciting when our dream becomes reality. Go on and get your geld medal!
➁ Recognize your obstacles as training.
Treat your obstacles as a training tool for the mind and body – this will help you appreciate the blood, sweat and tears going into any situation. Having a positive mindset has helped me appreciate my journey to any finish line. Don’t give up!
One word: ‘Fight.’ Anyone can do it when it feels good. When you’re hurting, that’s when it makes a difference, so you have to keep fighting.
–Erin Cafaro, 2008 rowing Olympic gold medalist in women’s eight
➂ Embrace the lessons.
It teaches us about ourselves and what it means to be part of a community.
Focus, discipline, hard work, goal setting and, of course, the thrill of finally achieving your goals. These are all lessons in life.
– Kristi Yamaguchi, gold medalist in figure skating in 1992
I love sports but what took me a while to realize is all the connections between sports and myself.
Breathe, believe, and battle.’ My former coach, Troy Tanner, told us that before each match. Breathe—be in the moment. Believe—have faith that you can rise above it. Battle—you gotta be prepared to go for as long as it takes.
-Kerri Walsh, two-time beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist
The athletic lifestyle nourishes more than a talent — it instills strong characteristics through the determination, practice, routine, and more. These lessons, athlete or not, are what it takes to make your dreams come true. Be persistent, stay consistent, and repeat.
➃ Commit to your self.
Every part of you is involved. Yup. I’m talking about mind, body, and soul — every part of you joins forces to push through.
You have to train your mind like you train your body.
– Bruce Jenner, gold medalist in decathlon in 1976.
Some of the most inspiring American legends of our times have been athletes. People like Muhammad Ali, Kerri Strug, and Michael Phelps ↔ I see you USA ↔ have left a great mark on this world, they taught us that the impossible is possible.
The Opening Ceremony of the first Modern Olympics in Athens, Greece. – 6th April, 1896.
➄ Failure is not an option.
This means be persistent with your actions in spite of difficulty.
If you fail to prepare, you’re prepared to fail.
–Mark Spitz, former Olympic swimming champion
I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
– Michael Jordan, Olympic gold medalist in basketball in 1992 and 1984
➅ Determination is key.
Be consistent with your efforts. Practice is the only tool that will get you where you want to be. #goals. Any champion will tell you that it’s not about hitting the floor, it’s about getting back up.
Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.
– Wilma Rudolph, Olympic gold medalist in track and field in 1960
➆ Push yourself.
The human body is capable of far more than we credit it for.
Falling in life is inevitable—staying down is optional.
– Carrie Johnson, two-time Olympic kayaker
It’s about utilizing your drive — this is courage — and a few things to teach us about what it means to face your fears. They’ve taught us what it means to push yourself. #PushItToTheLimit
➇ Set your limits & stick to them.
Part of being a champ is acting like a champ. You have to learn how to win and not run away when you lose.
–Nancy Kerrigan, former Olympic ice skating champion
Don’t allow defeat or rejection to fool you. They are not road blockers. Simply put, they’re just bumps in the road meant to steer you back onto the right path.
I believe that if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
– Muhammad Ali, Olympic gold medalist in boxing in 1960
You’re a champion in the making ツ
[…] stress, setbacks, and losses. By building mental strength, a champion’s mindset helps you treat your obstacles as a training tool for the mind and body, consequently keeping you focused on your […]