Olympic athletes are at the top of their game and we could take some lessons from them on success. Common behavioral traits of many successful athletes are seen in successful entrepeneurs ,families and everyday workers. You can take these four lessons on success from Olympic athletes and apply it to your life.
1- Self-Discipline.
The ability to control our urges, push to overcome our unique weaknesses and take the wheel in the pursuit of our happiness. Olympic athletes wake up to train when most people are asleep. They push through pain and give up weekends relaxing to go after their dreams.
2- Goal Setting.
Your long-term goal should be clear as well as short-term goals along the way to keep you motivated. If a speed skater wants to break records she will set the time she aims for and train herself incrementally to get faster. Each 10 seconds off of her time is a small goal that she must hold strong until she is able to go faster.
3- Motivation.
Feeling that passion and drive from within fuels Olympic athletes to keep pushing for gold. You have to know why you want your goals, what is it for and how will it be of benefit. Finding your internal motivation will keep you going long-term.
4- Consistency.
It is not enough to make a positive change and only maintain it for 48 hours. If you truly want success you have to remain consistent with your efforts. Better to take 10 steps forward and hold them than take 20 steps forward and quit. Olympic athletes have a schedule and they stick to it consistently for years.
Right Intention
Having the right intention will help to fuel your motivation and give you a reason to exercise good self-discipline. If your intention is achieving success in your company so you can brag to family and show off your bank account, then you need to take a moment and assess yourself. This type of prideful and arrogant thinking will not set you up for success, actually it can set you up for heartbreak and failure as you push people away and attract those that are greedy.
“Whoever has a mustard seed’s weight of pride (arrogance) in his heart, shall not be admitted into Paradise. And whoever has a mustard seed’s weight of faith in his heart, shall not be admitted into the Fire.” [Tirmidhi]
If You Fall, Get Up
Ever heard the term failing forward? It is a catchy way to express that falling can actually be one of your greatest teachers. If we learn from our mistakes, they become blessings. Gratitude for life’s lessons will generate a lot more positivity and strength around you than wallowing. You are accountable for your choices, it is okay if you stumbled, now is the time to stand back up and keep going.
“Your boundaries are your quest. Failure is the key to the kingdom within.” [Rumi]
Final Thoughts
We can learn a lot from the examples of Olympic athletes and use that for our own personal growth whether it is professional, personal or spiritual. Success and excuses do not walk the same path.
Published with kind permission from the author. Originally published on the author’s blog.