Last night I asked my Inner Circle members what success looked like to them.
The answers were thoughtful and honest. Most valued the ability to be with family, enjoy life, and serve others. Each person mentioned, in one way or another, the potential to have freedom of choice and the desire to live life to the fullest.
Our guest speaker opined that success was produced by action and persistence in the face of fear and resistance.
Nobody talked about money, though it was inferred that freedom comes with some degree of monetary cost.
After our Inner Circle meeting it was time to relax, so I watched the Tokyo Olympic games. With my mind primed to think about success and its many dimensions, I watched the athletes with a different eye.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll know I love metaphors. I also love sports, and sports is an excellent metaphor for life.
I was amazed by the number of life and success lessons that were right in front of me.
Goals
Many of these young athletes had setbacks and failures, but their Olympic dream kept them energized enough to fight through adversity. Several said that, during training, they pictured themselves on the podium accepting a medal.
For five years since the last Olympics, they kept their dreams in front of them and revisited them daily.
They all had a goal. They visualized that goal. They did it every day.
Your goal will drive you.
Focus
These men and women only get to compete at this level once every four years. While in training, they focus on their goal and eliminate activities that are not part of achieving that goal.
This requires some short-term sacrifice to obtain the long-term, ultimate goal.
Focus and determination will create success in any endeavor.
Persistence
I saw young men and women who never gave up on their dreams. There were countless stories of athletes who were too injured, too old, too dizzy, or not as talented, who broke through to the top.
For some internal reason, they kept training and trying to get better every day. Keep in mind that there was no guarantee they would even make the team.
They never quit.
Gratitude
I witnessed genuine gratitude from those who won gold. They thanked their trainers, coaches, family, and God for the opportunity to compete.
More impressive were those who did not win gold. They were simply grateful for the chance to compete and be part of the Olympics.
It’s easy to be grateful when you win, but it’s a gift to be grateful for what has already been given to you.
Winners are grateful.
Humility
I watched world record breakers thank those who helped them and then immediately compliment those who competed against them. Many of the biggest winners said they were blessed just to be there.
In multiple events, there were athletes who were obvious favorites. When some didn’t come out on top, they were gracious and complimentary to those who bested them.
We can’t win every time, but we can be humble and learn every time.
Teamwork
A gymnast who was supposed to win gold, but couldn’t compete, never missed a competition and was there to cheer on her teammates.
Swimmers gave credit to their teammates. Runners thanked their team. Individual athletes thanked their team of trainers, doctors, and coaches.
Even the broadcasters thanked their huge team for making the broadcast possible.
We might go fast alone, but we can go far with a team.
Service
This one was all over the commercials, but the lesson is important.
A fallen runner gets pulled up by a competitor. A fallen biker gets assistance from another biker. Competitors cheer on or console each other no matter what country they compete for.
We are here to serve. The more you give without expecting reciprocation, the more you receive in return.
Your Success
It’s likely nobody reading this will compete in the Olympics, though anything is possible! If you have competed, I would love to hear your story.
Though most of us are not Olympians, we are all competing in the game of life. Your “gold medal” might be different than the person next to you, but it’s a prize that you desire deeply, and it will pull you to success.
Whatever your goal is, chances are good that you can achieve it if you embed the attitudes and mindset of Olympic-caliber athletes. Those attitudes aren’t reserved just for those who can run fast and jump high. They are available to all of us.
I’ve met many of you and I’ve seen a winner’s mindset. Others are already winners, but just haven’t internalized it yet. You must believe in yourself.
My hope is that you will all realize you can win your race. When you do, I hope you will create some freedom for yourself, then use that freedom to contribute to those around you.
You’re all “world class” in my mind.
Until next time!
Tom
