8 Attributes Of An Olympic Mind Set
Olympic athletes all have one thing in common. That one thing is what separates them from millions of people world wide. It is their mind set. A strong mind set can open doors to hidden places you never knew existed. A strong mind set can also be the driving force to develop your writing career. But for Olympic athletes, a strong mind set is the number one reason they are in fact – Olympic athletes.
In my quest to decode the reasons why these athletes are Olympians in the first place, I went digging for some enlightenment. If you want to attain the same mind set attributes like an Olympian, you can, by adapting the following:
Olympic mind set one: Determination
You don’t have to be a sports nut to desire the attribute of determination. This is as valuable to business owners, workers, or parents as it is to Olympians. Determination is showing, when you are 100% committed to your dream.
By showing commitment, opportunities will present themselves to you which you wouldn’t even know they existed otherwise. Iron tight commitment is what will eventually lead you to success.
Come hail, rain or sunshine, a committed athlete keeps training. That is the price he pays for the ultimate success.
Olympic mind set two: Strength
An Olympian is strong in mind. If you want to share this attribute you need to stop listening to the bad voices around you. Negativity only fosters more of like.
A strong mind set is a powerful weapon against the negativity currents surrounding you. Surround yourself with beauty and happiness instead. Learn to pay gratitude to the small things in life that really matter. It could be the smile of your child, the cuddle of your partner, or the feel of your pets warmth as it snuggles up to you at night.
Keeping strong is not about power, it’s about staying on track of your intentional path.
Olympic mind set three: Hard working
There is no doubt that Olympians are hard working. You need to learn the difference between hard working while unfocused, or hard working with focus and intention.
Many people fail exactly at this stage. They try really hard, all the while thinking that they are doing the right thing, when in reality they waste a lot of their energies for unnecessary things that don’t fit in with their vision.
There is nothing wrong with working hard – but you have to work smart to make it work (talking about a tongue twister).
Olympic mind set four: Motivation
Motivation can be a real turn off for most of us. We are not always motivated. I’d say that nobody is. There will be days when an Olympic athlete can’t be bothered to do his training regime. On those days it is important to listen to your voice.
If you push yourself too hard, you will only achieve less than desired results. On the other hand, you can’t be too lenient with your regime if you really want to come out on top. It’s a careful balancing act that needs to be monitored at all times.
If your dream is big enough, the motivation will follow.
Olympic mind set five: Ability to deal with adversity
Sometimes things will all seem to work against you. No matter what you do, everything goes wrong and even with the best of intentions it will be hard to stay on your chosen path.
Those are the times when you need to dig deep. It’s important to remember that you are doing your best. You can only do so much as is known to you as the awareness of the moment.
Olympic mind set six: Optimistic and positive perspective
A happy predisposition is a great foundation to become an Olympic athlete. It’s way easier to deal with every day challenges when you are naturally happy and easy going.
To keep a positive perspective is a learning curve most of us have to go through with the help of personal development.
All the other attributes of an Olympic mind set will help you to do just that.
Olympic mind set seven: Strong focus
Focus on your intentions and they become reality. Ever heard of the laws of the universe? Sure you have and if not, it’s time you learn that these universal laws have a lot to do why certain people seem to have it all and others keep wishing for them.
The ability to keep focused will serve you well on your own quest in life. Regardless of what it is you pursue, a focused mind set will help you get there.
Olympic mind set eight: High stress tolerance
High set goals can be stressful. Outer influences like family, friends, or even events can put a lot of stress on you. Stress that will make it very hard for you to stay on course. This is when you have to dig really deep and summon all your other attributes to help you stay focused.
This will take guts, strength and a lot of desire.
Feel it. Smell it. Dream it. Live it.
Let the games begin
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Leanne Magraith | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
What a great post Monika. You have got me fired up. I’m going for gold!
The Australian swim team is a classic example of all these qualities. It takes a special person to get up at 4am and follow the line at the bottom of the pool while they crank out lap after lap after lap.
How many of us would be prepared to do something monotonous like that in order to achieve our dream?
lissie | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
I think most Olympics sports are somewhat easier than being in business for a living. You know what you have to do to win in swimming/running/whatever – you may not be ABLE to but the requirements to win are fairly well understood. Business is different especially on the internet: its not clear HOW to win. The rules are new and keep changing. My sport, Dancesport (think Dancing with the Starts) – is not an Olympic sport – and probably never will -there is too much judgment involved as to what is a good dancer and what is not: very good is easy to pick for even the untrained eye, very bad ditto: in the middle its subjective! Just like getting google to rank your site in the SERPS really!
Jayson | Aug 8, 2008 | Reply
Each section as I was reading meant more and more to me. Anything you want has to have all of those elements thanks for the post. Reading this is what keeps me going with my blog day to day.
Motivation is a hard one for me at time but those little voices don’t get as much volume anymore. I put on my headphones and turn on the brown noise or white noise.
Jenny | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
How ironic it is that you should post this today. Yes I know it’s the first day of the Olympics, but on another note, it’s also 2 days before my bike-a-thon. I can relate to all of your points as I have gone through most of them, albeit some were not gone through well, I’m still here and ready to go. I’ve never done anything like this before so it is a new challenge for me but I am excited to do it. I still have those negative thoughts in my head saying I can’t do it but I am hardly even acknowledging them right now because it has become something more than “can’t”, I HAVE to do it!
Great Post! Great Timing!
Virtual Impax | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
You’ve beautifully covered an often overlooked aspect of athletics: the MENTAL preparation for competition.
Being the strongest or the fastest doesn’t guarantee the win – often the winner is the one with the best mental focus!
The same factors come into play when it comes to winning in business – regardless of what business that may be! Thanks for a great reminder!
Friar | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
If there were aliens observing us, they might find it strange why these hairless apes are so interested in who can throw a heavy object the furthest, or who run from Point A to Point B the quickest. And why this only happens at every fourth orbit around the sun.
I’m not putting down athletes. The discipline and will-power they demonstrate is amazing. I’m not even going to pretend I could do what they do.
But all that training and energy…for what? Sports entertainment…basically.
MY tribe is faster than YOUR tribe. Hooray for me.
(Oh, I know I’m being a cynical Friar). I know it’s not about just the sports. It’s about watching someone follow their dreams, being the best they can be, overcoming great odds, etc. etc.
I don’t want to sound like a Kum-Ba-Ya tree-hugger, but just imagine what we could accomplish, if we put similar energy into other aspects of life, besides sports.
Oh well. The Olympics are still fun to watch. And so I will.
Monika | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Leanne: You are so right and what a great question you asked. Initially I would say “no way, not me”. But then when I look closer I’m doing that now aren’t I? I’m slogging away at the more boring aspects of running a home based business in order to see even bigger success in the future.
Like you, I’m aiming for gold, just not in a sport that gets traditional medals.
Monika | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Lissie: Dancing with the Stars.
Wow, so you are on of them sexy twirling, swishing and swinging dance babes? You go girl. I wish I could do those moves.
You are right though, in some ways running a business is certainly more complex than going for gold as an Olympian. So many hidden aspects are part of business that – unless we know them – elope our conscience, until we are parked at the wrong end of town.
The nature of the Internet is ever changing and we continuously learn and grow with this knowledge.
But then, the potential payouts we get are so much higher too, don’t you think?
Monika | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Jayson: I’m happy this has helped to keep you going. I know exactly how you feel. I too get motivated from other posts, especially if they are motivating.
Self motivation is a learned habit, that’s all. Even though it gets easier to motivate oneself after a while, it isn’t always possible either. Turning on the white noise is a great thing to do in those moments.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Monika | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Jenny: Holy moly. How long is that bike-a-thon going for? Good on you for getting through the preparation stages of training and mental attitude.
I’m sure you will do well since starting is always better than NOT doing anything. I keep my thumbs clenched for you.
You rock!
Monika | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Kathy: Thank you. I often hear about athletes who pictured the outcome before they even started the competition. It is exactly this mental image one carries that will get you through the finish line on a high.
I’m a firm believer of the universal laws and I feel this ties in strongly with our mentality. It’s a bit like a magnetic attraction.
I have had many a great success experience using the same mental attitude, so for me it works and I believe it can for anybody.
Monika | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Friar: You are a cynic. But, to some extents I actually agree with you too. I didn’t even watch the opening ceremony, because there was a 5 hour documentary about Michael Palin and his African travel instead. To me that show held a lot more meaning than watching a commercial opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with athletes going for their dreams if that is their passion (at least that is my humble opinion).
I think I understand though what you mean by putting our energies into something else instead. On a human by human level we can contribute to those energies by paying it forward. By doing our own bit to human kind and the environment we can still pursue our dreams as an individual.
Or did I get this totally wrong?
Friar | Aug 9, 2008 | Reply
@Monika
No…you understand perfectly where I’m coming from.
I think what makes me cynical is the way we worship certain people in our society: Hollywood celebrities and/or Athletes. Those seem to be the people we value the most.
We obsess over the Paris Hiltons and Tiger Woods’, while we ignore the Mother Theresas and Nelson Mandellas.
Oh well, I shouldn’t’ be so grumpy. It’s not the athletes’ fault that we behave the way we do.
I do like to watch the competition, though. I dont’ usually watch sports on TV, but with the Olympics, I’ll make an exception.
Though the huge time difference is a wit wonky for us (you’re much closer to it than we are!)
Rita | Aug 10, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Great post. Though I do agree with Friar, and have made my particular comtempt for the Olympics known, you have found a great way to put the “mindset” of the training and discipline required in athletics to succeed in ANY field, including blogging/writing. And those steps are necessary to not only doing it, but doing it well.
The only exception I can take is that we have the freedom to pursue – and attain – success. Many Olympic athletes – though highly talented – are removed from their families at a very young age for the sole purpose of “getting the gold,” to the exception of everything else – including their childhoods.
In terms of “paying it forward,” may those of us who have the freedom to write what we wish, help others who will never be given the opportunity to do so.
What an excellent and timely blog. We need ALL of those mindsets in order to write – effectively, honestly, and passionately. So, as you say, LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
Rita
Monika | Aug 10, 2008 | Reply
Friar: I’m glad I do. I totally agree with your outlook on the celebrity worship behavior. If I’m being honest with myself, then I have to say I did this too in the past.
Not Paris Hilton (by gosh, no way), but I did look up to other celebrities because they were famous and had a lot of money. A very shallow perception on my behalf.
The only reason why my perception has changed is because of my awareness. I guess most people’s awareness will never change and they continue to worship celebrities, no matter how stupid they behave toward themselves and others.
We should stop worshiping people, religions and other things and start believing into our own strength instead. All we need is respect for others and the right attitude to live in harmony.
I also think this type of behavior is a by-product of how we are brought up in school, at home and in society. It’s the monkey do principle. If he {the other person} does it, so do we feel the need to do.
While I’m no longer subscribed to the worshiping movement, I see many are and will be for the rest of their lives.
Monika | Aug 10, 2008 | Reply
@ Rita: I suppose I wanted to highlight the attribute of athletes with the idea of using it also as a paradigm to our own lives.
You also made a very important point here Rita. Freedom. It escapes so many athletes and like you said, they get ripped away from their homes, their families and their environment, only to be spat out at the other end with a possible gold medal.
This is a huge price to pay for any individual and what makes it all worse is the fact that they have no control over the decision. You could actually call this parental abuse.
Jenny | Aug 12, 2008 | Reply
Just wanted to drop by and tell you that I actually did ride this weekend and completed 36 miles! Thanks for the support!!
Friar | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
@Monika and Rita
On a related note, I was watching the female gynastics the other night. The commentator was talking about this “supposedly” sixteen year old Chinese girl (though she barely looked 12).
The story is she begged to come back home to be with her family. But her folks refused and told her to stick with her training.
So she’s a big gynamst star in China today.
Okay….great. But makes you wonder..what kind of a childhood did she have?
Rita | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
Friar,
Childhood? No – she had a “statehood.” Sick.
Rita
Rita | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
Sorry – one more. There’s a message for you on the blog you commented on recently (Female Sexuality…). It’s from UP and I just wanted to make sure you saw it.
R
Cath Lawson | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – I love this post. Not just because of the great advice, but also because you’re telling us that nobody gets all this right straight away. And no matter how enthusiastic we are, many of us are liable to experience burn out at some point and struggle to motivate ourselves.
Monika | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
@ Jenny: Wooohooo, I’m glad you did. Congratulations and well done. It must feel great to accomplish something like this. 36 miles is certainly a distance.
How is your bum? Are you sore?
Monika | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
@ Friar: Sounds like she had no choice in the matter of becoming famous. I do hope she is happy, but by the sounds of it she isn’t.
This sounds like the classical egoistic ride of parents who want better for their kids than they had, so they go and abuse the sh*t out of them, paying a huge price.
Sad.
Monika | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
@ Rita: Statehood sounds a good name. A lost soul that can never replace its childhood.
Thanks for the heads up. I just replied.
Did you consider using a subscribe to comments Plugin? Just an idea, it might bring people back to their earlier comments more easy.
Monika | Aug 13, 2008 | Reply
@ Cath: Yes we all struggle. In fact, I’m going through one of my dark phases right now. I just can’t be bothered. It’s not easy to stay motivated all the time. I don’t think anybody can.
But for those of us who ride through those times, there is light on the other side. I’m glad you liked the whole analogy of the post.
Evelyn Lim | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
Great post! Love it! With the Olympics on, it’s easy to see how much determination and passion the athletes have for their sport!
Susan Belukas | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
I just found this blog today and I’am so very happy. This is my issue. I have always been very driven and success oriented in my life. My problem is I have great difficulty with people who envy my strong will. I never compete against anyone, always an excellent friend and pulling them up with me. However I sometimes choose friends who compete against me and try to pull me down. What am I doing wrong. Then I get down and can not understand their mind set. Why do people get jealous? I love women who have great minds, driven and very strong willed it fuels me! It does not make me angry, so I dont understand why it does the others? Does anyone have any advise on how do I get over thinking of those who try to pull me down? This is my weak point! Need some pointers! Thank you!!!
Monika | Sep 19, 2008 | Reply
@ Susan Belukas: First of all welcome to my blog and thank you for opening up like this. I totally understand where you are coming from because I have been in your shoes in the past.
Here is what I think. You are attracting those people into your life because deep within you might have this fear of advancing way above the levels of your so called friends. In my eyes, friends ain’t friends if they try to pull you down.
Unfortunately you have to push through those setbacks and distance yourself from these people. I had to do the same with some members of my birth family. They were consistently pulling me down in many ways and no matter how much I discussed, argued, cried and fought with them, nothing ever changed. So I did what had to be done. I created a massive distance between us and it has helped to free me up of that huge pressure within.
You know you are strong and you don’t need other people to make you feel inferior.
Those people do this because they themselves have a huge inferiority complex. So what they do is pull everyone around them down with them – if you let them!
I just let this happen yesterday from some twat who tried to – and managed to pull me down (see my anal reader behavior post).
Be strong by creating the necessary distance you need and start to hang out with empowering people instead. It will do wonders for you, believe me.
I hope this will help you to empower yourself. If you ever feel like chatting between two strong women, drop me a line and we can hook up on skype.
Take care and let me know how you go please.