Whenever the Olympic games are upon us, I feel the familiar pangs of inspiration.
Each one of the athletes we see on television has achieved such a high level in their relative discipline, that their very existence in the arena is reason for applause.
Amazing.
Because all of these athletes are already at such a high level of physical performance, the separation between the people who triumph and the people who fall short seems to be a matter of mental toughness, a “never give-up” attitude, and an ability to keep oneself in a frame of mind suitable for champions.
In other words, at a certain point – it all becomes a head game.
Granted, sometimes there are factors beyond the control of the competitors which can lead to performance short-falls.
Beyond these unfortunate circumstances, the podium winners have not only won their medals based on their physical abilities but on their mental capabilities as well.
Those of us non-Olympic civilians can learn a lot from these people [although many circus performers are, in fact, ex-Olympians] 
We need to get our heads in the game.
Whether you are training up a challenging maneuver, prepping for an important pitch session, or negotiating your mortgage terms, you need to get your head in the right space.
Achieving greatness is within our grasps. THINK about it…
From here on in – it’s just a head game.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, it is always important to stay focussed on the task at hand, be it throwing a trick to the catcher or throwing a lump of clay on a wheel. But, on the subject of winning, it is also important to keep some perspective. Mellisa Hollingsworth made a very telling point in her “apology” yesterday, a point that many of us out here in armchair land tend to forget. The loss of a medal is in hundredths of seconds, and often by less than the space of one linear foot. So…determine what your OWN definition of greatness is, and then GO FOR IT!
Greatness resides in the efforts/hardwork to improve although one does not become #1. Those #1s are the minority, and those fighting to improve in many aspects of life are the majority. Both minority and majority to be admired… #1s represent also the minority…
Hard work and good planning/organization increases the probability of success, but it does not guarantee high levels of achievements. The rest depends on the innate structure of our brains and bodies.
So, when you see your colleagues work hard but cannot achieve what you have achieved, always be supportive of them. Make life for them and yourselves much more pleasant with your humbleness and grandeur…
Cheers to all hard working Canadians!
Yes!
Well said Lori – excellent point!
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment
I love your reference to the flying trapeze and famous Olympians in the same paragraph.
Fab Lori…just fab!
Thanks Shary – I absolutely love your point about encouraging and motivating others.
It is so important to have the support of friends and colleagues and to be in the support role as well.
That’s one of the reasons why I love the Olympics so much – Teamwork at it’s best!!