What leadership lessons can we learn from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games?
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games has started and we gear up for Super Saturday and cheer on our countries from our sofas to feel a part of the occasion.
I don't know about you but I feel moved when bearing witness to the compounded years of hard work, dedication, tenacity and drive it takes to be an Olympian.
In all honesty, it brings me to tears to see the elation of Olympics dreams coming true and the sad reality of Olympic dreams being shattered simultaneously all in one moment of time.
What goals are you working towards?
Watching greatness happen for others can make our own goals seem out of reach, petty or even pointless. You may even start comparing yourself to others who have what you want and decide to give up before even trying because it seems unattainable.
So, with that in mind, let's find some nuggets of wisdom for achieving your leadership goals and dreams from an amazing olympian who never gave up despite all the odds. Keep reading to find out more...
Three leadership lessons you can learn from elite athletes:
Case Study: Bethany Shriever - Olympic Gold Medalist
The absolutely inspirational, Bethany Shriever won gold for Great Britain in the Women's BMX event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games. And yes, every athlete has a story however Bethany had to overcome some major hurdles to get that Olympic gold medal around her neck.
Bethany had to set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise over £50,000 to take her to the Tokyo games when UK Sports pulled the funding for all women's BMX events. She had to work part-time as a teaching assistant to support herself whilst training. And, she even dislocated her shoulder during training but she never gave up on her Olympic dream.
She was supported by her teammate, Kye Whyte who also won a silver medal in the men's BMX event that same day. He was cheering Bethany on during her race and raised her up in celebration when she finished.
Kye told reporters that he was happier for her than himself, especially coming back to the sport after she had dislocated her shoulder and the sheer stress that working, training and funding has put on her. He said,
“Even before we left out here, her starts weren’t that great. I gave her a little hand. She was crying, I said: ‘Beth, you’re flippin’ rapid. You’re actually very fast.’ She’s gone and proven it. Nothing I can say. From the first race, I knew she was going to win.”
So, what can we take away from Bethany's grit, determination and belief in herself?
Lesson 1 - Learn to Say yes to your goals and dreams.
Bethany stayed on course and didn't take no for an answer. She paved her own way and in the pursuit of greatness, she became the person she needed to be, to get where she needed to go.
You may hit many detours on the way to achieving your goals and dreams and the route may not be as smooth as you first envisioned.
However, it's important to allow yourself to approach every step with a growth mindset - open, flexible and adaptable.
This growth mindset will be your secret weapon when managing your expectations and picking yourself up when things don't go to plan.
And, it will teach you the power of finding another way using problem-solving and ‘stepping into’ the leader it takes to make your goals and dreams a reality.
Lesson 2 - The Power of A Resilient Mindset
Dreams are forged with persistence, laser-focus and a powerful belief in yourself to win despite all the odds.
Just as Bethany found positive ways to turn her no’s into yes’s, you can do that too when you hit bumps in the road of your success. And, like a champ, Bethany focussed on the people, opportunities and victories that got her there during her interview after winning instead of thinking of everything that held her back despite her talent and hard work.
The best lesson is to learn from your failures, defeats and obstacles. Take the lessons that they bring and move forward. Failures are feedback loops of information on what didn't work.
Think of failure as a signpost in the road telling you not to go that way and to choose another way instead and it gives you more options to succeed the more markers you have.
Lesson 3 - Have a strong Support system
The support of her family, friends, community and teammates. The school repeatedly gave her the time off she needed to compete, her parents helped her get through the tough times, the BMX team stuck by her, and her community generously gave money to fund her efforts.
*It goes without saying that everyone needs a Kye Whyte figure in their lives as a friend, cheerleader and supporter.
Who is yours?
Remember, you will have people around you willing you to succeed. Whether that's your spouse, family members, friends or a coach like me, you will have support, love and guidance. Tap into that and harness it to fill your positive reserves.
I want you to know that you too can make anything happen. There is always more than one way to make your goals and dreams a reality. So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and get it!
Leave a comment and tell me what goals and dreams you are achieving/taking steps to achieve. I’d love to cheer for you!
Michelle
