How inspiring have you found the Olympics and Paralympics to be? So many incredible stories of human strength, dedication and resilience throughout both in the epitome of sport performance. Can we take some of the lessons and inspiration from the sports arena into the business one?
Olympic Examples
A story that touched so many was that of Tom Daly. At the age of 11, he started his mission towards a gold medal and sixteen years later, his dream was finally reached. In Tokyo, he and Matty Lee secured a historic synchronised 10m platform gold medal. During the medal ceremony tears were seen pouring down Tom’s face as the enormity of it all sunk in.
There was also the fortitude of Laura Collett who overcame not only a near fatal accident 8 years ago but also horrific online abuse and even death treats after the loss of one of her horses in 2015. Winning a gold medal was absolutely deserved and she certainly represented the fierce Olympic spirit.
Applying to your business
So many stories like this where people unfailingly dedicate themselves to what they dream of achieving. What is your business equivalent to a gold medal? Are you really clear on what the goal is and where you are heading? Top business men and women have impressive focus on their goals, dedication to working hard towards them and the belief in what they are doing.
“Business is the ultimate sport. In business, as in sport, the one thing you can control is effort.”
Some may make it look easy but no true success comes easily. It takes hard work and sometimes long hours but it doesn’t have to be relentless and it doesn’t have to be alone.
“Business and investing are team sports.”
Who is on your team? What team is fighting alongside you? What is helping compliment your weaknesses? Who is cheering you on?
“It doesn’t matter whether you are pursuing success in business, sports, the arts or life in general. The bridge between wishing and accomplishing is discipline.”
This is why we advocate for putting strong plans in place and why a big dose of accountability can make a big difference. In our Growth Club, we break everything down and make a 90 day plan so you know exactly where you are heading and what is expected over the next 3 months, 1 month, few weeks and even few days.
One of the positive differences with business though is there isn’t such a strict age limit as in sport. If you are 35 you are certainly not past your prime! Got a new business idea at 45 then go for it. Expanding a product line in your 50s, why not…….
