Be your own olympian

Be your own olympian

Ask any Olympic athlete what got them to London and they will invariably mention the words ‘motivation’, ‘dedication’, ‘perseverance’ and ‘goal setting’.

While physical ability is critical to an athlete’s success, it is what comes from the inside that can make or break their performance. One of the key differences between athletes who produce their personal best when it is needed and those who don’t is the way they prepare – by setting targets, aiming high and maintaining a clear focus about how they will achieve their goals.

Your personal objectives may be far removed from those of an Olympic athlete, but by following their approach you can become a champion in your own life. To do this you don’t have to run a marathon or train like an elite athlete, you need only strive for ‘Olympic’ standards of excellence in all facets of your life, whether it is work, family, sport or study.

By aiming high, believing in yourself and never settling for second best, you will find that you can achieve more than you ever dreamed possible.

This is not to say there will not be setbacks. Most Olympic athletes suffer more defeats than victories, but by persevering they achieve the learning that leads to true greatness. So can you.

Go for Gold tips:

  • Ask yourself what one thing you could do each day, which if done consistently, would make a huge difference to the results in your life.
  • Commit to making a change and keeping that change.
  • Break your goals up into small, reachable steps so you can continually see yourself progressing.
  • Enlist the help of others: a friend, family member or workmate who can support you to achieve your personal best.
  • Don’t compare yourself to others. Be the best you can be. • Create a mental picture of what you want to achieve each and every day.
  • Persevere even when the going gets tough.
  • Learn from your setbacks – ask yourself, what am I going to do differently next time?