Many people feel inspired after watching the Olympics, but struggle to get started with setting goals or trying new hobbies/sports.
Tips for getting started.
Before diving into something new, it’s essential to reflect on why you want it. Ask yourself: Is this goal about making others admire you or gaining applause? Or is it about fulfilling a passion that truly resonates with you? If it’s the latter, connect deeply with that call inside your chest. Visualize yourself reaching that goal and think about the person you need to become to live that life. Start making small changes to become that person.
If your motivation is simply a need for change, more movement, or a new activity but you’re unsure where to start, just make the decision to go for it. Remember, our bodies and minds learn through repetition. Focus on your decision and silence any inner voices that might discourage you. Be your own coach, your own strict master, and push yourself to do it. Soon, you’ll enjoy the benefits and want to continue. And if you stop, don’t feel guilty. You tried, and you can always choose something else and try again.
Five key lessons the Olympics can teach you about reaching your goals?
- Focus on What You’re Doing: Don’t worry about the world watching or critics. Live in the moment, trust yourself, and trust your preparation.
- Effort and Commitment: Success requires dedication and hard work.
- Mistakes Are Okay: Even the best athletes make mistakes, but their recovery is what counts.
- Human Potential: Our bodies and minds are truly amazing; humans are capable of incredible things.
- Support Systems: Even if you’re the best, you need support from coaches, family, and teammates.
How do you cope with feeling like you’re not good enough?
Feeling not good enough often comes from having unrealistic expectations. If you strive for perfection, you’ll never feel good enough because humans are inherently imperfect—that’s what makes us beautiful. The olympic athletes are world-class and still make mistakes. Don’t compare yourself to others. Embrace your individuality and uniqueness. You are amazing as you are. Pursue being the best version of yourself, knowing that you can achieve almost anything you put your mind to, it’s just a matter of commitment with yourself. But remember, you won’t feel good enough unless you first accept your intrinsic value and worth, independent of your achievements.
How can you put these tips into other non-sporting areas of your life?
Applying the lessons of the Olympics to everyday life is all about mindset and approach. Start by identifying what truly matters to you—what goals or dreams resonate most. Then, break these down into manageable steps and set realistic milestones. Just as athletes train regularly, create a routine that allows you to consistently work towards your goals.
Embrace the journey itself rather than fixating solely on the end result. Celebrate small victories along the way and use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion.
Surround yourself with a supportive network of people who encourage and motivate you. Their support can provide valuable perspective and help you stay committed during challenging times.
Lastly, maintain a balance in your life. Just as athletes need rest and recovery, ensure you give yourself time to recharge and enjoy other aspects of life. By fostering a holistic and balanced approach, you can apply the spirit of the Olympics to achieve your personal and professional goals.
By Lorena Bernal
Article published in the magazine Popsugar UK and Popsugar Australia
