Posted by This Friday sees the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and it’s got me thinking about the mindset of an elite athlete. Earlier this week, Tadej Pogacar won the Tour de France, we’ve just seen Spain beat England to win the Euros, and earlier this month Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejčíková lifted their respective Wimbledon trophies.
The amount of focus, training and resilience needed to be a champion is hard to describe – but the Olympics are a good place to start! They’re a testament to what humans can achieve when they’ve dedicated their lives to becoming the best in the world – not just the physical demands, but the mindset that drives them to excellence.
It’s the mark of a champion to do what’s required, not what’s convenient. Can the qualities that define the mindset of an Olympic athlete—goal setting, commitment to excellence, resilience, discipline, and a positive attitude—be applied to everyday life?
I think they can, so this week, I want to take a look at how adopting an Olympic mindset can transform your life!
Goal set like a champ
Olympic athletes are the gold-standard of goal setting, having a laundry list of clear, specific, and measurable goals that they use to guide their training. It’s strategic stuff, breaking down their ultimate dreams into manageable, actionable steps – with long-term goals like qualifying for the Games and winning a medal set alongside short-term goals, like perfecting a technique or shaving a specific amount of time off their PB.
Having that level of clarity gives them a roadmap and helps them stay focused and motivated.
But how can you apply that to your daily life? By setting SMART goals – something Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Whatever it is you want to do, having a clear objective will help you maintain focus and direction, so instead of vaguely aiming to “get fit”, instead set yourself a goal to “run 5k in 30 minutes by the end of the year”.
Commit to excellence
Elite athletes have an almost single-minded pursuit of excellence. They’re constantly trying to improve their performance, whether that’s through refining their techniques, enhancing their physical condition, or studying their competitors. It’s a level of commitment that goes far beyond just training: it’s their whole life.
But how could that look for someone if they’re not trying to win a gold medal? It could mean that you’re striving for excellence in everything that you do – it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does mean you should always try your best, pushing yourself to do something well, rather than just getting it done.
It can also mean that you’re committed to lifelong learning – you can’t leave school and just assume you know everything there is to know in life. Take courses, read books, or work with a mentor to improve your skills and knowledge.
When the going gets tough…
Setbacks are inevitable in any athletic career. Injuries, losses, and failures are might always be just around the corner, but what sets Olympians apart is their exceptional resilience. They don’t fall at the first hurdle (no pun intended!), but instead learn from their setbacks and come back stronger. Of course, this resilience is often supported by a strong network of people around them, including coaches, family, and teammates.
Obstacles should always be seen as opportunities for growth. Next time you’re faced with difficulties, take a step back, assess the situation, and develop a plan to overcome them, rather than getting discouraged and giving up. Surround yourself with supportive people who will encourage and uplift you, and make it easier to bounce back from disappointments.
Consistency is key
There’s no such thing as an undisciplined Olympian. They’ve got strict regimes to follow and that consistency and discipline keeps them moving closer and closer to success.
I’ll say it till I’m blue in the face, but creating daily habits and routines is the first step to achieving your goals. Being consistent and intentional leads to significant progress over time – play the long game! Being disciplined also means prioritising the things that will move you closer to your goals.
I can remember in my 20s when my friends wanted to go out drinking all the time – that was fine for them, but for me it was just a distraction. Don’t allow yourself to get pulled off course by giving in to peer pressure.
Stay positive!
A positive mindset is crucial for an Olympic athlete. They’re facing immense pressure and high expectations, but they still manage to maintain their composure and confidence. Mindfulness, meditation, and positive self-talk can all help to enhance mental resilience.
If you find yourself getting hamstrung by your self-limiting beliefs, try and develop a positive attitude towards challenges. Focus on your strengths, and instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” shift it to, “I will find a way to do this”. Again, having a network around you will help here – it’s not always what you know, it’s also who you know.
Find a way to practice mindfulness that works for you – meditation isn’t for everyone, after all. Look for something that helps you stay calm and focused under pressure, allowing you to handle stress and adversity more effectively.
The mindset of an Olympic athlete is characterised by goal setting, commitment to excellence, resilience, discipline, and a positive attitude, and whilst you might not be planning to go up against Usain Bolt in the 100m any time soon, these qualities can profoundly impact your everyday life. By following similar techniques, you can achieve remarkable success in any area of your life.
But remember, it’s not something you can necessarily do by yourself. If you’re not already a member, consider joining my Elite Property Accelerator Community on Skool. In addition to finding and connecting with like-minded people pursuing their goals, you’ll find various free courses and coaching sessions to help you develop a champions mindset! For more focused training, why not take a look at the programs I have on offer to find one that’s right for you.
For now, I hope you find some time to take some inspiration from the Paris Games and that it really makes you want to go for Gold!