With the Paris Olympics having impressed us with indelible memories, we are left in awe at what these athletes accomplished. Their dedication to their sport is of singular focus. What can we, as mere mortals, learn from these near gods of Olympus?
Perhaps we should begin with the behind-the-scenes support. From families to coaches and trainers, from medical and rehab professionals to corporate sponsors, equipment manufacturers, and fans, these athletes surround themselves with a team with a singular goal: Ensure this human performs at their peak, at the right time, to earn glory for their country.
How can we apply these principles to our lives? It starts the same way the athlete does—with a passion. In their case, a passion for sport; in ours, a passion for our well-being.
1. Planning/Goal Setting
Just as an athlete and their coach begins with a clear vision of what they want to achieve, we must start by setting goals. Identify areas of our lives we want to improve—whether it’s physical health, mental well-being, or professional success. Goals provide a roadmap, allowing us to focus our direction effectively.
2. Preparation/Prevention
Athletes don’t just train; they prevent injuries by preparing their bodies for sport. Preparation for us can be as simple stretching in the morning, staying hydrated and planning time for self-care and nutritious movement.
3. Habits/Maintenance
Athletes achieve high levels of performance through consistent training, nutrition, rest and optimized focus. For us, daily habits such as exercising, eating well, and sleeping enough are crucial. The foundation of long-term success is through consistent habits.
4. Recovery/Rehab
Athletes understand the importance of recovery in training to avoid burnout and injury. In our lives, recovery prevents stress and fatigue. Incorporate rest, reflection in nature, or manual therapy as needed to rejuvenate and stay at your best.
Optimize Your Efforts!
Athletes optimize every aspect of their lives with the following core values. Each of these terms can be applied in our daily lives.
• Fuel: Focus on balanced, nutrient-dense meals. Use food as fuel instead of for stress relief.
• Mobility: Incorporate regular stretching and mobility exercises to make sure you have the ability to move well during planned activities.
• Training: Goal-based physical activity keeps us strong and energetic. We do hard things,so life is easy!
• Sport Psychology: Engage in activities like meditation to manage stress or journaling to envision your goals and stay on track.
• Recovery: Prioritize consistent sleep and incorporate recovery days as a non-negotiable part of your routine.
• Support: Surround yourself with social connections who support your goals and let go of those that create drama.
Rely on a Team of Experts
Even the greatest athletes rely on experts to guide them. In our lives, this might mean seeking advice from mentors, nutritionists, trainers, or manual therapists. Surrounding ourselves with knowledgeable and supportive experts can make all the difference in reaching our goals.
By applying principles from the world of elite sport, we can structure our lives in a way that leads to a healthier, more fulfilling existence. Treat yourself like an Olympic athlete—you deserve it!
Until next time… ~ breathe ~ move ~ unwind ~
