EP135: Lead Like an Olympian
IT TAKES MORE THAN PRACTICE
Add in the mindset and gold is yours.
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
This episode / post is inspired by the incredible athletes at the 2024 Summer Olympics. At the time of writing, these games have been captivating audiences worldwide, and I must admit, I've been absolutely obsessed. Witnessing the sheer determination, discipline, and passion of these athletes is awe-inspiring. They've dedicated their lives to their sports, pushing their limits and striving for excellence. And guess what? There’s a lot we can learn from them to apply to our leadership and careers.
The Olympian Mindset
Just like Olympians, achieving success in leadership requires setting clear goals and putting in the work. For these athletes, the ultimate goal might be winning a medal, but goals can vary—some may aim just to compete, others to make it to the games, and some to achieve personal bests. In our careers, the goals could range from landing your first leadership role to running a successful team or even starting your own business. No matter what your goal is, the principle remains the same: it’s all about dedication, perseverance, and hard work.
Olympians spend years—often their whole lives—training, winning, losing, and overcoming setbacks. They practice relentlessly, honing their skills and building strength. Similarly, in leadership, it takes time, effort, and a willingness to fail and learn continually. It’s about dedicating yourself to growth, building your team, and fostering engagement.
But there’s more to the story. Beyond skills and practice, mindset and self-awareness play a crucial role. This is the “third leg of the stool.” Without it, everything else can fall apart. Athletes like Simone Biles have shown us the importance of mental health and self-awareness. When she prioritized her mental well-being during the Tokyo Olympics, it underscored how critical a strong mindset is. For leaders, it’s the same. Understanding your strengths, recognizing barriers, and managing your thoughts are essential to staying resilient and pushing forward.
Inspiring Stories from the Olympics
Stories like those of Suni Lee and Stephen Nedoroscik illustrate this beautifully. After a significant setback due to kidney disease, Suni Lee’s return to gymnastics is a testament to perseverance and a strong mindset. Stephen Nedoroscik’s focus on his strength—the pommel horse—highlighted the importance of knowing your lane and excelling in it. His dedication led to his team ending a 16-year medal drought. Both stories remind us that there is no one way to achieve success; it’s about being authentic, knowing your strengths, and staying committed to your goals.
Applying the Olympian Approach to Your Leadership
In leadership, just like in the Olympics, success comes from a combination of skills, practice, and mindset. Dedicate yourself to continuous learning and development. Embrace failures as stepping stones to success. Prioritize your mental health and self-awareness. Recognize that your journey is unique and stay true to your strengths.
What Do You Think?
Think about your goals. What steps are you taking to achieve them? How are you incorporating self-awareness and a strong mindset into your approach?
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
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