Olympic Athletes and Your Career Progress: What Do They Have in Common?
Olympic Athletes and Your Career Progress: What Do They Have in Common?
Written By Ibby Smith Stofer
The 2024 Olympics in Paris captured the world’s attention as athletes, both renowned and unknown, experienced the joy of competing in their chosen sports. Their journey to this prestigious event was not due to mere luck or appointment. It takes a blend of talent, dedication, discipline, and personal desire to reach their fullest potential. The opportunity to compete and the camaraderie shared with fellow athletes often become their greatest rewards, regardless of whether they bring home a medal.
In the business world, similar principles apply. Not everyone will be a star performer, but hopefully, they strive to enjoy camaraderie and contribute to the success of the business and their own careers
Some Olympic events are solo performances, while others are team competitions. In both the business world and sports, understanding the environment, knowing what judges are looking for, and recognizing the strengths and strategies of the competition are as critical as the actual execution of performances. Working with your team, coach, or mentor is essential for success.
As I watched the events, I found myself drawing parallels between the paths athletes take and the workplace environment. The common traits were striking. Here are a few key similarities that stood out to me:
- DISCIPLINE AND TRAINING are perhaps the foundations of success in both sports and business. Many Olympians have spent years and countless hours practicing refining their skills. They learn from repetition and rely on consistency. Similarly, business professionals need to invest in learning, follow a repeatable approach, and stay current in their field. Having years of experience does not mean knowing everything, nor does it eliminate the need for continually embracing new tools and ideas.
- GOAL SETTING allows for measuring progress and serves as a motivator to reach new levels. Imagine either environment without both short- and longterm milestones. Mastering anything requires a realistic understanding and approach that builds on mastering each step. Whether it is swimming, fencing, surfing, sales, management, or other disciplines, it takes a vision of where one wants to be and a plan on how to get there.
- RESILIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE enable businesses and athletes to push through tough times, adapt, and bounce back from disappointments and failures. Everyone experiences setbacks. What matters is learning from them and persisting. As the old adage goes: “Quitters never win, and winners never quit.”
Lastly, I believe that focus and concentration are fundamental to both athletes and business professionals. The ability to block out distractions and maintain concentration on the goal, especially during high-pressure moments, can make all the difference for disciplined performers.
In both the business world and sports, understanding the environment, knowing what judges are looking for, and recognizing the strengths and strategies of the competition are as critical as the actual execution of performances."
For a fun read and valuable insights, I recommend searching for Cassie Moore, the world champion surfer who failed to make the final round but offers wisdom that you may find enjoyable and enlightening.
The 2024 Olympic Games delivered many surprises, including a controversial opening ceremony, a surfer from Reunion Island medaling, and various unexpected events and injuries. While medal counts measure a country’s achievements, the smiles and comments from participants are the most memorable aspects for me.