Did you catch much of the Olympics this summer?
With the 2012 games drawing to a close, thousands of world-class athletes are heading back to their respective countries this week, a few with medals in hand, ALL with the experience of a lifetime to share with those at home.
I don’t consider myself a “huge” sports fan, but I’m always intrigued with the Olympics. I can’t help but get caught up in the drama, and marvel at the level of discipline and commitment demonstrated by these athletes (many of them just young kids!) all for the chance of a few minutes of glory on the world stage.
Although there is SO much attention at the games on winning medals, I’m even more fascinated with what goes on ‘inside’ of these achievers.
Imagine how much these kids have evolved over the years, how they’ve learned to deal with setbacks, pressure, and exhaustion, and can ‘get in the zone’ to produce outstanding results, time and again. I’m interested to know more about the ‘inner life’ of a champion; now that’s something worth studying.
As women building successful businesses, we can learn a LOT of powerful lessons from these young achievers. Let’s take a quick look at some of their championship training methods, and how you can use these ideas to create gold-level results in your business:
Sure, everyone wants to win a gold medal (or to become a top leader in your company) but let’s face it – these big accomplishments NEVER happen overnight. If you are serious about long term success, it’s so important to focus on the PROCESS of building your business, not just yearn for the end results.
If Olympic athletes are known for anything, it’s the immense amount of training they put in to become the best at what they do. There are no “dabblers” or “hobbyists” on the podium – you can only get there by investing the time and developing yourself every step of the way.
Athletes know the difference between a Gold and Silver, can be as little as 1/100 of a second. They are FANATICAL about tracking their performances, learning from every race and constantly looking for ways to improve.
An athlete’s performance (especially at the Olympics) is as much about their mindset as their physical performance. Their success completed rides on their ability to stay focused and present, even under immense pressure, and deal with setbacks when they occur.
I don’t consider myself a “huge” sports fan, but I’m always intrigued with the Olympics. I can’t help but get caught up in the drama, and marvel at the level of discipline and commitment demonstrated by these athletes (many of them just young kids!) all for the chance of a few minutes of glory on the world stage.
Although there is SO much attention at the games on winning medals, I’m even more fascinated with what goes on ‘inside’ of these achievers.
Imagine how much these kids have evolved over the years, how they’ve learned to deal with setbacks, pressure, and exhaustion, and can ‘get in the zone’ to produce outstanding results, time and again. I’m interested to know more about the ‘inner life’ of a champion; now that’s something worth studying.
As women building successful businesses, we can learn a LOT of powerful lessons from these young achievers. Let’s take a quick look at some of their championship training methods, and how you can use these ideas to create gold-level results in your business:
Create Success by Being Dedicated to the PROCESS, Not the End Result.
Sure, everyone wants to win a gold medal (or to become a top leader in your company) but let’s face it – these big accomplishments NEVER happen overnight. If you are serious about long term success, it’s so important to focus on the PROCESS of building your business, not just yearn for the end results.
The road to the top of your company can be a long and twisty one, and to stay inspired enough to take the next step, it helps to approach every phone call, every meeting, every networking event as an opportunity to learn – and to win.
I’ve encouraged my clients to keep a daily “win journal” to track their sales and results, but more importantly, to acknowledge and celebrate what they are learning, the actions they are taking, how they are growing as people, etc through the process of building their business. When you feel like you’re winning with every step of building your business, you’ll stay inspired and in the game long enough to create the income you want.
Train Like a Champion.
If Olympic athletes are known for anything, it’s the immense amount of training they put in to become the best at what they do. There are no “dabblers” or “hobbyists” on the podium – you can only get there by investing the time and developing yourself every step of the way.
The same is true for success in network marketing and direct sales. If you want the big rewards, you have to put in the time, there’s just no way around it. But even if you don’t have a lot of time (yet) to work your business, you can speed up your success by adopting that Olympic attitude; challenge yourself to get better, with every cold call, every prospect meeting, and every class you hold.
Get outside your comfort zone and push yourself beyond what you thought you could do. This kind of attitude and willingness to stretch will accelerate your success more than anything (time included)!
Track Everything!
Athletes know the difference between a Gold and Silver, can be as little as 1/100 of a second. They are FANATICAL about tracking their performances, learning from every race and constantly looking for ways to improve.
This is also CRITICAL business skill. If you want to make a LOT more money in your business, in less time, you also much “track your stats”. How many calls does it take for you to book an appointment with someone? What are your average sales per class or party? How many people do you need to share your opportunity with – before you find one who says yes?
You need to know your own personal “performance stats”. It’s important to watch your own numbers, and likewise, look for where you can make small changes and improvements that help you make more money, in less time.
Learn to Deal with Setbacks.
An athlete’s performance (especially at the Olympics) is as much about their mindset as their physical performance. Their success completed rides on their ability to stay focused and present, even under immense pressure, and deal with setbacks when they occur.
A great example of this was in the ‘88 Seoul Olympics, when American diver Greg Louganis hit his head on the diving board, knocking him unconscious as he plunged nearly 33 feet to the pool below. “My confidence at that moment in time was shattered,” he says. In a now-famous comeback, Louganis went on to win two gold medals that summer.
How do you deal with setbacks? When a meeting cancels, or someone on your team quits your business, do you stop taking action? Although upsetting, treat these like the temporary setbacks they are, and like Greg – get back up again and go for the next opportunity. THAT is the mark of a real champion!
Rapidly Boost Your Success with a Coach or Mentor.
Every athlete has a coach, for good reason. No matter how much natural talent, ability, or experience you have, you can’t see your blind spots. It’s the same with your business.
Working with a coach or mentor can dramatically speed up your learning curve, boost your confidence and help you tap into abilities you didn’t know you have. You can save yourself a lot of time and frustration by finding a mentor who’s “been there” and can help you quickly develop the skills and knowledge you need to create your dream biz.