I love watching the Winter Olympics. Not because I care about medal counts for any country, but because I love seeing people do what they love to do, pushing themselves to do their best. It’s especially inspiring when you hear the stories of overcoming obstacles, including family tragedy and injury.
I think the reason why I enjoy these stories is because it serves as a reminder that persistence pays off. Most of these athletes have been training practically their entire lives. I’m sure it meant missing out on fun with friends and time with family, yet they did what they had to do so that they could be among the best in their sport.
It serves as a reminder that in order to achieve our goals, sacrifices must be made. We have to be clear on what it is we’re working towards so that we don’t view these sacrifices as things we are missing out on. Our commitment to achieving our goal and clarity on what life will be like for you and those around you when that it becomes a reality makes it all worth it.
I’m not saying that we’re all striving for Olympic excellence or that we ought to. I think that we can learn a lot about what it takes to achieve our goals from these athletes. We can’t allow setbacks and discouragement to allow us to give up on our goals. We have to find the motivation and inspiration to persist through the difficult times so that we can make our way to the finish line and collect our medals in whatever form they look like for us.
Whether you’re into the Olympics or not, I think that there’s a lot to learn from those that participate in the games as well as the Paralympics. These are people, just like you and me that have dedicated their lives to being the best that they can be. They understand the importance of consistency, dedication, perseverance and persistence. They are committed to being in top form and showing up when it’s required.
Making your goals a reality may not win you a medal, but it will bring you a sense of achievement, accomplishment and fulfillment. Isn’t that what we’re all looking for? ♥