Top 6 most useful lessons you'll learn from Olympians…

Are you as excited as I am about the opening of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris tomorrow?

Personally, I can’t wait to see Snoop Dogg carrying the Olympic torch through the streets of St. Denis or witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the opening ceremony. Still, the ultimate allure for me is watching the finest athletes in the world live out their Olympic dream.

How wonderful it is to see them triumphant after decades of self-sacrifice and meticulous preparation. Their triumph is not just in earning a medal, but in being part of something as truly rarified as the Summer Games. These amazing human beings—gymnasts, swimmers, runners, martial artists, weightlifters, wrestlers, and many more—serve as an inspiring reminder that the human mind, body, and spirit are capable of wondrous feats.

Though you and I may never reach the heights these Olympians call routine, we can still be inspired by their example and learn from their practices. I see unmistakable parallels between the Olympic Games and the entrepreneurial games in which you and I compete.

Here are the top five most interesting parallels between Olympians and entrepreneurs:

1. Training and Preparation:
Just as athletes rigorously train to perform at their peak, entrepreneurs must continually develop their skills and knowledge to stay competitive. Investing in self-education, industry research, and strategic planning is essential for long-term success. They must also measure their performance and find ways to keep improving through deliberate practice.

Try it: In what area do you need to improve? What are you doing to prepare and train to improve your performance?

2. Goal Setting and Achievement:

Olympians set clear, measurable goals and work tirelessly to achieve them. Similarly, small business owners need to establish specific business goals and create actionable plans to reach them. Clear goals provide direction and motivation, helping to focus efforts and measure progress. Goals also allow us to measure our levels of performance and provide clues to where and how we might improve.

Try it: Set a revenue goal with a deadline, then identify the specific action steps needed to reach your goal. When you fall short of meeting a goal, use what you’ve learned to bolster your performance.

3. Perseverance and Resilience:

Athletes often face setbacks and must persevere to reach the podium (or even qualify for the Olympics). Small business owners encounter numerous challenges and failures along their journey. Building resilience and maintaining a positive attitude through difficult times is crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Remember the famous words of the late great professor Randy Pausch, “The brick walls aren’t there to stop you, they’re there to see how badly you want it.”

Try it: Anticipate the obstacles you will surely face on your journey. Ideate possible ways to avoid or overcome them. In other words, have a backup plan.

4. Branding and Identity:

The Olympics are a showcase of national pride and identity. For small business owners, taking pride in building a strong personal brand is vital. A unique, authentic, and consistent brand identity helps differentiate their business, attract customers, and build trust. Consistent branding reinforces their value proposition and establishes a memorable presence in the market.

Try it: Can you describe the essence of your brand in a single sentence? Nike says, “Just do it.” Adidas says, “Impossible is nothing.” At Apple, they “Think Different,” and that’s why “AI” now stands for “Apple Intelligence.”

5. Work-Life Balance:
Olympians balance rigorous training with rest and recovery to maintain peak performance. Unfortunately, entrepreneurs often blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Prioritizing work-life balance is essential for maintaining overall well-being, sustaining productivity, and ensuring long-term business viability. Rest and recovery aren’t indulgences; they’re required for top performance.

Try it: Set clear work hours and avoid letting business bleed into your self-care and family time. Be compassionate towards yourself and mindful of your needs. Make time for fun and relaxation. Take care of yourself, as you’re the most important “asset” your business has.

I’m pretty sure you’re familiar with all the above, but I want to share one more parallel that doesn’t get the attention it deserves:

6. Mental Conditioning and Visualization:
Top athletes frequently use mental conditioning and visualization techniques to enhance their performance. To perform at elite levels, they must not only train their bodies but also their minds. Olympians visualize successful outcomes, rehearse their routines mentally, and cultivate a winning mindset. For small business owners, mental conditioning and visualization can be equally powerful tools.

By taking the time to visualize your goals, imagine overcoming challenges, and mentally rehearse important business activities (like presentations or negotiations), business owners can build confidence, reduce anxiety, and improve their performance.

That sounds fine and dandy, but how can we actually do it?

It’s quite simple:

Find a Quiet Space: 
Choose a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.

Close Your Eyes and Breathe:
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Focus on your breathing to calm your mind. Fill your lungs to the count of 4 and try to exhale fully to the count of 8. This creates a relaxed state and activates your parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating visualization.

Create a Detailed Mental Image: 
Picture the scene in your mind with as much detail as possible. Engage all your senses—see the environment, hear the sounds, feel the sensations, and even notice the smells and tastes.

Use Positive Affirmations:
As you visualize, use positive affirmations to reinforce the desired outcome. For example, think or say, “I am confident and prepared,” or “I handle challenges with grace.”

Repeat and Refine:
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the visualization. Over time, refine the details and make the mental image as vivid as possible.

This requires practice but is quite powerful. The best part is that you can do it even if you’re in the middle of performing a challenging activity or being troubled by negative thought patterns.

If you want to learn more about how to use your breath to improve your performance in any endeavor and visualize the successful outcomes you want, I have two book recommendations:

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor is an eye-opening rediscovery of the power of our breathing apparatus to control our nervous system’s responses to stressors. It’s something our ancient ancestors understood but modern man somehow forgot.

The other book is titled The Choice Point: The Scientifically Proven Method to Push Past Mental Walls and Achieve Your Goals by Joanna Grover and Jonathan Rhodes. The authors have trained Olympians, C-suite executives, and elite forces in the military to hack their autopilot systems and break records in their respective fields. They have valuable insights for us too.

Both are definitely worth your time. Check 'em out.

My friend, I hope I’ve convinced you that the spirit of the Olympics can serve as a powerful source of inspiration for all of us, entrepreneurs included. As we witness the incredible feats of these athletes, let’s harness that same spirit of dedication, resilience, and excellence in our own pursuits. Whether you're running a business, launching a new project, or striving to achieve personal goals, remember that the mindset and practices of Olympians can guide you towards your own victories. Here's to your success and the journey that lies ahead!

Let the games begin!