If you’ve been watching the Winter Olympics in Sochi like me, you may have been impressed at the level of performance and the triumphs of these top athletes. And no matter what nation, every single Olympic athlete seems to have that same dedication and that mental strength that makes them reach for the gold medal. I believe that we can learn from the Olympians and apply these strengths to step into your true voice. No matter what language you speak, what country you’re from and what communications goal you want to achieve – the following Olympic qualities can help all of us to go for gold in our lives.
Determination
Not only aim Olympic athletes higher than others (Remember: No dreams are too big!) but they are absolutely determined to achieve their goal. Apply determination to your communications strategy and you will find yourself more focused and more thorough in your approach.
If you’re planning on delivering an inspiring speech that will affect people’s way of seeing your brand or services, add a portion of Olympic determination to your speech writing recipe – and you’ll finish boldly. Determination can change your mindset from “just getting things done somehow” to creating powerful content that will surpass your own and other people’s expectations.
Persistence
Olympic athletes might get injured during training like freestyle skier Hannah Kearney who suffered a painful crash just 16 months ago, but is healed to represent the US freestyle team in Sochi. US athlete Bryan Fletcher, who’s competing in the Nordic Combined, had acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed before he was 3, so his youth was filled with training and cancer treatment. In 2012, he won a prestigious World Cup event in Oslo. At the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, he has his eye on the gold medal. No matter what kind of hurdles these athletes have to face, they gather the strength to overcome them.
Their “never give up” – attitude can help you cope with any communications crisis. Before you bury your head in the sand, think twice, learn from your mistakes or your bad luck and let it inspire you to come out even stronger. All you need is a healthy portion of persistence.
Stand the Pressure
Let’s face it. It’s not easy to compete in any Olympic discipline while the whole world is watching. Athletes like American Alpine ski racers Ted Ligety and Mikaela Shiffrin know what it’s like to feel the pressure. The key is to find a way for you to remain calm so that you can focus on your performance and not think about the stress.
Retired American short track speed skater Apolo Ohno would yawn before he started a race in order to put himself in a zen-like state. What’s your technique to stand the pressure? If you don’t know yet, go and find out, and I’m sure your true voice will shine next time you have to stand the pressure.
My suggestion to kick-start your true voice: Get inspired by Olympic performances and rebel on!!
-Nina
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photo credit: The U.S. Army via photopin cc
