"Mastery is an inner-directed life externally expressed."
-Michael Gervais, Sport and Performance Psychologist
I don't usually watch sports, but the Paris Olympic Games grabbed my attention. The US Women's Gymnastic Team takes home all-around gold, Simone Biles makes the most epic comeback since Tokyo, Sydney McLaughlin Levrone breaks her own world record in 400m hurdles, Noah Lyles wins Gold and Bronze while being sick with Covid, Harvard graduate Gabby Thomas take home gold for the women's 200M, and, of course, Katie Ledecky makes fish look slow. Achievements represent just some of the highlights of the Olympics.
Comradarie, sportsmanship, and the athletes' overwhelming support for one another show the human side of what it takes to be the best. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles kneel while Rebecca Andrade takes gold for her floor routine, track athletes congratulate one another post-race, swimmers hug one another while in the pool, and families in the stands cheer for their loved ones competing in the world games. If there are any lessons to take away from watching the Olympics, it's the following:
- No one does it alone
- Athletes may be hard-working and physically/genetically gifted, but they're just like us
- Awe as an emotion unites the world
No One Does It Alone. The greatest athletes cheer for the greatness of other athletes. They share a unique experience of having a shared mission while competing against one another. The shared mission takes precedence over competition.
Your Turn. What mission/values do you share with people around you?
Remember, you're stronger than you think. Mental fortitude is not just a buzzword in performance psychology; it's a testament to the resilience and strength that we all possess, even if we don't always realize it. The primary elements include emotional agility, resilience, and the ability to lean into challenges.
Your Turn. What thoughts do you repeat when facing adversity? If you were to dig deep into believing in yourself, what would your self-talk be, what actions would you take, and how would you relate to those around you?
How Do You Awe? Researchers Ulrich Weger and Johannes Wagerman define awe as "the feeling we get in the presence of something vast that challenges our understanding of the world." Even the researchers stated that the Olympics induce a sense of awe. Awe creates the feeling that we're a part of something bigger than ourselves. Awe encourages us to feel connected to one another. We can access this feeling through community, accomplishments, nature, or spiritual practices.
Your Turn. When do you feel awe? How can you access this feeling more often?
Cheers to the greatness that lives in all of us.
In Connection, Fortitude and Awe,
Brittani
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