If you do not have a television or access to the news in any form, you may not know that we’re in the middle of the 2012 Summer Olympics.
I like them a great deal more than I thought I would, it turns out.
Last week, I sat on my couch and watched other people exercise for a few hours, and then I huffed and puffed my way through an easy jog.
Folks, I am not an athlete. These athletes are amazing. They are the best in the world, right? They’re all really strong, all focused on winning, and they are amazing.
It got me thinking. The Olympic Games are not at all like the real world. But athletes are really impressive. We could learn something from these people.
Here are a Few Things I Observed about Olympic Athletes:
- Athletes are not special. The only difference between athletes and people who sit at desks all day is drive. Talent, sure, but these are mostly people who have worked on their sport since they were six.
- To get to the Olympics, you have to be the best whatever (skeet shooter, for example).
- Athletes obsess.
- Athletes work every single day toward their goals.
- Most don’t win. But even the losers are happy they tried. Being the 8th best 100 meter backstroke woman on Earth is still rather impressive.
Well, that sounds an awful lot like people who are trying to change their finances for the better. Our goals may be different (I don’t even know how to tread water, let alone water polo!) but if we keep trying, we will get to the goal.
Will I be the first person ever to pay off my student loans? Heavens no.
Will I be the richest woman in the world? Seems unlikely.
Will working hard every day toward my goal of financial independence make me close? Absolutely.
Most importantly, the athletes in the Olympics inspire activity. They didn’t get to be where they are by sitting on the couch watching the Olympics on TV. So, get off the couch. Go do something. Set ridiculous goals. Get close to them.
About Kathleen
I like the commercial where they are practicing and talking about what they HAVEN’T had time to do over the past four years (watching TV, reading books, etc).
It takes a lot of commitment to get to the level of these athletes. Anyone who puts that level of commitment towards their personal finances will likely be successful as well.
I think one of the most important lessons you can learn from Olympic athletes is that they made the DECISION to commit to the Olympics. It’s similar to paying off debt, planning your financial future to be a success, and losing weight. It’s all about making the DECISION to commit to your goal. And to follow through on your commitment takes perseverance and motivation. So what motivates you and are you willing to endure the failures that will come along to achieving success?
I was commenting to my wife the other day that watching the Olympics makes me feel unaccomplished in life. Then she reminded me that I’ve accomplished things they haven’t, which is true, but still, I wouldn’t mind a medal
It definitely is true that they have some amazing drive to practice a very repetitive task over and over again until they can compete to try to be the best in the world. I personally wouldn’t be able to do it with sports but I can try with tasks that I want to truly focus on!
Yeah it really has been inspiring watching them. The thing I’ve found most enjoyable to watch is when some athletes have come last, but still turned to the interviewer with a smile, elated that they were able to participate at that level.