As the Winter Olympics are in full-swing and Singapore has debuted at the games this year, all eyes are on the athletes. Whether or not they win a medal, it’s undeniable that these men and women are high achievers with enviable work ethics. So even if you aren’t able to speed skate or snowboard like your favorite Olympian, here are a few qualities of theirs you can strive to emulate in the workplace.
1. Dreaming Big
There’s nothing wrong with having big dreams, but it sometimes seems that when you set a particularly lofty goal people automatically tell you to tone it down or to be more realistic. Though you may need to make a list of smaller goals that lead you to your ultimate goal so that you don’t get overwhelmed in how to reach it, there’s nothing wrong with dreaming big.
2. Being Coachable
You can be the most talented person in the building, but if you have a hard time hearing constructive criticism or receiving feedback, you’re not going to learn and grow. Aside from drive, one of the most important aspects of Olympic athletes is that they’re coachable – they listen to feedback openly, consider it, readjust and then work to incorporate the feedback so that they become better at their job. If you’re able to do the same at the office, it will not only help you get ahead, but will make you a better coworker, too.
3. Constantly Learning
In addition to being open to feedback, Olympians are also always learning. They’re never stagnant – they can’t be since their sports are constantly evolving and the judging criteria is often updated to accommodate these changes. This is a great life lesson for everyone; even if you’ve been in your job for years, there’s always something more you can learn. Whether it’s upskilling, trying something new or brushing up on a skill you haven’t used in a while, having a student’s mentality will keep you sharp.
4. Consistent Results
Being consistent can be incredibly difficult. Sometimes you’re tired or not feeling great or just want a little break, right? But consistency makes you reliable, and being reliable will yield big results. From a great reputation with your coworkers and clients to being the first name considered for a promotion, working to be constantly consistent with your work product will only help you in the long-term.
5. The Desire to Win
Real talk: if you don’t actively want to meet your goals or get complacent about them, then you likely won’t. Olympic athletes wouldn’t be competing for their nations if they didn’t thirst for one of those medals, and you’ll need the same kind of drive and desire in order to achieve your dreams. Keep your end goal in the front of your mind and stay motivated. Good luck!
