'The Heart of an Olympian:' Inspiration for Achieving Goals

The Olympic athletes are returning to their home countries now after the past two adrenalin packed weeks. They gave us some nail biting moments as we cheered on our favorites.

No doubt it was the same in ancient Greece except at that time the city states stopped fighting for the pinnacle of human sport's competition. Some legends say the first Olympics were created to salute the Greek God Zeus. Those games featured field events such as running, jumping, wrestling and discus throwing. The ancient games started in 776 B. C. and ended by decree of the Pope around 393 A. D.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin founded the International Olympic Committee in 1890 and the modern Olympics began in 1896. These past summer games in London 2012 have been a powerful testament to the human spirit and body in action.

We were blown away by the “Fierce Five” women’s gymnastics team of Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross and Aly Raisman. They are young but champions at heart. Gabby Douglas gave a performance of a lifetime all with grace and a beautiful smile. Michael Phelps astounded us again with just what a body is capable of with his swimming feats.

Oscar Pistorius who hailed from South Africa showed us that we can overcome many obstacles when he went on the field for the men’s 400- meter race. Missy Franklin swam with all she had. Usain Bolt believes he is a legend and perhaps he is. There were so many magnificent performances not just from America but from all over the planet. A champion’s heart is not limited to what country he or she is from.

I found myself inspired in many different ways as I watched the games. The athletes struggles and triumphs mimicked those of life. There were families fighting bankruptcy to keep their children in their sport or athletes pushing themselves past their own limits to recover from injuries.

Some were tempted by the easy lure of cheating and doping to obtain greater results. Just as well there were those whose bodies and minds were pushed to the limit and faltered. They got up to fight again another day. That is our humanity.

Their stories tell us what we are all capable of accomplishing. No we are not all Olympic athletes of course but we are each made of the same stuff. It is just up to us to push it up a notch to accomplish our goals.

The Heart of an Olympian

An Olympians push their minds, bodies and spirits while training and preparing for their competitions. They know that the journey is completed with many steps of trials, errors and successes. They make a steady chart for achievement and most have the support of their families and coaches. They overcome to perform under intense odds.

We can each do the same buy setting realistic goals for ourselves. Perhaps you want to be a lawyer, chef, ball room dancer or writer. Maybe it is something else like losing weight, stopping smoking or another habit that you want to release. It could be a simple thing like forgiving yourself or someone else.

Learn everything you can about your chosen goal.  Map out a strategy. Join groups and gather supporters. Don’t let negative comments stop you. Refer back to You Tube Olympic highlights or read other inspirational stories. Be kind to yourself.

Set markers for your success. Print out affirmations and paste them up. Tell yourself how great you are at what you are doing. Get feedback from those that can help you. Utilize the positive criticism to help you get better and stronger. Complete little goals just as the athletes go to other competitions between the Olympics.

Then share your success with supportive people. You are more amazing than you could ever imagine! Good luck on the journey.