I don't know about y'all, but I have been super-invested in the Olympics. From the opening ceremony to Beyonce's intro to literally setting alarms so that I don't miss the events I want to see, I'm basically in Paris! It's something about watching literal history be made day-after-day that has fueled me to push harder than ever.
Now, I am not technically an olympian, however, these past few days, you can't tell me I haven't been in the arena to see Team USA dominate gymnastics, special shout out to Brazil, I have learned to appreciate the art of archery, celebrated as FLAVOR FLAV and Alexis Ohanian put their wealth behind women in sports, and of course, watching our favorite track stars from across the diaspora, when they win, it feels like a win for all of us! Watching these champions from around the world come together for a moment to show strength, grit, and determination has empowered me to walk into each day like I am an olympian. I have learned sooo many things by just watching all the commercials and documentaries, and interview segments on all of these olympians, but I will share five ways to have the mindset of an olympian.
Here are five ways to have the mindset of an Olympian:
Mental Health Matters
Simone Biles, who is my same age, has really centered the conversation around the power behind therapy, self-work, and learning healthy ways to cope with the pressures of life. What I love about our generation, while some may deem it as weak or call us "quitters," is that we really embody what it means to listen to our bodies and to prioritize our well-being over most things (jobs, friendships, etc.) If you aren't quite there, that's okay, we are all an ongoing work in progress. Simone Biles literally described throughout each event how she was meeting with her therapist daily during the Olympics and she is sure that is why she's performed the way she has. The mind-body-spirit relationship is real and it is on us to prioritize it, even when it may seem unconventional to others or even if no one else you know is really doing it. Your mind matters. Your body matters. You matter.
Community is Everything
Every single Olympian has described all the sacrifices, love, and support that each of their communities has poured into them to become the Olympian we know them as. The story was told of how RebecaAndrade and her brothers would sometimes have to travel over two hours so that she could practice in a gymnasium. Melissa Jefferson donated bone marrow to her father, who now gets to see his daughter, the Olympian. Simone Biles' parents literally have a state-of-the art training facility in Texas, where several Olympians have and are training. But most of all, all the athletes describe how words from their family has kept them grounded in this time of intense preparation and extreme pressure, with the world's eyes on them as they compete in their respective sports.
Positive Self-Talk is a Game Changer
Noah Lyles. Many hate him, but at the end of the day, he puts his actions where his mouth is, and personally, I respect that. I read the comments of so many Americans literally praying that Noah would not do well. Noah may come off as arrogant (and I mean...) but he is the embodiment of postive-self talk and speaking things as though they are. Time and time again, he has posted and given interviews that he is the fastest, he has set time goals for his self in public, and time and time again, he has risen to the occasion. To me, he is proof that the words we speak to ourselves, especially the positive things, really matter and can ultimately be a game changer for you.
BREATHE!
As we all hold our breaths as we watch our favorite athletes, they too can be seen visibly taking deep inhales and exhales. I just took the bar exam, yay! #journeytoattorney For weeks, I had been implementing deep breathing into my routine. I also added daily yoga practice back into my morning routines. Both have made me proud for taking the time daily and throughout the day to take a moment or several to care for myself, to check in with my breathing, and to reset. Did you know that deep and intentional breathing can literally calm your nervous system? Read my post, "Black Girls Breathing" where I talk about my journey with anxiety and depression and the power in breathing with intention. 🧘🏾♀️ Just like the 100 meter race, life comes at you fast, but, by taking time to take deep breaths regularly, you will make it through! #Breathe
The Power Pose
I have always been a firm believer in "the power pose." I don't know if it's because I grew up in dance, gymnastics, theater and the church, but I love a good praise and hands up moment. Second to the peace sign, I always have at least one arm raised in most pics to celebrate whatever the occasion is, even if it's just looking cute and being around people I love. LOL
I noticed for Olympians, they often have a power pose when they stick a landing, finish a race, or hit the target (to name a few). They raise their arms high and some even let out an audible cheer or praise! This expression or positioning of the body does something to our bodies that makes us feel powerful and that we actually can do it, whatever it is at that moment.
Check out this video from last year's Woman Evolve Conference, where Natalie Sampson speaks to the power of movement in our bodies, deep breathing, and my personal favorite, the power pose!
Go into this week with the mindset of an Olympian,
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