Soar to Success June 2015

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Gold Medal
Moments
H ave you watched Olympians obtain the
gold medal then kiss it? That gesture is
considered the epitome of winning. Every
time I watch Olympic Athletes receive medals
causes me to think about what it takes for them
to reach that moment. Are you prepared for the
Gold Medal Moments of your Life?
As the athletes practice before the event
sometimes commentators make statements
saying “she fell at practice today,” “he couldn’t
complete the jump,” “he couldn’t cross the field
in time, “she didn’t make the basket.”
Indeed, it is during the “practice” you would
expect them to make mistakes! After all, it is
“practice.”
Everybody rallies around the athletes during
the gold medal moment. Yet, they are typically
alone or with the coach at the hours of practice
to make the team, much less compete for the
gold.
Becoming Olympians means they have what
can be a full-time job. At minimum they practice
40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year, 2,080 hours/
year......and for four years, 8,320 hours before
they make the team…then more hours to qualify
once on the team!
During the competition, the difference between
the gold medalist and the silver or bronze may
be one one/thousandth of a second!
They work hard and make it look easy!
How hard do you work in the Olympics of your
life? You have gold medal moments every day.
How many hours of practice do you put in to
be an effective Manager? Parent? Leader?
Communicator?
Whatever role you play deserves your best.
It takes practice to be your best. Imagine
practicing being an effective communicator for
at least 8,320 hours…and then some…!
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SOAR TO SUCCESS | JUNE 2015 | Personal Growth Strategies
By Lillian Zarzar, CSP