I’m Sure You’ve Had Goals, But Have You Had a Clearly Defined Why?

The summer Olympics are officially underway in Paris, and I can't wait to watch with my kids, ages 2 and 5. Introducing them to new sports (did you know breakdancing and 3x3 basketball are now Olympic events?!) and watching people from so many different walks of life push their limits is inspiring. It also got me thinking about the athletes I've worked with at Team USA and what really sets them apart. Spoiler alert: It’s not just talent. Here’s what I’ve learned from working with Olympic gold medalists and how you can apply these lessons to your own life.

Know your why.

Olympic athletes don’t wake up at 4 AM just because they feel like it. They have a clear, powerful why. It’s their North Star, guiding them through the grind. What’s your why? Is it to build a legacy, take care of your family, or create something amazing? Nail that down, and suddenly those early mornings and late nights make sense.

Beat self-doubt.

Ever doubted yourself? Now, imagine doing that on the world’s biggest stage. Olympic champions deal with self-doubt too, but they have a strategy. They visualize success, practice positive self-talk, and turn doubt into fuel. One gold medalist I worked with visualized his victory every single day. That mental movie played on repeat until it became his reality. Try it out: visualize your success until it feels inevitable.

Be better than yesterday.

This is the ultimate hack for continuous improvement: be better than you were yesterday. Olympians live by this mantra. It’s not about massive leaps; it’s about tiny, consistent gains. They’re always asking, “How can I improve just a little bit today?” Whether you’re building a business or developing a skill, adopt this mindset. Celebrate the small wins, learn from the setbacks, and keep pushing forward.

Start by applying these Olympic lessons to your life. Find your why, build your confidence, and commit to getting a little better every day. If you’re interested in enhancing your mental resilience, concentration, and overall performance, check out Restoic. It’s an app I founded that helps athletes improve relaxation, self-talk, imagery, goal setting, and concentration through meditation, breathwork, and cognitive-behavioral strategies.

For free access to Restoic and/or to learn more about these techniques, feel free to message me!