Olympic Legend Carl Lewis: Athletes Need to Reinvent Themselves (VIDEO)
Olympic legend Carl Lewis is focused. The 10-time medal winner told genConnect that as an Olympic runner, his coach taught him to focus and practice in all the elements, so that he would be prepared for whatever came his way. “When every single race was over – win or lose – the first thing we would do is analyze the race, and then we’d celebrate.” That process works well in the rest of life, as well – and can benefit athletes after their Games are over. Watch Carl Lewis discuss how Olympic athletes can learn how to reinvent themselves after the Games:
“How do I stay successful? I keep successful by evolving,” Lewis says. “I keep that same focus, preparation, attention to detail, but also, don’t take it so seriously.” Be friends with your competitors – in sport, business and life, in general – Lewis says, and it will make you a happier person.
Related: 6 Simple Ways to a Happier Life
When it comes to how to prepare for success as an athlete while you’re young? Lewis has this advice for youth:
1) Try multiple sports, and have fun with it.
2) Parents: Sit in the stands, let your kids enjoy their experience.
3) You never know what’s going to happen. “There’s zero correlation between youth success and adult success.”
4.) And, of course, in any type of work or activity you are involved in, surround yourself with people who support you and your goals.
Related: CNBC Anchor Maria Bartiromo: 3 Rules of Success
“It is impossible, no matter how successful you are, to ever have success by yourself,” Lewis says. “You always need someone around you and embrace that because it will make you a better person and a better athlete.”
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Category: Giving Back, Mentoring, Videos
