How to Think Like an Olympian
On the eve of the London Olympic Games, I thought it would be a good time to relate the incredible journey of the greatest athletes in the world.
Believe me, you and I are not like these individuals. We are very similar but they have the innate ability to do what we know we should do. As Nike says, “Just do it.”
What are those lifestyle differences that these athletes possess? Remember these traits are not just embodied by the fortunate few you will see competing. These traits embrace the thousands, if not millions, who gave it their best shot over years and came up short. Those individuals will be spectators, like you and I, believing that with just a little more of the following, we, too, can be the best in the world.
1. Focus: From the moment they found their passion the ability to make a plan and work the plan became their life’s work. Seeking all the tools and advice they could to achieve that goal became paramount. The right coaches that said the right things at the right time to motivate them was as much luck, as maturity. Those that had similar goals and achieved them during their careers typically hung the many medals and trophies they would win on their wall as motivation. The best in the world never lose that focus.
Related: Paralympic Judoka Myles Porter – ‘I Want to Win’
2. Health Maintenance: We are miraculous in our creation. Our bodies need regular attention to health maintenance. As a Doctor of Chiropractic with a Diplomat in Sports Medicine I promote to all my patients:
- Regular chiropractic adjustments to keep the nervous systems free of subluxation for optimal control and coordination of function.
- Daily attention to diet providing the macronutients, micronutrients, enzymes and vitamins the individual needs to maintain healthy function and to repair injured tissue.
- Daily attention to regular, responsible exercise based on age, condition and goals. Knowing how to stretch properly is as important as resistance training.
- Rest when the body is tired.
- Have a positive mental attitude
Dr. Bruce Salzinger
Those are the basics. How well do you check these basic lifestyle habits off your daily list? How often do you push yourself a little harder to do the basics correctly and achieve a higher level? If confidence is holding you back, it did to them, too. Achievements give you the confidence to push a little harder in whatever your goals are. Stay focused and healthy with the right tools.
See you at the top.
Related: Swimmer Michael Phelps To Retire After London 2012 Olympics
Click here for all genConnect’s Olympic coverage.
- For more daily expert updates, follow genConnect on Twitter and Facebook.
- To stay on top of the latest contributions from experts: Sign Up for genConnect.
Category: Health, Mind Body Connections, Videos
