Lessons from the 2024 Paris Olympics: The Grind Behind the Glory

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have been quite the show—full of incredible athleticism, unexpected moments, and, let’s be honest, a fair share of controversy. Last week, we talked about Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav bringing their unique flavor (pun intended) to the Games. This week, let’s dive into some of the lessons we can take away from this global event—controversies included.

Is It Really a Sport?

Okay, so breakdancing at the Olympics. It’s entertaining, sure, but is it really a sport? I love the skill, and it's fun to watch, but adding it to the Olympics, IDK?! Whether you're all in or rolling your eyes, it’s clear the definition of an Olympic sport is evolving. This isn't just a debate about tradition—it's a question of how we define excellence. And in any field, maintaining high standards is key. Are we pushing the limits in a good way, or just stretching the definition a bit too thin? Curious to hear your thoughts on this one - drop a comment below & let me know what you think SHOULD and SHOULD NOT be an Olympic sport!

The Dream is Just the Start

Every Olympian started with a dream, but dreaming alone didn’t get them to Paris. It’s the daily grind, the relentless pursuit of that dream, that turned it into reality. These athletes put in the work, day after day, often without recognition. The takeaway? Success is built on the small, everyday decisions we make. Whether you're building a business or aiming for personal goals, it’s the daily disciplines that set you apart from the rest.

What Are You Willing to Give Up?

Every Olympic medal has a backstory of sacrifice. From grueling training schedules to missed social events, athletes give up a lot to reach the podium. It’s a reminder that big goals often require tough choices. The real question is: What are we willing to sacrifice to reach our version of the Olympics? Are we ready to make the tough calls?

The Team Behind the Individual

Even in solo sports, no athlete makes it to the Olympics alone. Coaches, mentors, teammates, and family all play crucial roles. This is true in business too—no one succeeds in a vacuum. It’s important to recognize and appreciate the support systems that help us achieve our goals. Lone wolves might be cool in movies, but in real life, teamwork gets you to the top.

Side note: can we all take a moment to appreciate Olympic/Paralympic power couple Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall -- seriously, all the feels watching these two support one another. And, they have a fantastic "meet cute" story to boot!

The Cost of Excellence

Excellence comes at a price, whether it’s pushing physical limits or facing public scrutiny. Olympians show us that the pursuit of greatness isn’t always popular or easy, but it’s necessary if we want to leave a mark. The controversies surrounding the Games this year—from the gender debates to our own Jordan Chiles losing her bronze medal due to confusion on the part of the judges (which seems to still be up for debate & discussion) are a stark reminder that excellence is often entangled with challenges and controversies. Are we ready to pay the price in our own pursuits?

Finding Joy in the Grind

Despite the sacrifices and the hard work, many athletes still find joy in the process. The Olympics remind us that there’s fulfillment in the pursuit itself, even when the journey is tough. In our own lives, finding that joy, even in the daily grind, can keep us motivated and driven. After all...it's all about the JOURNEY!

So, as the Paris Games come to a close, let’s take these lessons to heart. The Olympics aren’t just about celebrating athleticism—they’re about recognizing the grind, the sacrifices, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. And yes, they’re also about controversies and unexpected twists—because life, much like the Olympics, is never short of surprises.

Always cheering for YOU, my friends!

Kristin