Overcoming Adversity: Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and the Mindset of a Champion ??

Day - ?? Fearless Friday???

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“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” – Dan Millman, Way of the Peaceful Warrior?

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As I shared last week on the opening day of the Summer Olympics, I've always been amazed by?not just physical prowess, but the indomitable spirit of athletes who demonstrate remarkable courage . While I shared inspirational stories of numerous athletes including Simone Biles, on the heels of her winning another Gold medal and Sunil Lee winning the Bronze medal in the all-around title, I wanted to reflect on how these incredible athletes can teach us valuable lessons about courage in leadership.?

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?? The Power of Overcoming Adversity?

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?? Simone Biles: Courage to Prioritize Mental Health?

Consider the story of Simone Biles, the American gymnast who has captivated the world with her incredible talent. This summer, Biles returned to the international stage with a renewed focus and determination after stepping back in the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health. Her courageous decision then sparked global conversations about the importance of mental health, especially for those in high-pressure roles.?

This past week, Biles competed again, showing not only her physical skills, but also her emotional and mental resilience. Biles took gold in the all-around, becoming the first American gymnast to win that twice...not to mention she is the?most medal winning and greatest female gymnast of all time! It was so cool that she put on her "goat" necklace yesterday! Her journey underscores the significance of recognizing one's limits and taking necessary steps to ensure long-term well-being.?

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?? Suni Lee: Perseverance Against the Odds?

Suni Lee's rise to Olympic glory is another remarkable story of resilience and perseverance. As the first Hmong-American gymnast and woman of Asian descent to win a medal in the Olympic all-around title, her journey was filled with obstacles that tested her resolve.?

Lee faced numerous challenges, from personal injuries to family struggles, including her father's paralysis from a fall just days before the national championships. Despite these hardships, Lee's determination and unwavering support from her family propelled her to success. Her ability to stay focused on her goals and excel under pressure earned her a gold medal in the all-around competition, as well as a bronze in the uneven bars at the Tokyo Olympics.? After her gymnastic career came to a halt when she had a pair of kidney ailments last year, she reflected yesterday going into the end of the competition “I really didn’t think that I would even get on the podium. I just told myself not to put any pressure on myself, because I didn't want to think about the past Olympics or even trying to prove to anybody anything. I wanted to just prove to myself that I could do it, because I didn't think that I could." And to see her win the bronze this week in Paris after battling with Kidney disease is nothing short of remarkable...so inspirational!

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?? Lessons from Way of the Peaceful Warrior?

As I watched the gymnastics events at the Olympics, witnessing the resilience of Simone Biles and Suni Lee, I couldn't help but think about mindset and how crucial it is to success. This brought to mind one of my favorite authors, Dan Millman , and his classic book, Way of the Peaceful Warrior.?

In his semi-autobiographical novel, Millman tells the story of a college gymnast who embarks on a journey of self-discovery that forever changes his life. Inspired by Millman’s own experiences as a gymnast, the novel blends reality and fiction to explore profound themes of personal growth, resilience, and leadership.?

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The Story in a Nutshell?

Dan is a talented but restless gymnast at the University of California, Berkeley. Despite his achievements, he feels a nagging sense of emptiness. His life takes a turn when he encounters a mysterious gas station attendant named Socrates. Unlike any mentor he’s ever had, Socrates challenges Dan to confront his fears, ego, and illusions, guiding him toward a more mindful and purposeful life.?

Through rigorous training and Socrates’ teachings, Dan learns the importance of living in the present moment, overcoming self-doubt, and embracing change. This journey pushes him to his limits but ultimately leads to personal transformation and inner peace.?

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?? Key Lessons for Leaders?

The lessons from Dan’s journey offer valuable insights for anyone striving to become a more effective leader:?

• Embrace the Present Moment: One of Socrates' main teachings is the importance of living fully in the present. As leaders, it’s crucial to stay focused on the here and now rather than getting caught up in past regrets or future anxieties. So powerful to witness Suni Lee demonstrate this by just focusing on the last event and having fun doing it. By being present, we can make better decisions and connect more deeply with our teams.?
• Overcome Fear and Ego: Dan’s journey highlights the power of facing our fears and moving beyond ego-driven desires. I can't think of a more profound story here with Simone Biles and her courage to share the mental health challenges setting an example across the world. Great leaders show courage by acknowledging their vulnerabilities and pushing through challenges with humility and grace.?
• Cultivate Resilience: The story emphasizes the mind-body connection and how mental clarity can enhance physical performance. In leadership, resilience is key. Personally, after witnessing these two amazing female athletes, their example of resilience will forever be etched in my mind. Encourage your team to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and to build the mental toughness needed to thrive in any situation.?
• Seek Inner Peace: True success goes beyond external achievements. It’s about finding inner peace and fulfillment. As Simone Biles reminded us, you never know what someone is going through and sometimes it takes courage and even another resource whether it be a therapist or a coach along with developing new skillsets to help us move forward. For me, the notion of inner peace is a value I hold sacred. Perhaps, that is even part of my why and the reward I love as I coach others to become the best version of themselves and lead a more fullflling life. As leaders, we must prioritize our well-being and create environments that nurture both personal and professional growth.?

?? Tying it All Together?

Dan’s transformation into a “peaceful warrior” mirrors the journey of athletes like Simone Biles and Suni Lee, who demonstrate resilience and courage in the face of adversity. Just as Dan learned to embrace change and challenge his limits, these athletes inspire us to push beyond our boundaries and lead with authenticity.?

?? Actionable Tips for Leaders?

Drawing inspiration from Biles, Lee, and Millman’s work, here are some actionable tips to apply these lessons to your leadership:?

• Promote Mental Health Awareness: Organize workshops and provide resources that support mental well-being in your organization.?
• Set Healthy Boundaries: Encourage team members to balance work and personal life to prevent burnout.?
• Lead by Example in Self-Care: Promote regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness.?
• Offer Flexibility: Allow flexible working hours or remote options to help employees manage stress and workloads.?
• Foster a Supportive Community: Build a team environment where members feel supported and encouraged.?
• Embrace Cultural Diversity: Celebrate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within your organization.?
• Recognize Achievements: Acknowledge individual and team accomplishments to boost morale and motivation.?

Way of the Peaceful Warrior is more than just a story about gymnastics. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from within and the importance of living with purpose and integrity. As we navigate our own leadership journeys, let’s take a page from Dan Millman’s book, Simone and Suni as we embrace the qualities of a true peaceful warrior.?

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??? Reflection Questions

• How can you apply Simone Biles' approach to prioritizing mental health in your life?
• What fears or ego-driven desires might be holding you back from reaching your full potential?
• How can you apply Suni Lee's courage and determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles?
• How can you create a supportive environment for your team that encourages open discussions about mental health?
• How do you define resilience in your life, and how have you demonstrated it in the face of adversity??

P.S. What's one way you can embrace the present moment in your leadership next week? Please share your thoughts below!?

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To A Better You,????

Dr. Eric Goodman????

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?? P.S. If you're inspired by the resilience of champions like Simone Biles and Suni Lee and want to enhance your leadership skills, let's connect for a complimentary discovery meeting. We can explore cutting-edge strategies to help you lead with courage and authenticity in today's ever-evolving business world. Please email me at [email protected] or send a message here on LinkedIn.

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