The Power of the Pause: Simone Biles' Resistance

As the Tokyo #Olympics recently drew to a close, there were many moments to revel in. Notwithstanding the show-stopping pictograms and many magical moments , I am still decidedly most enthralled with Simone Biles' resistance.

Simone owns her greatness and doesn't shy away from embracing her excellence. Her signature bedazzled goat, "Goldie", is so appropriate because she is truly the GOAT (greatest of all times). Simone has shattered world records, dominated her sport and is one of the most decorated Olympians in history. Period.

With seven US championships under her belt and four signature moves named after her , reporters have asked Simone Biles why she continues to innovate her sport, soar to new heights and defy expectations.?And her answer is surprisingly simple, “Because I can.”?The response showcases Simone's resolve and illuminates her resistance. When speaking of Biles, The Atlantic's Jemele Hill says, "There's a defiance in everything that she does. And it's not a petulant defiance; it's her realizing her worth. She's come to realize she is the sport right now, and I think it's that sense of empowerment that has only emboldened her."

Resistance may seem like an incompatible word to describe Biles, but the Cambridge English Dictionary explains that resistance is, "a?situation in which people?or?organizations?fight against something or?refuse to accept?or be changed?by something." Thus, it is the perfect word choice. Simone Biles fought against the prevailing notion that she had to compete, even if it jeopardized her health and safety, thereby refusing to accept others' expectations of her. She epitomized resistance in the face of critics who questioned her decision to withdraw from events.

By choosing to pause, Biles simultaneously owned her power, claimed her agency and used her voice. There is power in the pause, in being attuned to what you’re feeling, in knowing what you need and is expressing your needs. Simone modeled this is the sports arena, but what could this look like in the professional arena? Pausing might...

• Prompt you to revisit salary expectations as you realize your worth.
• Cause you to renegotiate project timelines and a deliverables schedule that is sustainable.
• Embolden you to reevaluate your current employer if you are undervalued and overworked.
• Remind you of what you bring to the table.

Simone Biles knows her worth and refuses to make herself small so that others are comfortable. “She embraces that she is so extraordinary, that there is no one in the world like her, nor has there ever been," Hill said. Knowing your value produces catalytic change within and helps you to stand in your power. Simone Biles' self-assuredness reminds us that taking time to pause actually makes us better. After withdrawing from multiple events, she rested, recouped and rebounded to win a bronze medal on balance beam. By resisting the expectation to overextend herself, she showcased the power of respite in producing better long-term results. This is an important lesson for #workplacewellness and overall well-being.

You can’t pour out from an empty cup.

I celebrate Simone for modeling boundaries and balance (literally), as she gracefully demonstrates the power of the pause. We can all learn so much from her.

Reflection: What does the power of the pause mean to you? Have you ever practiced this? I'd love to hear your thoughts, so please comment below. And continue the conversation on LinkedIn News' #ConversationsForChange campaign. #workplacehealth #womenatwork #diversityequityinclusionbelonging

Desiree S. Coleman ?advances equity and empowers women through speaking, writing and curating women's empowerment events. Connect online: @desireescoleman