Playing for the Long Game
I was reflecting on the the Olympics taking place in Paris currently. It is a wonderful spectacle to observe, but it is difficult to choose which sport to focus on! It got me thinking…..this is a snapshot in time…and is it actually contributing to our society of instant reward and gratification?
We are told (by the commentators) that it is the end point of a very long journey for most but it does not show the years of preparation, training, sacrifices and battles with mental challenges (so do we choose to ignore that?). There is also another important consideration here. The athletes niche down and get really great at one thing (not everything.) Sometimes athletes switch sports and then focus on getting great in a totally new area…
So what can we take and apply from the Olympics to our own leadership development and growth?
These are the 7 key learning points that we can all apply to our personal growth.
Focus on the long term plan. Whether that is 5 years or longer, have a goal in mind and work towards that. It may change but at least start working with a plan!
Be prepared to expand your plan once you achieve skills in one area. Look to what is next and possible (the stretch.)
Keep focused on the end goal. Accept setbacks and challenges are part of the process and keep going.
Create and nurture your support team. Appreciate what others are doing for you (family, friends, coaches, mentors, sponsors.) The win is a win for everyone.
Notice how others are doing the things you want to do. What can be learnt from the competition?
Refine and practice all aspects of your leadership growth. The learning never stops.
Give back and mentor others. What can you do to support others wanting to grow and progress?
So what, you might say…
It is easy to look at the leaders or individuals that are ahead of you in your journey and think either that it looks straightforward to lead people (it’s not!) or to feel that you will never be able to do that role, or get that job you really want, because the challenge feels too great.
The key thing to note here is that it is work. It is not easy. Having a plan, helps to map out the ‘what’ but not necessarily the ‘how’ …and the how will be influenced by our own experiences and role models in front of us and the help that we choose to seek out. But its not impossible to improve leadership skills and business performance, if we are willing to take action and get the right help along the way.
Final Thoughts
The last important ‘take away’ I noted was the importance of rest. Resting between goals (noticing the horses happily grazing back in their respective countries after their equestrian events) celebrating, and taking time out before embarking on another aspect, in an important stage of the larger goal. If we miss this part, our energy and effectiveness in continuing with the larger aspiration tends to diminish….so make this part of your plan and you will ensure you are setting yourself up to achieve your goals and vision of the future!
Wishing you happiness and success in you personal growth (with a healthy dose of rest and relaxation too!)