We’re taking a quick break from our 24×7 Olympic viewing to bring you this week’s newsletter. And because we have the Olympics on the brain (TV, computer and phone) we’re going to inspire you to bring the athletic arena into your workplace this week. 💪 👟 🤸🏼‍♀️

Career Advice: Adopt an Athletic Mindset

In your professional life, an athletic mindset can be your secret weapon. Giving 100% effort, inspired by Coach K’s wisdom, means showing up fully present and committed.

But it’s not just about going hard; it’s about knowing when and how to recover.

Building rhythms into your life like journaling, meditation and intention setting, are examples practices to keep you refreshed and ready. And just like in sports, being coachable is key to improved performance in the workplace.

My (Brooke) journey with athletics has been nothing short of transformative. Growing up, I wasn’t the naturally athletic kid. My siblings shone in team sports, while I found solace in other interests. But college brought a turning point when I discovered running. It was love at first stride and for the past 15 years moving my body intentionally has been my jam, averaging six days a week. To me, training and discipline go hand in hand, shaping not just my fitness but my approach to everything.

These days, my wellness routine is my lifeline. It’s how I stay grounded, get those happy endorphins flowing, and set the stage for the day. I’m so committed to my routine that I schedule flights around my daily runs and pick hotels based on their running paths. This dedication mirrors the values of discipline, effort, and recovery that fuel both my workouts and my work.

Research underscores the power of an athletic mindset in business. Companies that foster this mindset report a 20% increase in teamwork efficiency and a 25% boost in employee motivation . Moreover, employees who integrate athletic principles show a 30% improvement in stress management.

To start embracing this mindset, begin with small, consistent practices such as:

1. Goal Setting

In Sports: Athletes set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to track progress and maintain focus.

In the Workplace: Setting clear goals helps you understand your objectives, stay motivated, and measure success. This leads to improved performance and productivity.

2. Discipline and Consistency

In Sports: Consistent training and adherence to a disciplined regimen are crucial for athletic success.

In the Workplace: Consistency in work habits and discipline in meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards lead to reliable and sustained performance.

3. Teamwork and Collaboration

In Sports: Team sports require effective communication, trust, and collaboration to achieve common goals.

In the Workplace: Encouraging teamwork fosters a collaborative environment where diverse skills and perspectives enhance problem-solving and innovation.

4. Resilience and Adaptability

In Sports: Athletes face setbacks and must quickly adapt to changing conditions to maintain peak performance.

In the Workplace: Building resilience helps you cope with challenges and adapt to changes, maintaining productivity and morale during tough times.

5. Continuous Improvement

In Sports: Athletes constantly seek to improve their performance through feedback and iterative practice.

In the Workplace: Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and learning helps you develop your skills and adapt to evolving industry standards.

6. Focus and Concentration

In Sports: Athletes develop the ability to focus intensely on their performance, blocking out distractions.

In the Workplace: Enhancing focus and concentration can lead to better quality work and higher efficiency by minimizing distractions and prioritizing tasks.

7. Healthy Competition

In Sports: Competition drives athletes to push their limits and achieve their best.

In the Workplace: Healthy competition can motivate you to excel and drive innovation, as long as it is balanced with cooperation and mutual respect.

8. Rest and Recovery

In Sports: Athletes understand the importance of rest and recovery for optimal performance.

In the Workplace: Encouraging regular breaks, vacations, and a healthy work-life balance can prevent burnout and enhance overall productivity and job satisfaction.

9. Leadership and Mentorship

In Sports: Coaches and experienced athletes mentor younger players, providing guidance and support.

In the Workplace: Effective leadership and mentorship programs can help develop employees’ skills, build confidence, and create a supportive work environment.

10. Visualization and Mental Preparation

In Sports: Athletes use visualization techniques to mentally prepare for competitions.

In the Workplace: Visualization can help you prepare for presentations, negotiations, and challenging tasks, enhancing confidence and performance.

Adopting an athletic mindset in the business world transforms the way we approach our work and our teams. It’s about bringing tenacity, focus, and a collaborative attitude to the table. When we show up with these qualities, we inspire those around us to do the same, creating a culture of resilience and high performance.

Remember, just like in sports, every day is an opportunity to show up, give your best, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Queue Dottie Hinsen.

Tell Me Somethin’good:

We love a comeback.

The recent Amazon documentary “I Am: Celine Dion” left the world weeping at the up close look at the iconic singer’s recent battle with the autoimmune and neurological disorder, Stiff Person Syndrome. The doc left us and many people wondering if we’d ever be lucky enough to see the brilliant singer ever perform again.

And then we tuned into the Olympic Opening Ceremony on Friday and saw a glimpse of heaven on earth, Celine performing “L’Hymne à l’amour” by the French singer Édith Piaf, at the base of the Eiffel Tower. It was the perfect picture of resilience and the beauty of humanity.

Celine’s courage to let the world in on her very personal health struggles, made her performance in Paris so poignant and a great reminder that when we bring others along on our journey, we get to not only share our deepest sorrows but our greatest triumphs.

Celine, you are a triumph.

Resources Worth Your Click

📃Quick read. Why Rituals Not Habits Make you More Productive by Fast Company.

📚NYT Readers Pick: 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.

🏅Paris 2024: Olympic Schedule & Results.

📷 Amazing photos of the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

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