As a child, I was a figure skater. I spent countless hours dedicated to the sport, practicing on the ice, taking dance classes, and focusing on strength training. Whether it was early mornings or late evenings, I was on the ice, striving to perfect my skills. I practiced both alone and with a coach, surrounded by amazing friends who shared the same passion and dedication. When you meet me today, you might not guess that I was once a figure skater—I don’t fit the typical "ice princess" stereotype. But back then, I dreamed of being like Debi Thomas, a Black figure skater who became a physician. Saying, "I want to go to the Olympics," was always a natural declaration. Though I never made it to the Olympics, and realistically never expected to, I trained alongside athletes who did, and those experiences shaped who I am today.
As we approach the opening ceremonies this year, despite them being for the Summer Olympics, I’ve been reflecting on the dedication and hard work that goes into being an athlete, and how those qualities remain relevant in my career today. My family is even planning to attend a gold medal event as a bucket list experience, which has further sparked my thoughts. This reflection made me ponder: What does it take to be an Olympian? Sure, natural talent is important, but there's so much more to it. How do we achieve an 'Olympic mindset'?
Dedication is key. The hours and discipline required for training are intense. It means sacrificing nights out, family events, and indulging in unhealthy foods and beverages. This level of dedication feels quite familiar—it mirrors the commitment needed in healthcare professions. This dedication can be time on things that you do not enjoy. An unpopular opinion is to spend time on things that are difficult, or that you are not good at. When doing this, it allows new productive habits to show and makes those difficult parts easier.
In addition to dedication and persistence, Olympic-level athletes have coaches—often more than one! They receive external support to provide feedback, deliver hard truths, and help map out a growth plan. Coaches are there to refine techniques, strategize, and push athletes to reach their full potential. Why don’t we all do this in our professional lives? We should. Many emphasize the importance of mentors and sponsors—and I wholeheartedly agree. Mentors share their own paths and offer insights on how they achieved their goals. Sponsors advocate for you when you’re not in the room, which is invaluable for growth and opportunities. However, we should also consider having a coach. A coach offers honest feedback without organizational biases. They hold us accountable to aspirational goals and help develop actionable plans. A coach tells you what you need to hear, even when it’s difficult. Personally, I resisted the idea for a long time, but now I have a group coach for exercise and have had a coach for my professional development. These coaches have been instrumental in helping me set and achieve my goals, providing the structure and support necessary to stay on track.
Reflecting on my figure skating days, I realize how much those early experiences have influenced my approach to my career in healthcare and my role as a coach. The discipline, resilience, and support systems that were crucial in skating are just as vital in the medical field. As healthcare professionals, we face immense pressures and challenges that can lead to burnout. By adopting an athlete’s mindset, we can build the resilience needed to thrive in our demanding roles. Consider the preparation for an Olympic event—the meticulous planning, the mental and physical preparation, the unwavering focus on the end goal. Healthcare workers can benefit from similar strategies. Setting clear, achievable goals, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and seeking support from mentors, sponsors, and coaches can make a significant difference. It’s not just about surviving the day-to-day grind; it’s about thriving and finding joy and purpose in our work.
As we watch the Olympic athletes compete this year, let’s take inspiration from their dedication and apply it to our own lives. Let’s commit to setting our own “gold medal” goals and pursuing them with the same vigor and determination. Whether it’s improving patient care, advancing in our careers, or achieving a better work-life balance, we can learn from the best and strive for excellence.
Who is helping you on your journey? Do you have the support you need to reach your goals? Just as Olympic athletes rely on their coaches, we too can benefit from guidance and accountability. Embrace the power of coaching and mentorship, and watch how it transforms your professional and personal life. Together, we can overcome burnout, rediscover our purpose, and achieve greatness in our own right.
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