​​​​It’s February! Have you been watching the Olympics?

You know I’m a huge fan of the Games and as I’ve been watching, I’ve seen a lot of great stories and some lessons we can take away for our business.

You can start anywhere and get to the top if you have the drive and determination!

A fantastic example of this is Donovan Carrillo, the first Mexican skater to advance to the free skate in men’s singles in 30 years. The sport is not popular in his country, so Donovan practiced in a shopping center’s ice rink and at one time was wearing skates that didn’t even fit. It was definitely not the same environment that his peers were training in. At just 22, he made his Olympic debut and while he didn’t come away with a medal this time, he made his entire country proud, showed how hard work and dedication to your craft get you to the top and he plans to be back in 2026.

A reminder that you can do anything you set your sights on. Work with what you have, find people who can support your dreams, believe in your abilities and never stop working toward your goal.

Things will happen beyond your control.

Chinese figure skater, Zhu Yi, fell multiple times during the team skate competition. At only 19, she was the target of vicious social media attacks since her performance caused China to fall to fifth place in the team event.

U.S. figure skater, Vincent Zhou, tested positive for Covid-19 during a routine screening and was unable to compete in the men’s individual competition.

Things in business will go sideways. It’s going to be very difficult at times. All you can do is move forward.

You might not get to the podium every single time.

U.S skier Mikaela Shiffrin, fell early on in her first slalom race and skied out 11 seconds into her opening run of the giant slalom. Coming in as a favorite and a former medalist, no one expected her to walk away from these Games with no moment on the podium. At this time of this newsletter, she has another chance as she competes in the Downhill race.

In business, the podium might be closing the contract or getting the speaking opportunity, etc. Even if you are ahead of the competition coming in, sometimes it just won’t be your day.

Know when it’s time to move on.

U.S. snowboarder Shaun White, in his 5th and final Olympic Games also missed the podium but was so happy about his time with the sport. He is a three time-gold medalist in former games, winning his first gold at the young age of 19. Most of his competition were still in diapers at that time! He has had one amazing career. But now at age 35, he has decided it’s the right time for his career to come to an end. I loved his quote after his final run, “I just want to thank everyone for watching.
Everyone at home, thank you. Snowboarding, thank you. It’s been the love of my life.”

Maybe it’s time for a change in your business, a move, an expansion, an ending. Whatever it is, embrace the time and get ready for your next best chapter.

The Games end on Sunday and I’m sure there will be many more highs and lows before it all ends. What are some of your favorite Olympic moments?