“I wanted to leave my heart and soul on the ice today.”
Apolo Anton Ohno after becoming the most decorated Athlete in the Winter Games

Gotta confess, I love watching the Olympics! I love watching someone at the top of their game competing for a medal. Of course I’m excited by all the US wins but I’m also excited for all the athletes who put forth their best efforts. When you watched the Olympics did you make a mental note of what each participant dd to block outsided distractions? Many of the snowboarders and skiers were listening to their ipods, and other athletes went into a corner to get themselves composed before the competition. What do you do when you want to block outside distractions that threaten to take your focus? It’s not always easy to get yourself in the moment, however these athletes know they MUST DO THEIR BEST because it’s another 4 years until they get another chance! Yikes!
When’s the last time you put your heart and soul into something? Many of us pass through life getting by but not really putting our heart and soul into anything. Whether it is your relationships, your job, your family, your church or community much can be said for going all out! I know when I go all out for something I may be physically and mentally exhausted, but at the same time there is a feeling of exhilaration at having accompished something I set out to do!
Here’s a few tips to help you get the Olympic spirit in your life and business!

1. Have a dream. The athletes who participated in the Olympics set a dream to one day be there! People are often afraid to dream because they don’t want to be let down and yet EVERY great achievement begins with a dream! Dream Big!
2.  Get Help. Athletes have coaches that keep them in the game. The role of a coach is important because you can show up every day for practice but if you are doing it wrong it doesn’t matter how much you practice. You’ll only be more consistent and doing it the wrong way. We need coaches for different areas of our lives. Your leader and company support staff are there to help you and show you the right way to do it! If you aren’t getting the results you want you can look for someone on the outside that will help you work through any barriers and keep you on track
3 . Work Hard. Athletes don’t just show up for practice once in awhile. Practice is important to make sure you are doing it right. Once your coach has helped you with the skills you need to know to compete it’s up to you to make sure you do it often! Let’s face it, someone can show you 3 sure-fire ways to get bookings at every party but if you only practice doing it once or twice per month you’ll never get good at it! The harder you work the luckier you’ll get!
4. Avoid negative people. There will always be someone who doesn’t feel you DESERVE something. There will always be people in your life (often someone close to you) who doesn’t believe like you do and who will try to bring you down. Walk away. Ignore them. Don’t reply, just turn and walk away and don’t you dare let anyone steal your dream away from you!
5. Keep your head in the game. It’s really easy to become discouraged as you pursue your dreams and goals. There will be bumps in the road! There will be challenges but within every challenge lies a new opportunity. Listen to motivational CDs, read motivational books and stories of others who have relentlessly pursued their dreams. Create your own mantras to repeat to yourself everyday! The 6 inches between your ears is critical to your success because if your mind doesn’t believe you will never achieve!

Well, I’m disappointed the Winter Olympics are over for another 4 years but the good news is the Summer Games are only a couple years away.There is nothing that excites my soul as much as watching someone passionately pursuing their dreams except of course to be passionately pursuing mine. So I’ll keep on dreaming, I’ve already hired a coach to help me create a plan and teach me the skills I need to take my game to the next level. I will continue reading to learn and grow and I’ll not share my dreams with anyone who doesn’t believe in me and my dream and most importantly I will work hard on the RIGHT THINGS so that my dreams will become a reality!

In my mind I have already accomplished my dream the only thing left is to do it! To learn more about Karen’s motivational keynotes contact our office at (248) 625-4897 or email Support@karenphelps.com

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