On the flight home last night I picked up a Women’s Health magazine Jan/Feb 2014 issue. Inside were stories about the Winter Olympics, and some of the keys to success that great athletes embrace. Here are some excerpts from the Perspective article beginning on page 134.
An optimistic and hopeful mindset, and believing in one’s reality can improve our reality. When it comes to success, hope and optimism are key!
When she was a child, Amy Purdy was told “Dare to dream big, and follow your dreams!” Seven months after losing her legs at 19 years old to bacterial meningitis, doctors told her she would never walk again, or snowboard, and that it would be a miracle if she survived. But seven months after losing her legs she was back on the slopes as an adaptive snowboarder! She found a way to continue to live her dreams, and has said “I felt lucky I only lost my legs, it could have been worse.”
Optimists believe they have the ability to influence the future, which can help them find the silver linings, says Paula Laack Davis, PhD.
Considered a favorite at the 2010 Olympics, Gretchen Bleiler, an Olympic Silver Medalist in 2006, fell on both final runs to place 11th. “No one else understood it, but I was really proud of myself,” she says. “I landed a trick that I’d been falling on all day. I was about to have the run I’d hoped for, but I fell on the last trick. Still, it was my own mini-victory.”
Vicky’s Tip: No matter the “race” you’re running schedule some down time. Schedule some contained negativity, awfulising each day or whenever you need it! Then when the time is up, remember that there is always something after this, there is always something else and the end is not now.
What challenges, heartache can you overcome or have you overcome? Do you know that this is not the end? That a set back only sets you up to fail, and if you fail you must get back up? Remember perspective. With a new frame of mind, you too will have a different day!
Tags: Perspective!, Remember Perspective!, Smart Women Tip, Victoria Trabosh
