Paris Games 2024: How to Think Like an Olympian (and Apply It to Your Life)

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Genevieve Cunningham

What comes to mind when you think of an Olympian? Most people think of top-notch athletes with accolades and gold medals. We think of beasts on the track, in the swimming pool, and on the gymnastics mat. Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Simone Biles. Olympians are the best in the world, and as spectators, we see the glory. Rarely, however, do we see the strict meal plans, the early mornings, and the training. When it comes to mental strength and self-discipline, Olympians are far above the rest.

The harsh truth is that Olympic athletes simply don't think like the rest of us. They have more push and drive and more self-motivation. They have something special. Something that gets them to the world’s stage—and then helps them shine there. But can we all learn to think like an Olympian? Can we get into an Olympian’s mind and apply their lessons to our own lives? And what might happen if we did?

As the 2024 Paris Games take center stage in the world arena, let’s get inside the heads of these world-class athletes.

Inside the mind of an athlete

It’s easy to look at an athlete and assume that all of their training is done in the gym—or the track, or the pool, or wherever their sport takes place. But a great deal of an athlete’s training is actually mental training. An athlete must have certain mental skills and personality traits to help them achieve success. And success may be measured simply by making the team. The worst player on an NBA bench is still better than 99.9 percent of everyone else.

• Tenacity - Athletes have to stick with it. Giving up is not a trait of successful athletes.
• Reliance - Athletes can’t let setbacks keep them from succeeding. They must learn how to bounce back and get back to the grind.
• Mind-first mentality - Olympians know that the body follows the mind. Mental health and mental training is not taken lightly. They acknowledge that without the mind, the rest of the task is not possible.

In addition to mental toughness, athletes must possess an incredible work ethic. They need to train consistently, even when progress isn't immediately visible. Sacrificing nights out for a good night's sleep becomes the norm. An athlete's mind is strong and persistent, embodying the relentless pursuit of their goals. Understanding the mindset of an athlete offers a glimpse into the dedication and determination required to achieve your dreams.

Techniques for competition and success

Even if you're not a fitness enthusiast, you likely know what physical training involves—weight lifting, running, and flexibility exercises. Mental training is a different ballgame. Athletes employ specific techniques to stay focused and mentally sharp, ensuring their mind is always in the game.

Positive thinking - Keeping a positive mindset is one of the hardest and most important parts of an athlete’s mind. When an athlete allows doubt to creep in, hope seeps out. Athletes must constantly look on the bright side and seek the silver lining. They must have self belief, and maintaining a positive mindset is a huge step toward that personal faith.

Eliminating distractions - Distractions are a part of life. Athletes must learn how to eliminate distractions. They set unimportant things aside, limit contact with troubling sources or influences, and keep their eyes on the prize. Learning to minimize distractions can make all the difference in focus and long-term success.

Goal setting - Athletes set goals. Olympians set their sights on the obvious: the Olympic games, gold medals, and world records. But along the way, they set much smaller goals. They set personal goals and goals that pertain specifically to their craft. They know that setting and achieving goals improves motivation and keeps them moving forward.

Stress management - If you’ve ever been in a high caliber athletic event, you know that it’s stressful. Now imagine being on the world’s biggest stage! Athletes, especially Olympians, have to manage stress. They may do this through deep breathing exercises, meditation, adequate sleep and rest, and prioritizing their life.

Visualization techniques - Visualization is a powerful tool that can help athletes achieve their goals and dreams. Visualization requires a person to see and feel the sensations of having already reached their goal. They hold the image and the feelings in their mind and body and then take those mental images and feelings to competition. Research suggests that visualization is incredibly powerful.

Resting - Athletes know that rest is not negotiable. Rest is crucial for healing the body, growing the muscles, and keeping mental health issues under control.

Mental training is less talked about than physical training, but it’s perhaps the most important aspect of an athlete’s overall progression. The mind influences the body, and if an athlete doesn’t keep his or her mind in the best condition, their sports performance won’t be what they’re hoping for.

Applying the athlete’s mindset to daily life

Although an athlete is certainly a special specimen and their training is far more advanced than the regular joe, it’s possible—and even beneficial—to apply the athletic mindset to our own personal daily lives. But why? And more importantly, how?

Athletes learn to be strong, dedicated, persistent, and personally motivated. Even if you’re not attempting to stand on the Olympic podium, these same traits can help you reach your own personal goals. Whether that’s losing a few pounds, moving up in your career, buying a house, or learning a new hobby, these particular traits can help you buckle down and get to business.

But how do we learn these traits? And how do we apply them to our lives?

Practice - You won’t have the mindset of an athlete today, but you can consistently work at it. Set small goals that you can accomplish and work toward them. Practice visualizing your day at work or being successful at an event. The more you practice, the easier it becomes, and the stronger your mind will be.

Get help - Athletes have coaches and sports psychologists to help them when the going gets tough. The rest of us don’t have those things at our disposal, but we do have doctors, mental health care professionals, and mentors. Ask for help and guidance from those who know better, and you’ll follow the same process as those athletes you admire.

Use the small moments - You don’t have to be working toward something grand to use these tips. Stressed because you’re running behind at work? Practice deep breathing. Constantly distracted? Cut off electronics and close all of your tabs. As you practice these techniques in the little moments, you’ll be prepared to use them in the bigger moments in life.

Thinking like an Olympian won’t happen overnight. These athletes work and train for years to do what they do. But it is something we can all learn. And if we do, we can apply them to our lives. If Olympians can take these traits and use them in front of the world, imagine what might happen if you use them in your home, your job, and your personal goals. Think like an Olympian and become the champion of your own life.

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