Applying an Olympic mindset to your writing practice
I don't know about you, but since the Opening Ceremonies, I’ve been glued to the television watching gymnastics and swimming each night after the dinner dishes are washed, and my three labradors are walked.
I work from home, but after the morning news, the television stays off. Parts of my day require me to check my Facebook and Instagram accounts, but I’ve quickly scrolled past the spoilers that fill my feed.
The Summer Olympics coincide with the beginning of a new month, which conjures an elevated feeling of hope and the promise of what is possible if we glean even a few lessons from these amazing athletes.
Each new month, I assess the previous month’s accomplishments, allocate what’s still left to do, and evaluate how I can improve my own work processes and writing habits. I try to learn something every day that will help me better serve my students, aspiring authors who also want to write their memoirs.
Most of us can accomplish what we list as our goals and dreams, but what we don’t realize is that the most valuable tool for success lies between our ears.
Our mindset is what dictates how we approach tasks, rebound from setbacks, and cultivate resilience. When I was watching the men’s gymnastics team competition earlier this week, I listened to Brody Malone describe how he approached the challenge of competition.
He has endured the deaths of his mother and stepmother, undergone surgeries to repair a tibial plateau fracture and torn meniscus, while attending and graduating from Stanford University and persevering to make the Olympic team.
Shortly after winning the bronze medal, Malone credited his mindset when answering a reporter’s question about what he thought might’ve earned the team a spot on the podium after a 16-year drought.
Malone’s comment about mindset reminded me of what I teach in Make Memoir Magic, my 4-part online class. Before you write one word of a book, it’s vital to cultivate a mindset devoid of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
“You got to have confidence in yourself that you can do it,” Malone told reporters after the first night of competition. “But I came in with the mindset of, I just need to do my gymnastics and let the scores fall where they do. I'm not coming in thinking, 'Oh gosh, I gotta win this',” said Malone.
This Olympic mindset can be applied to writing. Scenarios of future pacing, such as envisioning your book on store shelves, imagining yourself holding your book in your hands, and reading that first positive review can lead to confidence, but before any of that can happen, aspiring authors must create a mindset that breeds success.
One word at a time. Once sentence at a time. Once paragraph, then chapter, on repeat. That’s how it’s done, with the belief that you are worthy. Your story is valuable. It deserves to be told, and your readers are waiting.
Simone Biles credits three key factors that put her in the correct mindset:
Discipline – Motivation is great, but it’s fleeting.
Time Management – Show up 10 minutes early. If you live by the adage, "on time is late and early is on time," you’re clearly on the right track. Success stories like Apple CEO Tim Cook and Michelle Obama are experts in their time and are early risers. Obama and Cook have shared that they wake up around 4 o’clock in the morning to get their day started and ensure they’re early for daily appointments.
Writing Down Goals – A study conducted by the Academy of Management Journal tracked the impact of recording goals on performance in a corporate setting. The research revealed that employees who wrote down their goals had higher levels of productivity and were more successful in achieving their goals than those who did not write down their goals. “Every year, I try to write down my goals… I try to focus on short-term and long-term, because if you look at your overall goal package, it can get a little bit stressful and overwhelming.”
Adopting these principles can transform your writing practice. Like Olympians, approaching your writing with discipline, effective time management, and clear, written goals can propel you toward success.
What steps will you take to cultivate a winning mindset in your writing journey? I encourage you to ask yourself the following questions:
What changes will I take to ensure that I write consistently?
Will I do whatever it takes to cultivate the bravery needed to start writing the story that has been in my heart, thoughts, and soul?
Will I finally find the courage to query agents, promote myself, and share my story with the world?
Will I overcome imposter syndrome so that I can confidently market the book I’ve worked so hard to craft?
I invite you to set your goals and track your progress with my $7 Goal Setting Guide. This resource is designed to help you break down your aspirations into actionable steps, providing the structure and motivation you need to achieve your writing dreams. Whether you're just starting out, deep in the drafting process, or ready to publish, setting clear goals will keep you focused and moving forward.
Remember, every exceptional story starts with a single word. Make this month the beginning of your journey to becoming the writer you aspire to be.
Let’s do this together. Purchase the Goal Setting Guide today and take the first step toward achieving your writing goals.
Cheers to your success!