The Olympian Mindset: Applying Athletic Discipline to Entrepreneurship

By Josh Nguyen

I know. Just like you, I was glued to the TV, watching Peacock’s multiview of the Olympics for two straight weeks. Watching these athletes, who have trained their whole lives to put it all on the line for their country, made my patriotism soar. The highs and lows, the blood, sweat, and tears—I sympathized with these elite athletes from the comfort of my air-conditioned home.

Can I name all the presidents of the United States? No. But can I name every medal and move named after Simone Biles? Absolutely.

As I watched, I realized that the qualities these Olympians exhibit—their dedication, resilience, and teamwork—are the same qualities that can propel us forward in business.

So, why not? Here are some lessons I learned watching the Olympics that you can apply to your journey as an entrepreneur:

Build Your Community

You don’t have to go through this alone. Find a mentor, a teammate, someone you can trust to talk with. Just because you may be a solo entrepreneur doesn’t mean you’re an island.

Refuse to Give Up

Just like Quincy Hall, you’ve got to keep pushing. Those late nights and early mornings are all worth it when you’re building your business.

Be Coachable

It’s okay not to be an expert in every aspect of your business. If you’re not trained in accounting, bookkeeping might be tough. If you’re not a marketer, social media could be your nightmare. It’s okay to learn new things every day or hire someone to make life easier for you.

It’s Okay to Rest

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take the time to rest, reset, and refocus.

Celebrate the Wins

Validate those victories. You deserve it.

By channeling the mindset of an Olympian, you can tackle your entrepreneurial journey with the same grit and determination. Keep pushing, keep learning, and remember to celebrate every victory along the way.