What the Olympics Can Teach Us About Reaching Our Goals

The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a sight to behold. I’ve become fully immersed into the world of sport, specifically women’s rowing and watched eagerly as Team GB secured a gold medal in the last few seconds. My adrenaline and sense of pride was unmatched, but there’s also that feeling of awe as you watch the athletes cross the finish line, cry on the podium or express how much just taking part means to them.

A good example of this was 19-year-old diving superstar Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, who tearfully admitted that being “alive and breathing” and achieving her goal of making it to the Olympics was enough, despite coming 6th. Spendolini-Sirieix’s brief mention of the long year leading up to Paris moved everyone in the comments (and me) to tears and a separate clip of her father, Fred Sirieix, showing her a message from a friend who’s daughter now wanted to start diving after watching Spendolini-Sirieix was just as emotional.

Because no matter what place our athletes come, their talent and determination is what fuels the feeling of inspiration. Certified life coach Lorena Bernal explains that watching the Games and seeing these Olympic experiences teach us a lot about reaching our own goals.

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Lorena Bernal is a certified life coach and founder of the events and coaching platform Live Love Better.

“The Olympics teach us to focus on what you’re doing and not to worry about the world watching or critics. Live in the moment, trust yourself, and trust your preparation,” she tells PS UK. “We can see that effort and commitment is one of the key lessons from the Games and that success requires dedication and hard work, but also that mistakes are okay. Even the best athletes make mistakes, but their recovery is what counts.”

She adds: “We’re also taught about human potential and the incredible things our bodies and minds are capable of. But most importantly, the Olympics teaches us about support systems, that even if you’re the best, support from coaches, family, and teammates is vital.”

Related: Team GB’s Keely Hodgkinson on Winning Gold and Empowering Women to Look and Feel Good

These lessons can be applied to everyday life, through your mindset and approach. Bernal tells us to start by identifying what truly matters to you and what goals or dreams resonate most.

“Break these down into manageable steps and set realistic milestones,” she instructs. “Just as athletes train regularly, create a routine that allows you to consistently work towards your goals. Embrace the journey itself rather than fixating solely on the end result. Celebrate small victories along the way and use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion.”

“Lastly, maintain a balance in your life,” Bernal shares. “Just as athletes need rest and recovery, ensure you give yourself time to recharge and enjoy other aspects of life. By fostering a holistic and balanced approach, you can apply the spirit of the Olympics to achieve your personal and professional goals.”

As I’m sure you’ve heard before, getting started can often be the hardest part, but Bernal says that reflection, visualisation and repetition are enough to get the ball rolling. “Before diving into something new, it’s essential to reflect on why you want it,” she tells PS UK. “Ask yourself: Is this goal about making others admire you or gaining applause? Or is it about fulfilling a passion that truly resonates with you? If it’s the latter, connect deeply with that call inside your chest.”

“Visualise yourself reaching that goal and think about the person you need to become to live that life,” she continues. “Start making small changes to become that person. If your motivation is simply a need for change, more movement, or a new activity but you’re unsure where to start, just make the decision to go for it. Remember, our bodies and minds learn through repetition. Focus on your decision and silence any inner voices that might discourage you.”

“And finally, be your own coach, your own strict master, and push yourself to do it,” Bernal says. “Soon, you’ll enjoy the benefits and want to continue. And if you stop, don’t feel guilty. You tried, and you can always choose something else and try again.”

Related: “Your Life Doesn’t Have to Stop”: Team GB’s Amber Rutter On Being a Mum and an Olympian

And just before you let negative thoughts around your capabilities, for example the feeling of not being good enough, sink in, counteract them embracing your individuality and uniqueness. “Feeling not good enough often comes from having unrealistic expectations. If you strive for perfection, you’ll never feel good enough because humans are inherently imperfect – that’s what makes us beautiful,” Bernal shares.

“Don’t compare yourself to others, because you are amazing as you are. Instead, pursue being the best version of yourself, knowing that you can achieve almost anything you put your mind to, it’s just a matter of commitment with yourself. But remember, you won’t feel good enough unless you first accept your intrinsic value and worth, independent of your achievements.”

Lauren Gordon is the editorial coordinator at PS UK, where she creates lifestyle and identity content. Lauren has a degree in journalism from University of the Arts London and previously worked as a showbiz and TV reporter at The Mirror US. Lauren specialises in pop culture, hair and beauty, focusing on trends, sharing in-depth tutorials, and highlighting hidden gems in the beauty industry.