Watching the Olympics is so inspiring! The look of absolute focus on the faces of the athletes
and the understanding that it took years of hard work, training and sacrifice to get to this point, is so impressive.
We can all take lessons from the Olympics. Athletes are experts in delayed gratification, the
ability to delay suiting yourself to serve a greater purpose. Anyone who has committed to a personal or professional goal knows how difficult it can be to stay on course, whether that goal is weight loss, quitting smoking, getting in
shape or completing a college or university program.
Students practice the art of delayed gratification. Rather than go to the pub they stay in and
study for tomorrow’s quiz. Rather than sleep in they visit the library. They understand that sacrifice today will reap benefits tomorrow. The Olympics of school require a type of discipline and routine that is epitomized in the
actual Olympics.
When we watch a flawless balance beam program we are impressed with the two or three minute
demonstration. What we do not see are the years and years of practice, often without the spotlights, TV coverage and fanfare.
The Olympics can inspire us all to give our best performances, whether that is in the board
room, the classroom, or around our kitchen tables.
