Athlete Tips You Can Apply to Your Career

The London Olympics is getting closer, and fans are thrilled to watch the biggest athletic event in the world. Followers of different sports are looking forward to the display of strength, endurance and excellence from the country representatives. Executives in finance jobs, banking jobs and even media jobs can learn a thing or two from athletes. Here are some athlete lessons that you can apply to your career.

• Know the field. Before you play, you first need to know the field where you will be competing. Without prior surveying of the game venue, you might end up committing mistakes that could have been avoided if only you prepared. Research about the company that you want to join.

• Know the rules. If you do not know the rules of the game, you’ll be disqualified. Your skills and competency will not matter; the rules of the game are fair and should be honored. In the corporate field, there are unwritten and written rules that you should follow carefully.
• Know your competition. Boxers and their coaches spend so much time watching the past games of their competition. They analyze each and every move; calculate the precise number and force of the blows of the boxer that they’d go against. Identify the skills and capabilities of other executives in your level and industry. What are you missing out on? Do you see yourself as someone who belongs to the top of the list, or do you see the need to practice more and upskill in order for you to beat them?
• Wear your uniform. There’s a reason why swimmers wear swimsuits, and why runners don running shoes. The uniforms they wear aren’t just for show; they serve a purpose by helping them move and perform better. In the same way, the way you dress in the office and during your job interviews will help you feel good or bad about yourself. Get to know the clothing pieces that you feel confident in, and make sure that they are always ready for when you need to be in the playing field.
• Develop the ability to work with a team. You can’t possibly win in a game singlehandedly. You need other people to help you reach your goals of winning. Get to know your team and do your best to adjust to the dynamics of working with a group. Your mindset should be focused on winning, but you should also think of helping the players in your team. Aside from working well with your team, you should also learn how to build contacts outside of your team. Who knows, the next person you connect to in LinkedIn may be the person who will help you achieve your goals of winning the corporate Olympics.