As the Winter Olympics approach, society is soon to be captivated by the podium moments, the medals, the united celebrations, and the infamous highlight reels. What we as spectators do not see is everything that came before these moments.

1. The early mornings.

2. The repetition that leads to perfection.

3. The failures, setbacks, and self-doubt.

No Olympian ends up on a podium by accident. And the same is true for meaningful professional growth.

So, let’s break this down into 5 pillars that will help establish your Olympic mindset:

1. The work that no one sees is the work that matters most.

Olympians train for a desired outcome through their commitment to the process, especially when no one is watching. The same could said for our professional careers. The product of our successes are largely built in the quiet and unglamorous spaces:

• Ensuring you are always prepared when you could “get by” coasting.

• Facing difficult problems and barriers head on rather than running the other way.

• Striving for feedback instead of seeking reassurance.

• Maintaining motivation and engagement, even when progress feels stagnant.

Moments like these are quiet and don’t come with an applause, but they are where growth happens.

2. Just because we are competing doesn’t mean we are in the same event.

One of the most prominent professional pitfalls stems from comparison. When we watch the Olympics, we are not comparing a skier to a figure skater or a hockey player to a swimmer. We are able to recognize that each individual is an elite athlete competing in their respective events. Now most people would think, “Of course this is true…it would be senseless to think otherwise.” Yet, what if this same logic is applied to our professional aspirations. There is no single definition for success because of the individualized components that are needed to measure the outcome. For some of us, our “gold medal” is being a leader in our industry. While maybe for another it is mastering the craft of balance, stability, and purpose. Or maybe the “gold medal” is rooted in the outcome of innovation or monetary success. In the end, the same “gold medal” is achieved not through comparison but through the lens of different goals, timelines, and training.

3. The training you put in was established before recognition.

The promotion you received or the tile you have all comes after the work has been completed, not before. The growth it takes to achieve these career milestones are built from repetition, reflection, disappointment, and persistence. Just like an Olympian, it is the moments that are the hardest that shape us the most.

4. You never train alone.

Any Olympian will tell you “gold medals are not achieved in isolation.” Every athlete’s success is fueled by their coaches, trainers, teammates, and support systems behind them. The same is true on the professional front. The strongest professional is not the one who claims independent success through a path of isolation. Rather, the strongest are the ones who seek feedback, mentorship, and collaborate with their team.

5. Define your personal Gold Medal.

Don’t be afraid to seek out your Gold Medal. Ask yourself:

• What does the path to a gold medal look like for me?

• How can I train today to move one step closer to the gold?

Strive for success in your event. Establish your own highlight reel along the way. Keep showing up…Keep putting in the work…And know, your time on the podium is still ahead of you.