If you’re an introvert like me then celebrities of any type aren’t of natural interest. Maybe it’s because there is not usually a real connection. Why watch the Winter Olympics then? Because it’s inspiring with freestyle skiers like Hannah Kearney, making a comeback from her 2006 poor showing. With many of the athlete study findings and research about what makes a perfect athlete, there are similarities as to what makes a successful introvert.
Focus. When listening to Kearney’s commentary of her own skiing after she claimed the gold medal, the commentator-like description spoke to a clarity from inside her head of every move along the way. Doesn’t that sound like us? As introverts we are in our heads examining – every move along the way. Just as in Kearney’s commentary, we usually have the same inner reflection and ideas with a focus. If it’s a strength for athletes competing often once in their life, imagine our power recognizing that this is me everyday in my life? How does that feel to you?
Motivation. To move into action, ah! Sometimes as introverts, we are so involved with the thinking, analyzing and planning and then we stall at the action. But here’s where I think we’re quite like the Olympic athlete. There are many theories about motivation, one of them being, intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is when I am doing things based on internal factors. This is the stronger motivation as opposed to extrinsic motivation. Studies in the workplace have proven this. Intrinsic motivation is what likely drives the Olympic athlete to do things – they love the fun of it, or they somehow think their sport is the right thing for them. And how are introverts focused? Internally?
Sport intelligence.This is a mental and emotional ability about the sport to be able to earn the bronze, silver or gold medal. Introverts are excellent observers: we can observe our feelings and our moods. When we decide to do that and put our reasoning and planning into what we observe What business are you in? What is your avocation? Whatever it is, as an introvert, if you are like me, your “introvert intelligence” helps you go deep in the knowledge of your work, your avocation, at the same time using your curiosity.
If or when you start doubting yourself, I have those times too, remember how much like an Olympic athlete we are. Remember how much strength you have in you just as Hannah Kearney found in her second attempt for what she wanted. Just these three traits alone that we share with the Olympic athlete – focus, motivation and sport intelligence – are enough to help get whatever medal it is we might want.