By Rey Post, Associate Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty & Host of the “All Things Real Estate” Radio Show
February 25, 2018
The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, gave all of us the chance to be captivated by the incredible skills of the athletes competing. But what’s even more compelling than the fastest bobsled race, highest ski jump, or most elegant figure skating program, is the Olympic spirit that runs through the athletes’ stories.
I recently read an article by Whitney Hopler, Communications Director at George Mason University’s Center for Advanced Well-Being, about the way that Olympians draw their inspiration from a set of core values that prepare them to do their best as they compete, and to respond gracefully to whatever happens as a result of their best efforts.
Hopler offered some advice about how each of us can grow stronger and excel, no matter what type of work we do, by watching and then learning from the Olympic values that athletes bring to every competition. I believe that these five suggestions can be of value to each of us, whether we work in real estate, or any other trade:
- Love what you do. Choose work that aligns well with your interests and skills and then simply enjoy it!
- Do your best with every opportunity. Pursuing excellence, all Olympians strive to put their best effort into each practice and competition, no matter what type of circumstances they may be facing at the time. Olympians are known for their hard work – practicing their sport over and over again to develop their skills to the highest level possible.
- Respect and encourage your teammates. Olympians respect each other’s value as people, and also as team players who make valuable contributions to each other. Olympic athletes gather from around the world to compete, and in the process, they form friendships based on mutual respect. They watch each other work hard, encourage each other, and make sacrifices to support each other.
- Approach both success and failure gracefully. Whether they win or lose, Olympians often respond with graceful attitudes that inspire others to consider what matters most: not the results of a single event, but the character of the person competing in it. They relish each big moment rather than allowing the stress of it to overwhelm them.
- Keep learning and growing. Olympic athletes are constantly learning from their experiences and growing to become stronger people as a result.
The Olympic Games—Winter or Summer—can be inspirational occasions, full of teachable moments that can help you develop stronger leadership skills. Whether or not you ever win gold medals, you’ll succeed at your work when you learn Olympic values!
For more on “Rey’s Real Estate Recommendation,” and also to pick up additional real estate news and information, join us each Sundayon the “All Things Real Estate” radio show (12-2pm Mountain Time) on Santa Fe’s 1260 KTRC-AM, or via streaming at the “Listen Now” link at ATREradio.com.