Achieving a Gold Medal Mindset

Gold Medal Health Tips

-File Photo

By Dr. Jorge Aguilar 

Bronx Voice 

July 26, 2024

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NEW YORK - The greatest athletes in the world will soon convene in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics to compete for gold medals, world records, and Olympic glory. They may seem superhuman on our screens, with powers granted to them seemingly from birth, but Olympic athletes will be the first to tell you that their success is largely (if not entirely!) dependent on key principles, which can help anyone achieve a gold medal mindset. 

Here are 4 of these key principles:

Doubts are Normal 

Believe it or not, even the greatest of Olympic athletes doubt themselves. They too experience thoughts like “am I good enough?” and “will I fail?” Their secret is not the absence of doubts, it is their response to doubts. Those who achieve at the highest levels accept the existence of these thoughts,  thank them for their opinion – and move forward anyway.

Nerves are Normal 

Olympic athletes may look calm and confident on screen, but believe me, they’re feeling very nervous. The key to their ability to perform is that they expect nerves. Rather than fighting a 2-front battle of their emotions and their opponent, great athletes allow themselves to feel the discomfort of nerves. This mindset liberates them to devote 100% of their attention and energy to outperforming their competitor.

Present Focus is Everything 

Past games or competitions are just memories and future plays haven’t happened yet. Success at a shot, hit, strike, stroke, jump, move, pass happens in the present. Right here, right now. Honing the ability to bring your focus to the present moment, or getting “in the zone,” is essential. This skill can be learned and improved through mindfulness practice.  

Asking For Help Is Not Weakness 

Many of us were taught since childhood to be tough and independent. Olympic athletes are no different, but their long, arduous road to the Olympic games were achieved with  support from a large village of people: coaches, training partners, mentors, nutritionists, therapists, romantic partners, family, and friends. Going it alone might sometimes be the fastest way to get somewhere, but tapping into your support network and going with others will take you to even greater heights. 

Whether you’re looking to elevate your performance in school or your career I hope these four keys to Olympic success will help you reach your own wins. 

Dr. Jorge Aguilar MD PhD is a Sports & Performance Psychiatrist at Montefiore Einstein. He is the Director of the Sports Mental Health Institute at Montefiore, and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.