Recently I came across an article about people in Norway and how they handle, view and navigate the long winter season. You can read the article HERE
The winters are long, cold, snowy and dark. But the article highlighted a significant perspective shift the Norwegian people have taken to experience the winter time. They look forward to the winter months, they look forward to the snow, the cold, and all of the fun activities and experiences they can enjoy during these wintery months.
Their perspective about the winter months was a positive one, rather than the normal “I hate the cold” mentality we often here in the US. The winter was when they could go skiing, enjoy hot tea or hot cocoa, the warmth of a fire, and other winter activities.
One of my favorite quotes from the article was,
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes!”
The focus was on being prepared for the winter months and all that came with this time of year; so that they could maximize for total enjoyment. By focusing on having the right clothing, no matter what elements of winter came about, there was joy to be found.
How often do we need to shift our perspective? How often do you carry a negative perspective about a situation, environment or individual because that is what those around you are doing?
It has been unseasonably cold here in NC this past week. I have heard and said multiple times how bad and awful the cold weather is right now. But why? Why is my perspective and that of those around me so negative about the cold weather? I need to change my perspective!
Shift your perspective!
As an elite or pro athlete, it is imperative to shift how you view your experience. You have thousands of hours training in your sport and those hours of training and skills developed can transfer to a myriad of other vocations and arenas.
Your experience as an athlete is significant, so change your perspective about what made you successful as an athlete. When you change your perspective on your experience; you will be able to see how your experience will give a firm foundation to build upon as you step into any other vocation.
Here are 10 experiences that you possess and have cultivated as an athlete that have made you successful in your sport. Shift your perspective on these skills, they will give you the opportunity to be successful as you navigate the transition into whatever “next” career you choose.
- Discipline – you are extremely discipled in your training, nutrition and recovery and have an ability to say “no” to the distractions that are all around you.
- Laser Focus – you have the ability to zero in on one task or target and go after it with intensity and persistence.
- Sacrifice – you are willing to put your interests aside for the sake of the team or a teammate and put aside short term gain for long term success.
- Perseverance – you respond in the midst of difficulties, obstacles and chaos; you push through to the other side of the “storm.”
- Time Management – manage the little time you have by maximizing it to the fullest; knowing when you need to get things done and prioritizing first things first.
- Goal Setting – clarifying a target and going after it, setting metrics to verify your progress and know when you have achieved your objective.
- Communication – ability to communicate with media, fans, teammates and coaches. Public speaking is one of the greatest fears that people have, and as an athlete your experience in communication will be invaluable in your next career.
- Conflict Resolution – no team or club is without conflict and you have learned how to navigate tension, conflict and disagreement. How to work through your differences and come out on the other side working together.
- Emotional Intelligence – being people smart is one of the most significant skills anyone can learn. As an athlete you have interacted with people from a multitude of different backgrounds, ethnicities, economic environments, cultures, world views, etc. And as a result you have learned how to read your teammates, know when to speak and how to speak, when to listen, when to challenge and when to encourage.
- Teamwork – no athlete is an island, you have a team around you championing, challenging, encouraging and pursuing success together. Putting the interests of the whole above the individual.
As an athlete you are more than your sport! What you have developed, honed and cultivated through the years of training, games, and workouts will transfer over to your “next” career.
You just need to shift your perspective!