Canadian teen swimming sensation Summer McIntosh has won three golds and one silver medal at the recent Paris Olympics.
Yet in a few days’ time she will be doing two things. The first is to attend her eighteenth birthday party (oh that does seem a long time ago to me!). The second is to carry on her studies for life outside of the swimming pool.
For many of the worlds athletes it is a constant challenge, especially at a younger age, to complete studies alongside rigorous training schedules. Yet there will be more to life than, in her case swimming, after she eventually retires. Which means being ready for that day when it comes.
The Olympics Movement, the IOC, has recognised they have an important role to play in athletes lives, and have announced a few months ago Athlete 365. This important initiative features insights from all manner of experts who are there to help athletes on their life journey.
There are many subjects from personal branding, to mindful social media, getting financially fit, to career transition and much more.
It’s a great initiative and one that has been needed for many years.
There have been many stories of athletes suffering in all manner of ways, during and particularly post, their racing careers and is a step forward. Take for example, the recent sad story of Sir Bradley Wiggins…
The one thing all athletes recognise is they need to train and train hard to stand any chance of success. Setting targets, goals and measurements are standard in their eyes as the only true way to progress. Learning along the way is vital to them.
Family businesses need the same approach as we can’t all rely on just ourselves or direct team/ family members to help us. We need an experienced eye, or access to knowledge to take us forward – just like an athlete!
Hence the reason why I have recently brought out my new video-based learning package for family business packed with all my knowledge from the last thirty or so years of owning, running and serving family businesses.
I have set out the reasons why HERE and I really do believe it can help anyone who seriously wants to progress.
If the IOC believes it’s a good idea for its athletes why not you?
Look at the programme below and enjoy the rest of the Olympics.
BTW wasn’t the One Hundred Metres Men’s event just unbelievable, the winner by just 0.005 of a second?
HERE you be the judge…
Until the next time…
Peter
