People always ask me what it takes to become an Olympic skeleton athlete. At the heart of being a great skeleton athlete, it requires the ability to think ahead.
Precision on Ice: Why Skeleton Athletes Must Think Ahead
Skeleton is a precision sport. Every movement, every breath exhaled, and every pine needle that falls into the icy track, can make or break a competition.
We analyze every mile-long track and relentlessly practice the precise movements needed to steer the 65-pound sled swiftly and safely down the course. On our way down the track sliding headfirst, we steer by applying force to the corners of our sled. We push down with our shoulders and our knees to counter the intense 6G forces that press against our bodies.
Pressure, Distraction, and Planning for Success
Snowflakes fall. Spectators cheer. Camera crews lean in close to the track for a better angle. In the midst of it all, skeleton athletes succeed by preparing to counter the pressures and distractions that make them rise or fall in the track. We must make a plan, visualize and anticipate the process, and then utilize the clock to execute our goals. On the other hand, when we are unprepared, we constantly hit walls and are frustrated with our results.
From Track to Business: Anticipation Is Everything
As an entrepreneur, and small business owner, I’ve recognized several similarities in business and sports. One of these is the need to anticipate the hits that are coming just around the corner.
Now don’t get me wrong. The majority of big hits in skeleton, and in life, are uncontrollable and blindside us on a random Tuesday morning.
I’m talking about the small hits that are within our control.
In business, the pressures and distractions are endless. Whether it’s constant software and technology updates or responding to a full inbox every 5 minutes, it’s easy to rise and fall with the pressures of the day. Ultimately, this constant lack of direction and forward motion leads to unwanted stress and anxiety.
When you don’t make a plan for your day, how intentional do you feel that it is? Do you feel that you are accomplishing your purpose? Or do you feel the stress and weight of wishing you had done more?
Think Ahead to Stay Focused and Finish Strong
We can better prepare for our day by making a daily plan and then anticipating the tasks and responsibilities that might take us away from our course.
Are there phone calls to be made? Is there a stack of papers you’ve been meaning to sort through? Give yourself a set amount of time to do these tasks and then once the timer rings, move on with your day and come back to it tomorrow. Are there software updates that need to take place? Schedule them to be updated outside of work hours, and move on. If you work from home and are trying to be productive as the kids are rushing out the door for school, what is a better morning routine that you can implement? When we think ahead and make a plan, we equip ourselves to take control of the clock and execute our goals with purpose.
Quote to ponder
“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius
Question to consider
Is taking a few minutes of time to make a daily plan worth it to you if it means you could have a productive and fulfilling day?
What’s on your mind to explore next?
Video – Noelle’s Olympic Medal Skeleton Race: Be amazed as you watch Noelle sliding headfirst over 80 mph down a mile long icy track at the 2014 Sochi, Russia Winter Olympics.
Learn more about the sport of skeleton on the Team USA Bobsled and Skeleton website
Article – Time Management Tip: To effectively think ahead, it’s important to learn how to use our time well. Every time I use this time management tip, it takes a weight off my shoulders and allows me to see where I need to place my priorities.
Mindset Minute Video – Plan Ahead: Chef Jeff Jackson teaches that when we choose to plan ahead, things will go more smoothly and we will have success in school and in life.