I love the Olympics, the whole idea of defining human limits and then pushing beyond them. There is so much to be admired watching the athletes. Just as important as their awesome physical abilities is the undeniable mental strength in the long journey that leads them to the games. Even more inspiring are the para-olympians who triumph over continual adversity to achieve their goals. As a group, these athletes have the power to create a contagion of positive emotion across the world.
All those life-lesson cliches flood forward; "Mind over matter", "Never losing sight of the prize", "Sticking with it through the tough times". Apart from being good entertainment and an escapism for us as viewers, watching these men and women achieve victory or face the despair of loss draws parallels to our own lives. It's the tenacity, determination and courage that burns brightly.
I recognise that I have the privilege of witnessing the same virtues in my clients who work through their own obstacles, face losses head-on and have the courage to set goals for the future.
Go the Aussies!