The Bronze Medal Mindset
Have you ever found yourself comparing your achievements to others, only to feel like you’ve fallen short? It’s so easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the gold medal, the highest honor, the ultimate goal—whether in our personal lives, professional careers, or even in our day-to-day tasks. But what if we shifted our mindset? What if we started celebrating the bronze medal moments, recognizing the simple joy and gratitude of just being on the podium?
I recently listened to an episode of Mel Robbins’ podcast, where she talked about the “Bronze Medal Mindset.” I quickly connected. It is about being thrilled to be where you are and filled with gratitude for your journey. A rich life is not just about looking up and seeing how close you were to the silver or gold; it’s about appreciating that you’ve made it to the podium, a place many others didn’t reach or might never reach.
The Olympic Lesson: A Reflection on Consistency and Perseverance
A week ago, the #TLAP chat on “X” posed a thought-provoking question: “What was your favorite Olympic moment from the 2024 Olympics, and how can you relate this to education?” As I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but think about the athletes who have competed in multiple Olympic Games. These aren’t just moments in time; these are years of dedication, training, and unbelievable consistency and commitment. Every four years, these athletes return to the world stage, still at the top of their game.
One of my favorite Olympic commercials features a young girl reading a phone message that says, “We would like you to be part of the team, Riley.” With tears in her eyes, she says, “I made the team.” This took me back to when I made the junior varsity softball team as a freshman in high school. That feeling of accomplishment, of making it, is something I’ll never forget. It’s a reminder that someone believed in you and your ability.
But the Olympics also teach us about resilience. I think about the gymnasts who perform incredible routines but still stumble, fall off the beam, and have to pick themselves up to finish. They don’t give up; they keep going. There’s a powerful lesson in that, one that applies to all of us, whether in the classroom, at work, or in our personal lives.
Who’s Standing on the Podium with You?
Sean Gaillard, principal of and author of the Pepper Effect, recently wrote a blog post about Leadership Lessons Beyond the Podium. Sean recounted an inspiring moment involving Katie Ledecky, one of the greatest Olympians of all time. He wrote, “During one of her many medal ceremonies, Ledecky, standing on the podium with her gold medal, invited her teammate, Paige Madden, to join her. Despite Madden earning a bronze, her journey was marked by significant health challenges. Ledecky’s act of literally uplifting her teammate to share the glory on a global stage is a remarkable example of leadership.”
This story made me reflect on the incredible leaders, authors, and colleagues who have lifted me up onto the podium with them. Sean’s visual of the podium was the perfect visual for self-reflection: How often do we bring others onto the podium with us? In our classrooms, jobs, or even in our homes, how often do we celebrate our wins by acknowledging those who helped us get there?
What if we created a physical podium in our classrooms or offices? When something good happens, we could articulate who we’re bringing up on the podium with us. Maybe it’s our spouses when we achieve a financial goal, our students when we experience a particularly rewarding or meaningful day, or our friends who help us refocus during challenging times. Even our pets, like my dog Murphy, who is always happy to see me after a long day, deserve a spot on that podium.
The concept of bringing people up to the podium with you could also be a powerful writing assignment. Imagine asking students to place themselves on a podium and reflect on who or what helps them succeed—whether it’s people, hobbies, sports, quotes, or their faith. It’s a different spin on the classic “What’s helping you make it?” question, and it encourages gratitude and self-awareness.
Building Your Impossible
In today’s world, we’re more connected than ever, with endless opportunities and learning experiences at our fingertips. But with all this abundance comes the challenge of staying grounded in who we are. I’ve been thinking about a few simple yet profound questions to ask myself and my students this coming school year: What excites you? How do you show excitement? What frustrates you? How do you show frustration? When was the last time you asked yourself these questions or asked them of the people closest to you?
Each of these questions ties back to the idea of building your impossible. It’s not just about achieving the biggest goals or winning the highest honors. It’s about recognizing and celebrating every step of the journey, every bronze medal moment, and every person who stands on the podium with you. Embrace the Bronze Medal Mindset and remember that sometimes, the greatest victories are the ones we share with others.
Comments
Post a Comment