Ironically, you don’t learn how to navigate your career in school. You sort of just figure it out as you go. But the paths you choose and the decisions you act upon can make or break your success. So, which habits and tactics should you prioritize to ensure you rise to the top of your leadership and career to make a meaningful impact? Here are three career lessons I’ve picked up from researching and watching Simone Biles in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Lesson 1: You Contain a Unique Brilliance—Own It
In an interview from this year’s Olympics, Simone Biles said, “I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.”
Did that give you chills too? It shook me the first time I read that quote, and it’s actually what inspired my last podcast episode and this article.
What it means is there’s only one you who can show up with your unique talents, delivery method, and impact. By Simone stating she’s the first Simone Biles, she’s embracing that no one else can do exactly what she does in the way she does it. She’s embracing her Brilliant Difference™. How affirming and confidence-fueling? Now, imagine saying that to yourself. “I’m the first _________.”
I’m the first Finka Jerkovic.
Remember, if you don’t show up with your authentic and diverse gifts and create the change and difference you were born to make, the world misses out. They miss out on all the brilliant you-ness.
To design your Brilliant Difference™ value proposition, check out one of my LinkedIn posts that outlines an easy-to-follow template.
Lesson 2: Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Your Brilliance
You cannot perform at your full capacity and potential without taking breaks and resting before your battery is empty.
Yet a survey put forth by Maru Public Opinion found that 78% of workers in the U.S. didn’t use their full PTO/vacation time. Similar results were found among Canadians, with 71% not making full use of their time off.
What does this mean?
- Greater risk for health complications.
- Greater risk of burnout.
- Higher stress levels.
- Lower workplace performance ratings.
While Simone Biles has won four gold medals, 1 silver medal, and 2 bronze medals in the Olympics, she decided to opt out of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to mental health concerns.
It must have taken an immense amount of courage to step down when qualifying for such an exclusive opportunity. But by taking care of herself, she’s now having a successful 2024 performance.
Listen to your mind, body, and soul. Pay attention to what you need away from work, so that you can show up as your best at work.
Lesson 3: Celebrate Your Wins
On social media, Simone Biles wrote: “You guys really gotta stop asking athletes what’s next after they win a medal at the Olympics. Let us soak up the moment we’ve worked our whole lives for.”
What if you applied the same concept to your career? Won a deal? Got an award or recognition? Managed a successful campaign?
Instead of saying, “Okay, what’s next?” celebrate what you did well, and bask in your efforts. If you can’t celebrate your wins, the losses will hit you tenfold.
Which Lesson Are You Taking Away?
If you wake up some mornings and think—Is this really what I want to do with my life? What do I want to do next? How can I stand out?—you’re not alone. Whether someone has 5, 10, or 20 years of work under their belts, we’re all still figuring out how we can show up in our Brilliant Difference™ every day, but these three lessons will guide you along a prosperous path. Remember:
- You have unique talents and gifts that no one else can replicate, and if you don’t act on them, the world misses out on all you have to offer.
- Take care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually, so you can perform wholly at work.
- Celebrate the good moments and come back to your wins when things get hard.
For more reminders and tips like this to help you excel in your leadership and career, subscribe to my Find Your Brilliance Newsletter.
