Stay on the Beam: Business Lessons from Gymnastics

You have to love gymnastics. There's nothing better than watching our US Olympic team perform at such an extraordinary level. As I watch them, I gasp and sometimes look away, because the skills they showcase are so incredible that they seem almost unreal. The same awe-inspiring determination and precision can be seen in the business world, where success often masks the years of hard work and countless setbacks behind it.

What we see in the gymnasts' performances has taken years to perfect, with numerous bruises, sprains, and pain along the way. Similarly, the remarkable achievements of companies in the business world come after enduring failures and overcoming obstacles. While we often celebrate revenue successes, we rarely consider the struggles that paved the way. Whether it's month-end pressures, missed conversions, or loyal customers switching to competitors, the path to success is rarely smooth.

Watching Simone Biles reminds me of important lessons that often slip my mind. Regardless of how last month turned out, it's essential to reset and prepare for the next one. Here are a few lessons inspired by this amazing athlete that can help us stay on track.

Stay Present

Balancing on a four-inch beam demands complete focus. Any distraction can cause a gymnast to lose balance and fall. The same principle applies to our goals. In our distraction-filled world, staying present is crucial. Whether it's a new priority from your boss or team frustrations, focusing solely on daily key actions can prevent us from falling short. Just as Simone must focus on each element of her routine, we must concentrate on our daily tasks to achieve desired results.

Focus on the Right Metrics

When I was in gymnastics, a perfect score was 10.0. However, the scoring system evolved in 2006, and now gymnasts can score higher based on difficulty levels, typically ranging from 13.00 to 15.00. This change highlights the importance of chasing the right metrics. In business, vanity metrics can be misleading. Instead, focus on meaningful metrics that truly align with your overall goals. Ensure you have the right steps and metrics to track progress accurately.

Own Your Power

Watching Simone Biles vault is witnessing a modern miracle. Her incredible strength and power, despite her petite stature, are awe-inspiring. In our daily lives, we possess similar power to learn, grow, and seek help when needed. Trusting our abilities and recognizing our limits is a powerful position to be in. Just like Simone harnesses her strength for her routines, we must harness our strengths to achieve our goals and acknowledge when we need assistance.

In conclusion, the discipline, focus, and resilience seen in gymnastics provide valuable lessons for our professional lives. Staying present, focusing on the right metrics, and owning our power are key strategies to navigate challenges and achieve success. As we admire the grace and power of gymnasts, let's apply these principles to our endeavors and strive to stay on the beam in our personal and professional journeys.