Ahhh the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Canada.  A great time to cheer on our countries athletes and watch the best in the world excel in their sports.  Those of us who are now glued to the television are enjoying hours and hours of thought provoking stories, and phenomenal demonstrations of athletic performance.

So far the Olympics have been met with both tragedy and success!  Is there a sport that I don’t like to watch?  Not yet…Most of the winter sports have me sitting on the edge of my chair and seem to be for speed demons!

Last night the commentators were quick to point out that Winter Olympians are a fearless bunch, and I have to agree.

Here’s a quote from American Todd Lodwick on his comparison of real-life to ski jumping.

“The best way I can describe it is to go up onto the thirtieth floor of any building, and then get in the car and drive that car off the top roof, and then land safely. That is pretty much what it is.”

So I’ve got to ask…

1. Would you willingly volunteer to take a wild ride like this? And not just once…but over and over again until you’re confident, in control, and know that 99% of the time you’re going to land safely!
2. Would you even consider jumping if you had the slightest thought that you might fail?
3. Does this sound like FUN to you?

These great athletes from all over the world have spent endless hours practicing their sports, paying attention to diet, nutrition, cross-training, injury-prevention (or rehabilitation) and many have still had to work, take care of their families, and handle other responsibilities.

And they are now reaping the benefits of their dedicated efforts by being the best in their sports and selected to represent their country in the Olympics!  Way to go – I’m proud to cheer you on!

If these athletes can juggle life with Olympic training to achieve success in their sports, perhaps those of us with regular lives can also strike a balance to achieve success, whether it’s for fitness, business, or other endeavors. The drive, determination, and motivation that these athletes share definitely lights a fire of inspiration under me to make better choices and continue striving for success until I reach my own “Olympic-sized” dreams.

Do the stories of Olympic athletes help to motivate you? I’d love to hear what’s helped inspire you to stay focused on achieving your dreams.