Hi Friends!
So we’ve come to the end of the month and with it, the end of the Olympics.
As I slowly begin to return to my normal sleep schedule, I’ve found myself reflecting on the Games and the lessons they’ve left with me. Over the past two weeks of competition, I’ve watched both triumphs and misses – many athletes peaking at the right time to have the performance of their life, and others feeling off on what seems like exactly the wrong day.
Elite level athletes know that both these outcomes are possible in an intense competition situation, but their ability to handle both the thrill of the win or the devastation of the loss comes from having a strong and dedicated team behind them.
It’s about having people there who help them prepare – physically, mentally and emotionally – for the for all the ups and downs they may experience, and having people to help them rebalance and reset after a competition – whether they’re high on a win or on the floor from a loss.
In fact, no matter what type of performance we do (artistic, athletic, entrepreneurial etc.), the truth is that we are never doing it alone.
When you’re performing a solo show, standing alone on the stage in front of the audience, there’s still a team turning on the lights, directing you or giving feedback, and guiding the audience to their seats.
When you’re running a race, standing at the start line waiting to take off, you’re there because of the trainers that have prepped your body, the coaches that have prepped your mind, and the training partners that have worked alongside you as you sought to grow your skills.
It’s this teamwork that makes amazing performances possible. As Michael Jordan said,
“Talent wins games, but intelligence and teamwork wins championships.”
So for this month’s wrap-up, I’ve put together a list of resources to help you start to build your own strong and dedicated team. It’s full of wisdom from inspiring performers of all kinds on techniques they’ve used to help them manage stress and anxiety, strategies that have helped them build lasting partnerships, and the relationships that have helped them stay grounded and centered through it all.
And if you’re looking for some extra support to help you reach your performance best, send me a message! I’d love to be a part of your performance team. ????
Much love,
-Mairin
Read, Watch, Listen.
How to Manage Stress Like an Olympic Biathlete – New York Times
A great article filled with practical tips on how to manage stress and anxiety – especially when having shaky hands or an unfocused mind are not an option. Insights from Olympic biathlete Clare Egan and her sports psychologist, Sean McCann.
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/02/21/sports/olympics/biathalon-clare-egan-biathlete-training.html?referer=
Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling: Brave New Worlds – Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations
Three incredible leading ladies on how they overcame self-doubt, the greatest lessons they’ve learned, and the people who’ve stood behind them. Definitely worth a listen!
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/oprahs-supersoul-conversations/id1264843400?mt=2&i=1000402279559
Olympic Partners, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir – TEDxYouth@Toronto
A wide-ranging talk on how the Olympic ice dance champions built a strong working partnership and overcame obstacles as a team. Hint: it’s all about effective communication!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaMaM4orwIA
A Little Bit More…
For Snowboarders, the Music Matters as Much as the Gear – New York Times
An interesting article that sparked conversation over on the Five Winds Facebook page! How snowboarders use music to help motivate them while they compete. Check it out and then head over to Facebook to read my thoughts on it and share your own. I’d love to hear your insights!
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/20/sports/olympics/snowboarding-music.html
Breathing the Win: Lessons in Co-regulation from Tessa Virtue & Scott Moir – Five Winds Blog
From the blog, insights into what makes Tessa & Scott’s partnership so strong, and an interesting and effective exercise they use to get on the same page before they perform.
https://www.fivewinds.ca/2018/02/22/breathing-the-win-lessons-in-co-regulation-from-tessa-virtue-scott-moir/
Trevor Noah on His Mom: “She’s the Example that I Live My Life By” – Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations
The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah on the greatest teammate he has in his corner – his mom. What he’s learned from her life and how she’s supported and inspired him throughout his own.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WzJQiB7UDw
P.S. Ok, one more Tessa & Scott resource – a short documentary on how they crafted their most recent free program routine, “Roxanne”, and the team (and teamwork) that helped prepare them for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VytuMwew3-Y
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This blog is a part of my work with Five Winds. It’s a space where I share thoughts and insights on performing and wellness, and offer tips and ideas on how to stay balanced and healthy (body, mind, emotions and spirit) while living the life of a performer.
Find out more information about me here, or how to work with me here. To stay connected, subscribe to this blog in the sidebar or find me on Facebook or Instagram.