If you spent the long weekend with one eye on the Olympics like me, you’re in awe and when it gets gory, disgust over the vivid images of these extraordinary individuals who will stop at nothing to win. As a business owner, I have a lot to learn from them. Here are a few things that got my attention in this cool article:

Remember the ‘why.’ Elite athletes don’t shed blood, sweat and tears because of the money, fame or glory. They do it for the love of the game, says Siebold in his book, 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class (London House, 2010). Similarly, most entrepreneurs don’t launch their businesses to get rich: They do it because they believe in their business idea and themselves.
Become a learning machine. From watching tapes of their own and competitors’ performances to reading books about how to improve their technique,  Business owners need that same voracious appetite for information that will give them a competitive edge, he says.
Stay clear-headed in conflict. Conflicts drive the elite athlete to the highest levels of achievement. Siebold says it’s important not to sidestep conflict in business, assuming you’re invincible. Instead, focus on your ability to work through it, without letting your ego or emotions get the best of you.
via 3 Olympian Strategies to Get Gold-Medal Tough in Business.

So if you want to excel in your small business and grow it faster than the other guys, think like the young Olympians who do the right things.
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