Are You Winning?

This past month, the world was tuned into the 2006 Winter Olympics where we saw and some of us felt the ecstasy of winning and the agony of defeat.

As I watched the extraordinary performances of the Olympics, I asked myself: “What is the difference between being the Champion (Gold Medal), the Winners (Silver & Bronze Medals), and the Losers (No Medals)?”

One event that showcased the greatness of Olympic Champions was the final ice skating performance for the Women's Gold. Going into the women's finals, Irina Slutskaya (Russia), Sasha Cohen (US), and Shizuka Arakawa (Japan) were in first, second and third place, respectively. It was clear that they all had to overcome difficulties, injuries and the pressure of being in the finals for their countries.

The three had experienced the agony of defeat and the ecstasy of winning in the past. However, this was the 2006 Olympics. And for all of them, this could have been their last Gold medal opportunity.

Shizuka won the Gold with a flawless and graceful performance. Sasha took the Silver and Irina, the Bronze. What made the difference for Shizuka (my belief) was her mind set and focus before the final dance. You could feel and see the pressure on Sasha and Irina as they prepared for the final performance.

Their slight resistance (doubt, lack of certainty) contributed to costly mistakes and opened the door for Shizuka, who instead prepared by meditating on a chair looking calm and graceful. She had nothing to lose because she was not expected to win. It was a breakthrough result for her and Japan - their first and only Gold Medal in ice skating. You felt her ecstasy when she realized she had won.

I felt the same energy from all the Gold Medal Champions before and after they won. They were focused, quiet, prepared and fulfilled before winning the Gold Medal. When they won, they were all grateful, happy and very generous with their competitors.

They were Champions. Most of them fulfilled intentions that were created before they became teenagers. Their journey was all worth it and you could see it in their faces when they stood together with the other winners listening to the Champions' national anthems.

As you create and play your games in life and in the business world, notice if you are clear, focused, prepared, committed and playing all out feeling like a Champion.

In April's newsletter, you will learn about the Winning Process, BizChampions module to achieve individual/corporate goals and Shared Vision.