It’s been interesting to hear the observations of expert commenters that athletes perform better when the are relaxed. If they are not in the right frame of mind their chances of success are greatly reduced.
When you think about it this applies in many areas. In cricket, for example, your mind has to be totally in the right space to win. The same team can win one game but lose another against the same opposition just by not having their minds in the right space.
Watching the beach volleyball last night it was clear that the Brazilian pair did not gell and they were thrashed by the Chinese.
These are lessons we should take onboard in our business lives.
I also hear the mantra “it’s the taking part that is important”. Well of course taking part is important but so is winning. You try telling Victoria Pendleton or Christine Ohurogu that silver is ok when for the last 4 years their mind has been totally focussed on winning gold.
Taking part is nice but it is better to be a winner. Again it’s all about attitude. Mental strength.