I just finished watching “Simone Biles Rising” on Netflix. If you haven’t seen this four-part docuseries it showcases her life from when she withdrew from competition at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to a dangerous mental condition, to her triumphant return at the 2024 Paris Olympics. It provides a fantastic glimpse into the life of the most accomplished gymnast ever - someone who continues to break boundaries and challenge herself to fulfill her deepest potential.
There was one moment in particular that really stood out to me. In the final episode, after Team USA wins the gold medal in the team competition, the pressure on Simone to win gold in the individual all-around competition is INTENSE. She wants this. Her country wants this. Expectations are higher than ever.
But Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade is incredibly good as well. Simone has to perform more difficult moves, with near perfection, to win.
As Simone walked out for her first event, her coach said she was physically ready but that her mental game was important.
Her mental game was important.
After years of hard work, training, and preparation to get back to the pinnacle of her sport, she physically had everything she needed to win. But her mental game was what mattered.
Under pressure, our mental game is what makes the difference.
Leaders in all sectors are under intense pressure right now. You might think you don’t have time to invest in actions and strategies specifically for your mental health, but if you don’t, chances are higher that you’ll need to withdraw from the competition.
Good mental game doesn’t just happen. Like anything else it requires a plan, commitment, and practice.
Simone openly talks about her weekly therapy sessions and how, in those last moments of tough competition, she closed her eyes and used the tools from those sessions to focus and perform at her best.
What can you do to create your best mental game?
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