This week I have the good fortune of being in the UK as they host the 2012 Olympic games. Not a typical sports fan, but being here one has little choice but to be swept up in the emotion, drama and excitement of it. And with every compelling story of victory or disappointment I marvel at what a testament this event is to the potential of the human body and the human spirit.But what is the difference that makes the difference for example, between these young athletic hopefuls and say, me, who gets tired just watching them? Of course there is talent, but any medal winner will admit that raw talent counts for only a small portion of it. No-one is born spiking a volleyball, swimming 200 metres butterfly or off-roading a BMX (which I didn’t realise is now an Olympic sport). It’s what we decide to do with that talent the physical work we are willing to invest and the mental stamina and training that conditions us for achievement.These games offer inspiration for anyone with a passion. Perhaps the approach and sports psychology employed by the athletes can provide the rest of us with a strategy for success, whatever our chosen field.Nine Olympic Leaps to Success:1. Goal settingNone of the Games’ participants have gotten to where they are without setting a goal to be there. Sports training involves a series of goals and targets reached over time. Using much the same process I’ve discussed in previous weeks, there is a guide to setting SMART goals on the official Olympic website (www.olympic.org). Goal setting is a fundamental.What’s interesting is that a gold medal itself is not the ultimate goal.‘Gold’ is an outcome goal (or competitive goal). It relies on winning, beating others, but we have no certainty of this because we can’t control our competitors only ourselves. This can lead to heightened anxiety. If the focus is only on gold (or winning a contract or being picked as best applicant or winning someone’s heart) and someone else gets it, no matter how brilliantly we did, exceeding our targets and expectations, the result is disappointment and loss of confidence.So although outcome goals can be motivating, a study showed that success is best achieved using a training plan including a combination of goal types:Performance (or mastery) goals which involve self-comparison and improving personal performance and process goals which revolve around the form, strategy and processes involved in successfully performing a skill.2. Creative thinking (being open to what is possible)Sir Roger Bannister … need I say more? They said it couldn’t be done. A four-minute mile was humanly ‘impossible’ until 1954. Twenty-five-year-old Bannister knew he could do it and proved them wrong. Once the mental barrier was broken, 37 more runners did the same that year. 300 runners the next year. Did everyone suddenly get faster? Or were they now just open to a new possibility?We must have a vision. And we have to believe we can achieve it.3. PassionThese Olympians certainly aren’t in it for the money. What drives someone to dedicate so much to something? Passion. A thrill that can be reached by doing something one cares about to the best of one’s ability. And a connection to something greater than themselves, be it their team, their country, even the sport itself.4. Hard workThe training schedules are rigorous and the athletes are dedicated. There is no: “I don’t feel like it today” or “It’s raining”. The common theme coming across in interview is self-discipline and putting in the hours is what get results. They say it takes 10,000 hours to master anything.5. Having a coach and a support systemMy profession developed from sports coaching when it was recognised what an invaluable asset (for any profession/field) it is having an unbiased coach, not only for support, accountability and to act as personal cheerleader, but to be both an objective observer and mirror, bringing to light the sometimes minute details of behaviour, process and performance so adjustments and improvements can be made. “You don’t achieve greatness on your own,” said former gold-winning diver, Greg Louganis in a recent BBC interview.6. Constant and never ending improvementTony Robbins’ famous acronym, CANI having the flexibility and foresight to make the adjustments and keep striving to be better even when you’re doing well. This takes courage and stamina. Late 90s’ Tiger Woods changed his winning golf swing at what many thought to be the peak of his career. A daring move and he faltered for a season but his pursuit of improvement paid off as his career soared from strength to strength.7. FocusThere is no doubting the laser-like focus and directed thinking of these bright superstars. Concentrating fully on what we’re doing, when we’re doing it, increases performance and efficiency.8. Positive mental attitudeDespite intense pressure from millions around the world watching and their own personal expectations, the athletes with longevity, who cope best, are the ones who have developed the attribute of seeing things as they really are. When a millisecond can stand between getting a medal and being … what, a loser? No, being the fourth best in the world at what you do (or fifth, sixth or 100th even ranking on that scale is a huge achievement), perspective is important.Remember, at the end of the day, it’s only a game. Amid our commitments we must maintain some balance and an understanding of what is most important to us.9. One-world visionPeople from 204 countries, cohabiting in a community reportedly exuding an atmosphere of sharing, support, camaraderie, jubilation and friendly competition. Yet another example of what is possible.So as I sit in front of the TV, blubbing at every national anthem and hearing the heartwarming commentary of valiant effort, grace, humbleness, personal and physical strength, etc, I allow myself to be inspired. Perhaps we can all share their strategies, be it in our business, relationships, parenting, careers, health, activities etc, and find in ourselves the ability to be extraordinary in whatever it is we do.Go team BDA!Julia Pitt is a trained success coach and certified NLP practitioner.For further information telephone 705-7488 or visit www.juliapittcoaching.com.