ChangingAging Archive

Naturally, there has also been an effect on the playing
fields. Now, for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, there are
more women than men on the United States team in London. And we can look to
these women as role models for the positive traits we want to emulate. The
strengths they gain from years of hard work and dedication to their sport are
more than just physical. They also represent many of the character virtues identified by Positive Psychology researchers
Chris Peterson and Marty Seligman. 

All this week we’ll be looking at some examples of these and
other strengths personified by the athletes. Consider how to integrate them
into your own daily life.

Vitality. Gabby
Douglas, dubbed the flying squirrel due to the actual height she
achieves as well as the high level of energy she exudes in her routines, won
the gold medal in women’s all-around gymnastics as well as in team all-around.
Her enthusiasm is contagious and she engages everyone around her with her electrifying
smile. With her passion to fulfill her potential, she left home to train under a
new coach and live with a “second family.” Her heart is big enough to
include them all in her zest for life – and for gymnastics.

Search
for what energizes you and go for it all the way. You’ll feel more alive than
ever.

Friendship. The
“Fierce Five” USA gymnasts are a close-knit group, supporting each
other through the Games – even when they are competing against one aother. Jordyn
Wieber, who had been best in world in all-around didn’t make the cut for the
Olympics all-around, yet congratulated teammates Aly Raisman and Gabby
Douglas who did. McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross have been friends since they
were 8 and both took gymnastics at the same gym. When they all worked together
as a team, they drew strength from their friendship with each other and won the
gold medal in team gymnastics. You may not be reaching for the gold yourself, but the
commitment you and your own friends make to each other nurtures each of you and
creates emotional bonds that provide the foundation for a fulfilling life.

Persistence. Dana
Vollmer didn’t even make the Olympic women’s swimming team four years ago. But
she persevered and worked harder than ever to make the team this year. All her
practice paid off when she broke the world record, winning gold medals at the London Games in butterfly as well a gold in women’s medley relay, with Missy Franklin,
Allison Schmitt and Rebecca Soni. When you are discouraged and tempted to give up working toward your own goal, believe in yourself and find the strength to hang in there.  

As you continue to watch the coverage of the London Games
this week, enjoy the spectacle of sport but also reflect on the strength of
purpose and commitment that the athletes – female and male – have developed
over the years. A nice Olympic ideal for all of us to follow.