The closing ceremonies of the Olympics are always a dazzling display of talent, hard work, and perseverance. Watching the athletes compete, it’s hard not to be inspired by their incredible physical and mental abilities—their powerful jumps, dives, sprints, and lifts. The dedication these athletes show is truly awe-inspiring.
As I reflected on their performances, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between greatness in athletics and success in business. While I may not be an Olympic diver or marathon runner, my experience working with Nigerian entrepreneurs has given me a front-row seat to the journey of building successful businesses. I’ve seen firsthand that there are a few key traits that both top athletes and top business leaders share.
1. Success is a Team Effort
Even solo athletes, like Nigeria’s own Olympic medalist Ese Brume, rely on a strong support team. From coaches to mentors to teammates, these individuals play a critical role in an athlete’s success. The same holds true in business. As a Nigerian entrepreneur, your success hinges on the strength of your team. Are you engaging with your colleagues, mentors, and advisors to refine your business strategy, get feedback, and continuously improve?
2. Discipline is Non-Negotiable
Discipline is what separates good from great. It’s not just about working hard on good days—it’s about maintaining consistency even when things get tough. In business, this means setting clear goals and sticking to your daily routines to interact with customers, investors, and your team. It’s about managing distractions and keeping your eye on the prize, just like how an athlete trains day in and day out.
3. Resilience is Key to Overcoming Setbacks
Every business faces setbacks, just like athletes do. Whether it’s losing a major client or navigating a difficult economic period, resilience is crucial. Take a lesson from Sha’Carri Richardson, who bounced back from setbacks to become the fastest woman in the world. In business, resilience means learning from your mistakes, adapting your strategies, and staying focused on your long-term goals, even when the road gets rough.
4. Vision Drives Growth
Great athletes don’t just rely on physical strength—they also use mental imagery to visualize their success. Simone Biles, for instance, often envisions herself completing complex routines before performing them. Similarly, as a business leader, you need a clear vision to guide your decisions and keep you aligned with your goals. Whether it’s landing a big client or expanding into new markets, having a strong vision is essential for driving growth and achieving your business objectives.
5. Strategic Execution is Essential
Hard work is important, but it’s strategic execution that sets the winners apart. Athletes plan their training to build endurance and avoid burnout. In business, this means focusing on activities that yield the highest returns, delegating tasks that others can do better, and making sure your efforts are sustainable for the long haul. Are you executing your business strategy in a way that maximizes your resources and positions you for long-term success?
Conclusion
Teamwork, discipline, resilience, vision, and strategic execution—these are the traits that drive success, whether on the track or in the boardroom. As Nigerian entrepreneurs, we may not all be Olympians, but with the right mindset and support, we can achieve greatness in our own fields. So, as you work toward your next business milestone, remember these key traits and apply them to your journey. You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve!
