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Health & Fitness

Lessons from Olympic Athletes

This week the spotlight is shining on Sochi and the winter Olympics. Whether you watch the games or not, there is much to be learned from an olympic athlete, and, if you have seen or heard any of the stories of the individuals, you have learned that their road to compete in the Olympics is not easy -- their focus in the face of all kinds of adversity is truly remarkable - some have come back from great tragedies of all types, (physical, emotional, financial, relationship, etc.) and, through it all they have focused on the singular goal of competing in the Olympics.

As caregivers, we can learn from Olympic athletes and remember some important tips that can help you:

OWN IT Have a clear singular focus that you are guided by. That focus will guide and motivate what decisions you make, what behaviors and actions you take. Keep that goal in your vision at all times.

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WANT IT Being a caregiver should be something that speaks to the core of who you are and what you want to be and do for the person you care for -- if you want to be a caregiver, you will be sustained through whatever obstacles come your way. Caregiving is not for the faint of heart, and, if your heart is not in it, you should find someone who's heart will be in it and appoint them the caregiver.

NO (AS IN JUST SAY NO) What am you willing to say no to so you can achieve what’s really important? We have seen instances this week where athletes have made decisions not to participate in some events or activities so that they can optimize their readiness to achieve that gold metal win. As a caregiver, we should always assess what we can delete, defer, or delegate to stay on track and achieve our goals as a caregiver.

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