Redefining Strength & Success: What We Can Learn from Simone Biles
by Gabrielle Morse, LMHC and Ashley Livitz, LCSW
Simone Biles once again won gold at the Paris Olympics. This is a testament to her extraordinary talent, but it's also a powerful reminder of a fundamental truth often overlooked in the pursuit of success: the importance of self-care.
In a culture that often glorifies pushing through pain, physical or emotional, Biles' actions were revolutionary. She showed us that strength and success aren’t measured solely by pushing through but also by the courage to prioritize mental well-being. Her decision was a powerful reminder that taking a step back, even in the spotlight, can be the most courageous act of all and propel you forward in the long run. Let’s dive deeper into how this incredible athlete's story can inspire us to prioritize self-care and unlock our own potential.
Listen to your body: In her new Netflix documentary, “Simone Biles Rising,” Biles talks about The Twisties. It's as if the brain and body are suddenly out of sync, leading to a sense of disorientation. Our bodies are incredible machines, constantly sending us signals about our physical and emotional state. We often tune out these messages, prioritizing external pressures, expectations, or fear of failure. Her courage to prioritize her well-being serves as a powerful reminder that it's okay to listen to your body when it's telling you to slow down, rest, or seek help. Try a body scan or guided meditation.
Honor your capacity: Recognize your capacity by remaining mindful of the signs of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. Some people know they are at capacity when they experience difficulty focusing, while others know they are at capacity when they grow irritable. From a relational trauma standpoint, people may find it hard to say no and take a break, especially if they grew up putting others’ needs before their own. Learning to be kind to ourselves and listen to our needs is a big part of healing from these past hurts.
Be proactive about preventing burnout: The reality of burnout prevention can be complex and multifaceted; How can I practice self-care and simultaneously maintain high levels of performance and productivity? How can I achieve an appropriate work-life balance when both work and caring for myself feel overwhelming? To navigate this complexity, one might consider the following strategies:
Ask for help and delegate tasks
Take breaks often
Re-evaluate your goals and priorities
Focus on what you can control
Challenge your beliefs about productivity and success: Bile’s story inspires us to question the relentless pursuit of achievement. Let us redefine success on our own terms by emphasizing balance, resilience, gradual progress, and personal fulfillment over external validation. What is your definition of success?
Break the stigma: In today’s world, we have been taught to impose rules about what we should look like, how we should act, and in what ways we will be judged. Bile’s judgements go beyond the scores announced by the Olympic gymnastics judges. She is subject to judgment from the media, her competitors, coaches, and audience. Rather than falling victim to the outside clatter, Biles challenged the stigma surrounding mental health by choosing to be vulnerable and prioritize her mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Instead of acting out of fear of shame, how can we act in accordance with our values?
In a recent interview with the TODAY show, Simone Biles highlighted that consistency with therapy is essential for her feeling comfortable and confident in competing. She makes it a point to stick to her daily therapy routine, even when she is far from home. Biles’ powerful advocacy for mental health awareness has shown that true strength comes from taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally. When we invest our energy into feeling our best, we can perform at our best.
Learn more about Ashley Livitz, LCSW and her work here >
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