Whether you are glued to the screen, watching the highlights or dipping in and out, you can’t help get swept up in the Olympics hype. Ironically, it means that in the Michaels household we have sat like slugs for days watching the best athletes in the world do their thing. But I have noticed a few things that I thought relate to studying.
It’s never too late
Our wonderful Centre Manager at Dunstable, Lesley, took the GCSEs she needed to do the course she had always dreamed of when she was in her 50s. It’s a great example that we draw upon all the time at Red Bird. And of course, there are Olympic examples too. Andy Macdonald, the 51 year old skateboarder who is part of the GB team, has children older than some of the female members of the skateboarding team. Zeng Zhiying missed out qualifying for the Chinese team in 1984, but represented Chile in table tennis this Olympics this year at 58 years old. There’s always many different ways to succeed in life and follow your dreams. Especially in today’s online society. If it doesn’t all fall into place now, it will at some point.
Competitors can still be friends
This has been super prevalent in these games. Competitors racing, jumping, fighting for the win and then genuinely hugging and congratulating each other immediately afterwards. It’s been well documented too and truly representing the Olympic Spirit. It’s the same in your education journey. It’s ok to want strive to be the best, but take your friends with you. You can work really hard and equally support and big up your friends. The image of Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles bowing down to Rebeca Andrade on the podium after a hard worn fight for the Gold, will epitomise the Olympic message for years to come.
It takes a team to win
Many of the competitors have said thank you for the team behind them. Depending on the sport, this can be coaches, physios, the funders and any number of other people. And pretty much always, they mention their parents, because without those early morning shifts, endless practice, competitions, financial commitments and of course unwavering support, these Olympians that we have begun to know, would never be here. This is my experience in making the difference between how students feel about their education journey. A team effort and knowing that you are supported can change your belief in your abilities. And THAT makes the world of difference.
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes
If you have watched The Olympics coverage, you would have flipped between many different sports, loads that I would never switch on to watch normally. But what strikes me is the massive difference in what constitutes the ‘perfect’ athlete in different sports. There’s literally a sport for every body type. But if they tried to do each others’ sports, they wouldn’t be successful. Because we’re all different. We have different strengths and weaknesses and that’s ok. And we can use those differences to our advantage in our education choices too. If you struggle to be still or find writing a chore, then look at doing more practical subjects as a balance to the writing-heavy ones. Or if it’s needed, spread out your exams so that you can give them your all. Give yourself the best chance to show your strengths, because everyone is a genius. You just may not have found your strength yet.
It’s all about you
At the end of the day, even with all the talent, support, facilities and money in the world, if your heart is not in it, you will never become an Olympian. At Red Bird, we spend a lot of time talking about how your attitude is vital to your success, changing words and thoughts, slowly but surely. We always say that avoiding comparing yourself to others is the fastest way to happiness.
So I leave you with the GOAT, Simone Biles, the absolute best example of all the points made in this blog. The very best in the world of gymnastics (but would be a terrible rower), who champions other gymnasts, including those that could beat her in competitions, who took time out to look after her mental health, only to come back and smash another Olympics, competing with gymnasts years younger than her.
SUE
Owner of Red Bird Tutoring
Sue launched Red Bird Tutoring in 2018, combining her 20+ years experience as a teacher and school leader with her interest in coaching.
Since its launch, Red Bird has helped hundreds of learners achieve success!