Since Title IX guaranteed equal funding for girls’ sports programs 40 years ago, we’ve seen the results in school, the workplace and women’s self-confidence. Studies have shown that girls who play sports in high school are more likely to do better in science classes, complete college, avoid substance abuse, and join the workforce. And the more time they spend participating in team sports, the higher their self-esteem.
Naturally, there is also an effect on the playing fields. For the first time in Olympic history, women from every country represented competed and there were more women than men on the United States team in London. We can see them as role models to emulate positive traits. The strengths they have gained from years of hard work and dedication to their sport are more than just physical. They also illustrate many of the character virtues identified in Positive Psychology. Consider how to integrate them into your own daily life.
teamwork Kami Craig, who played on the national championship USC women’s water polo team, and Courtney Mathewson, who was part of archrival UCLA’s national championship team, left the competition behind and worked together as friends to win gold. for the US Your team may be family, friends, or co-workers, and that group’s dedication to the greater good sets the tone for enhancing everyone’s contributions.
Loyalty. Missy Franklin, approached for endorsements, turned them down so she could remain an amateur and swim for her high school and future college teams. Missy is devoted to her school friends, family and her hometown coach. After 4 golds in backstroke and team relays and a bronze, she was looking forward to going home and hanging out with her friends. Your own sense of responsibility to your community and the value you place on giving back will help you stay true to your ideals.
Gratitude. Serena Williams is the second woman to complete the “Golden Slam”, taking individual Olympic gold and winning at Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open and the French Open. Serena has expressed her gratitude to her family for the education she received and has shown it by supporting educational projects in the United States, funding a school in Africa, and mentoring aspiring athletes. She’ll find that when you, too, express gratitude, your mood improves, you feel better about yourself, and more connected to the world around you.
Perspective. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings won gold in women’s beach volleyball in 2004, repeating in 2008, the only women’s team to accomplish that feat. After Misty was injured and Kerri took time off to have children, some wondered if they might still be at the top of their game. However, with the perspective they gained and the balance in their lives, they earned a third gold. When faced with difficult situations and important questions in your own life, consider what you have learned from your past experiences and trust yourself to make the right decisions today.
Generosity. Tea fierce five USA gymnasts are a tight-knit group who support each other throughout the Games, even when competing against each other. When they all worked together, they drew strength from their friendship and won gold in team gymnastics. 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 wasn’t on the women’s Olympic swim team four years ago. But she persevered and worked harder than ever to make it this year. All of her practice paid off when she broke the world record, winning gold medals in the butterfly and women’s medley relay. When you feel discouraged and tempted to stop working towards your own goals, believe in yourself and you will find the strength to continue.
Expect. Kayla Harrison won the gold medal in judo, the first for any American, after nearly quitting the sport several years earlier due to sexual abuse by her coach. But by starting over with a new coach, she regained her love of the sport and her self-confidence. When she’s dealing with trauma or frustrated by a setback, she puts all of her energies into recovering from that challenge, think about what she can still control, and work toward resiliency and achieving her new Plan B goal.
vitality. Gabby Douglas, nicknamed the flying squirrel Due to the actual height she reaches, as well as the high level of energy she exudes in her routines, she won gold medals in women’s and team gymnastics. Her enthusiasm is contagious and she engages everyone around her with an electrifying smile. What passion energizes you? When she enthusiastically pursues him, she will feel more alive than ever.
Although the spectacle of sport in London is over, one can still reflect on the strength of purpose and commitment that athletes, men and women, have developed over the years. It’s a nice Olympic ideal to follow.
(c) 2012, Your Mentor Center
