Last night, the Closing Ceremonies marked the finale of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Find out how lost luggage and smashing through a door can help you stay determined in your job search and career development.
1. Be persistent.
Once he made up his mind, Putin would stop at nothing – not backlash from nearly the entire world, resistance from the IOC, a city in rehabilitation or subtropical temperatures that would melt Olympic snow – to bring the Olympics Games (a.k.a “Putin’s Games”) to Russia, teaching us that persistency does pay off.
Not hearing back, even though you’ve submitted tons of applications? Keep searching and submitting! Told “no” by gatekeepers as you’re trying to land a huge client? Keep calling! Persistency is key to achieving your goals in job search and your career.
2. In the words of Robert Frost, “the best way out is always through.”
When Johnny Quinn found himself trapped in a Sochi bathroom, he did what any determined Olympian would do – busted straight through it!
When you’re going through a job search or career rough spot, don’t give up – make like Quinn and find the strength to knuckle down to make it through!
3. Ignore the haters.
After two disqualifications, Elise Christie found herself the target of heavy Twitter backlash and death threats (!!!). Did she pack up her speed skates and leave Olympic Village? Nope! She competed again (unfortunately, ending in another disqualification) and has since told the world“I’ll be back.”
Even after a major fail (froze at an interview for your dream job, caught bad mouthing your boss online, got fired), pick yourself up, dust off the ice and hit the rink again (and apologize to your boss!).
4. Setbacks happen – Don’t let them ruin your game.
First, they couldn’t afford to travel to the Olympics. Then, their luggage and gear got lost. Then, they almost flipped their bobsled. Then, they finished in 29th place – second to last – because the last place team failed to complete the competition. Do you know what the Jamaican bobsled team had to say about their 2014 Olympic experience?
“Our journey here is not easy,” Watts said. “There’s nothing easy in life. It was a rocky road to get here. We have been through a lot of obstacles.”
We’d tell you how to apply this to your job search or career… but we’re pretty sure you already know.
5. Keep your chin up.
Job searching and career development can be hard – you’ll face rejection, failure, mistakes and losses. Keep your chin up and your eyes forward. Your hard work will pay off… and you won’t land face first like one of Austria’s team member at the Opening Ceremonies!
Find out more ways you can learn from other Olympic fails past.
CEOs, leaders and entrepreneurs – See your career takeaways from the Sochi Olympics.
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