How to train for your career like an Olympic athlete

From a very young age, Olympic athletes train for competition and have their hopes set on gold. Their training may be intense, but the process to achieving their dreams is not limited to athletes. Here are three ways to start training for your career like an Olympic athlete.

Plan your career

Purple Sheep give careful thought to their careers, using each experience as a stepping stone for the next.

The most successful Purple Sheep had identified and worked toward their ‘dream job’. How much time have you invested in planning for your career (compare that to your most recent big purchase)? It’s important to have a 5 year plan, outlining your goals and identifying the skills needed to get there. It’s a helpful exercise to see if you’re missing any of the key skill-sets that you need to do the job.

Coaching

Behind every great athlete is great coaching. The same can also be said for highly successful careers. Mentoring and networking are essential resources for maximizing your career potential. This is especially true if you’re transitioning careers, speaking to people doing the job you want will help you better prepare.

Passion

Maybe it goes without saying, but no one has ever stood atop a podium without absolute passion for their work. For Olympic athletes, the road to the Olympics is long and arduous with highs and lows. Like the job hunt, searching and preparing can be mentally tough but it’s the passion that makes it all worth it.

Do you have a 5 year plan? a mentor who’s made a difference in your career?  Let us know in the comments below.

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