We are drawn to stories of individuals who not only embody the pursuit of excellence but also have humility.
Over the past decade, I've coached and counseled many high achievers, studied performance and written countless articles and essays on the topic. In recent years, I've noticed a change in how elite performers of all kinds — in sports, science, the arts, education and business — strive for success: More and more, people are realizing that you don't need to be a jerk to be great. As a matter of fact, being a jerk is associated with cheating and burnout. This shift was fully on display at the 2024 Olympic Games, which concluded last weekend and offered important lessons that all of us should carry forward. Time and time again, we saw that you can compete fiercely and respect your competition, as evidenced by Simone Biles cheering on one of her top challengers, Rebeca Andrade. That you can want to win badly yourself and display empathy for others in the arena with you. That you can be relentless and kind, disciplined and compassionate. Whereas pseudo-greatness is about being a tough guy who looks down on your competition, real greatness is grounded in bettering oneself, not merely defeating others. This doesn't just sound nice; as I wrote in my recent guest essay for Times Opinion, it is empirically true. Perhaps the most significant reward of chasing a big goal — whether it's an Olympic medal, a promotion at work or even a political position — is the person you become and the relationships you forge along the way. Though the Games are over, we should continue to aspire toward this greater prize. As a result, our own versions of excellence will be more sustainable and fulfilling, and the culture of competition we inhabit will be a more decent one.
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Saturday, August 17, 2024
Opinion Today: You don’t need to act like a jerk to be great
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