The Inspiration of Excellence

Excellence is truly inspirational, and the Olympics never disappoint. It’s impossible to not be encouraged by all the bright young athletes, so full of hope and promise. Watching those athletes experience the entire spectrum of triumph to despair is simultaneously exhilarating and heartbreaking.

Perhaps the most enthralling thing about the Olympics is the athletes’ willingness to put everything on the line, take huge risks, in order to achieve their goals. The games are a culmination of decades of diligence, and the fortitude that the athletes display is symbolic of all things good and pure in the world. Regardless of whether or not they make it to the podium, each one of those athletes is a champion.

As I listen to their stories, I can’t help but wonder—what if we all decided to dedicate the same level of mastery to our own lives? How would we each translate Olympic excellence into the language of life? How different would the world be if we all chose to be heroes? And what would our culture and economy look like today if our leaders in Washington displayed Olympic endurance and courage?

In this election year, the dramatic disparity between the unbridled enthusiasm, rigorous discipline, and untainted fearlessness of the Olympics and the convoluted dysfunction of our national political discourse couldn’t be more apparent. The contrast between the optimistic, even buoyant, energy of the Olympics and the tragic, almost embarrassing, tone of the election is chafing at best and shameful at worst.

We are forced to look everywhere except our own elected officials for inspiration and exemplary behavior. So, the flame of responsibility is passed to every one of us to embody the best of humanity and to display real leadership. I know that I will never compete in the Olympic games, but I will always endeavor to manifest the Olympic spirit in all aspects of my life.

What lessons are you learning from the dedication to mastery displayed by the Olympic athletes? Write to me at sara@greenbuildermag.com, follow me on Twitter @SaraGBM.

For more information about green building and sustainable living, visit www.greenbuildermag.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @greenbuildermag and @VISIONHouseGBM for regular updates and breaking news.