This week’s focus: I’m involved in SportsAid, a charity which supports up and coming athletic talent and helps to fund the UK’s future Olympic stars. Earlier this week, I attended an event where the charity had invited around 60 parents of some young athletes to discuss their issues and experiences with each other, as well as with legendary SportsAid alumni, including Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Becky Adlington, and our patron, HRH Duchess of Cambridge.
The pressure on young, high-performing athletes can be high and so an understanding and supportive family is essential. Becky Adlington spoke of her disappointment in the immediate aftermath of her bronze medal at London 2012. She had desperately wanted a gold and was in tears.
As she sobbed through her post-race interviews, Becky spotted one of her sisters, who ran up to her and said, “I’ve just touched Michael Phelps!” Immediately, she started to laugh. While everyone else had been feeling sorry for her, Becky’s sister had been completely normal and was able to bring her back down to earth.
Business life can be equally tough and we all have bad days and good. As a result, you need to develop your own emotional support system; partners, family and friends who support you unconditionally, give you honest feedback and keep your feet on the ground so that you can start again afresh.
Off The Record: You’ve Got A Friend by Carole King (and James Taylor)
When you’re down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
How You Can Support SportsAid – And Get A Free Strategy Day With Me
This year I’m offering six small businesses a free day’s strategy session with me. All I ask of you is that you support one of SportsAid’s highly promising young athletes for a year. The costs is just £1,000 and you might find that you’ve helped a future Olympic champion reach the next level of performance – Jess Ennis-Hill, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Steve Redgrave and Daley Thompson are all SportsAid alumni!
So, if you own or run a business with annual revenues of £5 million or less and want to find out more, just click here
© Stuart Cross 2020. All rights reserved.