Five Self-Reliance Tips from Olympic Downhill Racers
Downhill racers participate in a sport that requires speed and precision. The habits and principles that make them successful in this difficult sport can also help us become self-reliant.
Perhaps we are drawn to downhill racing because of the high risk of injury or because so few skiers can achieve the skill necessary to go so fast without flying off the course. Whatever it is that attracts us, most of us would rather sit on the couch and watch a good race than zoom down the mountain ourselves. But the following tips from these elite athletes can apply to our own lives:
Be fit. Being in top shape physically, mentally, and spiritually allows racers to finish the race well. Lots of accidents happen toward the end of the race, when legs tire and focus wanes. Being able to endure to the end makes a big difference.
Be outfitted properly. You wouldn’t throw yourself onto the downhill with recreational skis or without a helmet. Getting the right gear is like getting the right tool. When we have the right tool—whether it’s the right woodworker’s plane or the right leadership skill—we can be more effective in each job we do.
Know when to slow down. This seems counterintuitive for a race, but knowing when to slow down helps skiers stay on course. Sometimes we need to keep ourselves from making hasty decisions or getting so busy that we don’t have any personal time. The secret is to take a deep breath, know our limits, and stay on course.
Pick the right line. In a downhill race, each skier follows a path, or “line,” down the course. These lines vary widely; each skier follows the line that he or she skis the best. Finding this downhill line is like picking a career: we should find one that best matches our skill set.
Form friendships with your competitors. Many downhill skiers develop a mutual respect for and bond with other racers. They find a sense of camaraderie and push one another to work hard, which improves the performance of all the athletes. Maybe if we saw the people we work with, the people in our same industry, or the people in our classroom more as comrades than competitors, we would not only get better at what we do but also feel more fulfilled.