Olympic athletes represent the epitome of human excellence in sports. They dedicate their lives to pursuing their passion and reaching the highest level of performance in their field. They train hard, compete hard, and overcome hard challenges for years. They embody the values of discipline, perseverance, resilience, and excellence. 

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Although many compare the doctoral journey to a marathon, one of the Olympics premiere events, nearly any Olympic sport could serve as an apt metaphor for the highest academic quest. Athletes seek glittering Olympic medals awarded to them on a podium while scholars seek a special sheepskin handed to them on a graduation stage. 

 

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How are ABDs and Olympians alike?

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As an ABD, imagine the lively conversation you could have with an Olympian about your respective journeys. What might you take away from such an encounter? While there are differences, you might discover how much you have in common as you follow your big dreams, one that so many deem impossible: 

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• You must demonstrate mastery of your field to experts. 

• You need to balance your goal pursuit with other obligations, including self-care.

• You may suffer stress, uncertainty, and self-doubt along the way. 

• You need to overcome obstacles, setbacks, and failures. 

• You have to hang in there even when you feel like quitting. 

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How might Olympians respond if you asked them for success tips? After observing hours of Olympics coverage (the games, interviews, and backstories) I clearly discerned some of the best practices for goal attainment in elite sports. They strike me as fairly universal, paralleling the strategies that get my clients across their academic finish line. Here are five Olympic principles you can put to work for you to assure your academic victory: 

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Principle 1: Have a clear vision.

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One of the first things that Olympic athletes do is define a clear vision of what they want to achieve. They have a vivid picture of their desired outcome, whether it is winning a gold medal, breaking a world record, or making history. They use their vision to guide their actions, motivate their efforts, and inspire their emotions. 

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As a dissertation writer, you will also benefit from having a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Take time to paint a vivid picture of your desired outcome, whether it is earning the title of doctor, making a contribution to your field, or advancing your career. Then leverage your vision to motivate you and guide your actions. 

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"You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get." - Michael Phelps, American swimmer and most-decorated Olympian of all time. | Tweet this

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Principle 2: Embrace the challenge. 

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Elite athletes face numerous challenges, both internal and external. As they develop their physical prowess, they must simultaneously cultivate their mental fitness to cope with the tough realities of training regimens and the competition. Learning to expect difficulties and planning how to surmount them become keys to success. (No wonder early life coaches were strongly influenced by sports coaches in developing strategies to help people reach their potential.) 

 

Embracing your doctoral challenges is crucial for your success. Expect setbacks as part of the package. Accept mistakes and feedback—even if poorly articulated—as learning opportunities. Avoid temptations to beat yourself up, ruminate, whine, or worry, as those only rob you of valuable energy you need to complete your tasks. If getting an Olympic medal or a Ph.D. were easy, it wouldn't be worth much. 

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"This ability to conquer oneself is no doubt the most precious of all things sports bestows." - Olga Korbut, Belarusian gymnast and four-time gold medalist. | Tweet this

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Principle 3: Seek feedback and support. 

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Olympic athletes seek feedback and support. They know that they cannot succeed on their own. They rely on the guidance of coaches, the encouragement of teammates, and the feedback of peers. Furthermore, they don't just put in practice time—they engage in "deliberate practice." That means focusing their attention on learning specific skills with the help of expert coaches who can identify their growing edge and prescribe relevant practice routines. 

 

Keep in mind that high achieving athletes count on moral support as well. If you watched any of the events, you witnessed how many athletes relished the hugs and pats of coaches and teammates. After an event, winners rushed to the stands for affection and affirmation from their friends and families. Many winners savored cheers from fans, parading around the arena draped in their country's flag. Support along the way is also necessary, and many athletes openly thank their families for years of faithful support. 

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The lesson for you is "Don't go it alone." As a dissertation writer, elevate your performance by seeking feedback and support. Ask for specific advice from experts, e.g., your advisor, other faculty, or other scholars, on where you need to improve. To keep motivation high, rely on moral support from peers, mentors, friends, and family, where available. Allow those who care about you to share your concerns and celebrate your successes. 

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"Average players want to be left alone. Good players want to be coached. Great players want to be told the truth." - Doc Rivers, NBA star basketball player and all-time great NBA coach 

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Principle 4: Practice self-care and balance. 

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Olympic athletes prioritize self-care and balance to build resilience. They know that they have to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They follow a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. They also develop strategies for managing their stress, for example, by cultivating mindfulness and enjoying hobbies. 

 

Olympians balance their training with their recovery, their work with their play. You might be surprised to discover the wide range of interests among Olympic medalists: golf (Michael Phelps, Lindsey Vonn), knitting (Gabby Thomas), ballroom dancing (Greg Billington), and making furniture (Kelly Clark). They take time out when needed: Gymnast Simone Biles and tennis star Naomi Osaka both withdrew from some competitions to prioritize mental health. The latter also took a maternity leave. 

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As a dissertation writer, you too can benefit from practicing self-care and balance. Doing so helps you avoid burnout, enhance your creativity, and sustain your enthusiasm. Make it a priority to follow a healthy routine, get enough rest, and engage in physical activities. Cultivate mindfulness and other stress-busting strategies. Block time to enjoy your hobbies. When you balance work and play, you maintain your zest and momentum better. 

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"At the end of the day we're human too. We have to protect our mind and body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do." - Simone Biles, Greatest Gymnast Of All Time | Tweet this

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Principle 5: Enjoy the journey. 

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The fifth principle for success, while difficult to observe directly at the Olympics, can be heard in the words of the swimmer Katie Ledecky, the most decorated female Olympian in history: "I just love the pool, love the water, love telling people how great our sport is. Getting people in the pool to learn how to swim, that's really important to me," she said in a CNN interview. Other athletes have also talked about their love for their sports. 

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Abundant data show that you are more likely to maintain the energy and motivation needed for success and well-being if you cultivate a high level of positive emotions. When you find ways to enjoy your work, it means that you don't have to wait until after graduation to "get your life back." Take time to remind yourself what you found appealing about your research area. In addition, have fun regularly. You may also find it helpful to keep handy a list of activities that lift your spirits when needed, from taking a walk to calling a friend. 

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In conclusion, it is clear that top-performing athletes are not only amazing in their sport, but also in their attitude, mindset, and habits. They apply the principles of having clear vision, embracing challenge, seeking feedback and support, practicing self-care and balance, and finding positivity to achieve their excellence. You can apply these principles to your academic journey to achieve excellence in your field. 

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At the same time, a few important differences bear mentioning. Unlike Olympic participants, you do not have to defeat other contenders to become a dissertation champion. You only need to defeat your own self-saboteurs of perfectionism, impostorism, procrastination, etc., by developing and practicing the above success habits. Moreover, after you reach the finish line, you will possess a permanent title and credential that boosts your career prospects, something that an Olympic medal seldom does. If you've gotten this far, you can go the distance!