Mette Bloch: Thoughts on motivation, dedication and the Olympics

You probably couldn't help but notice that the Olympics are in Paris. It's something I look forward to, because I love to see the dedicated athletes give it everything they have and culminate right where they have to deliver their best.

But what is it they can do that enables them to cope with the pressure and perform like supermen and women?

Yes, the most essential is a tool that is available to everyone, namely dedication. We can all be motivated, you see that every year when there is the Tour de France, then you suddenly see many more people on the bikes in tight lycra and teardrop helmets when you walk around outside.

One of the differences between those who jump on the bike right there, and him or her sitting in the field for the competition, is the dedication behind it. Dedication must take over when motivation drops because it WILL drop! You can't just be vaccinated with motivation and then have it for the rest of your life. If it could be done, we were all just on a single diet and then that was it. No dedication is where you have to find when you are not motivated.

When I was playing sports at a high level and had to get up early in the morning to train, even when it was cold and dark, I definitely wasn't always motivated. But then I asked myself: "Will you be upset this summer, when you are ready to start for the WC, if you don't train today?" And the answer was always “YES!” I want to! - and then I set off.

Then take just one thing and practice it, then that's a good place to start. Ask yourself why you exercise, why you want to take care of your body, why you want to eat well, get good vitamins and what other good things you do for yourself.

I promise you it makes a world of difference. Suddenly it's much more about doing something good for you than about impressing others, and here you have the answer to how the pressure is to be endured. YOU have to fight to be good to YOU, YOU have to take care of yourself because YOU are amazing and because YOU have earned success.

Do a little bit already today and feel how wonderful it feels!