Going For Gold: A Guide to Redefining Victory
Victorious: Christof Innerhofer, now 41, won silver in the downhill and bronze in the super combined at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. In a few days, he'll be back in medal contention at the Olympics.
The world is currently turning its eyes toward the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Having spent the last few months living here in the Dolomites (I’m lucky enough to call this stunning part of Italy home for about half the year each year), the energy is palpable. The flags are out, the tracks are groomed to perfection, and the air has that crisp, electric hum of impending greatness.
This Sunday, I’ll be heading to the events to cheer from the stands. But for me, the connection is personal. In the previous Winter Games, I had the privilege of working with several incredible athletes. This time around, I’m supporting other remarkable individuals as they prepare to take the world stage.
Working at the elite level of sport teaches you many things, but one truth stands taller than the rest: While the pursuit of a goal is noble, "gold" doesn't look the same for everyone.
What is Your "Gold"?
In the Olympics, gold is a physical object—a disc of metal that signifies being the fastest or the strongest. But in the "real world" (and even for the athletes I coach), the most sustainable form of gold is internal.
For some, gold is finally setting a boundary with a toxic relative. For others, it’s the quiet triumph of getting out of bed on a heavy mental health day, or the courage to start a career transition at forty.
True "gold" isn't just about the achievement; it’s about the person you become while you’re chasing it.
A Guide to Chasing Your Own Gold
If you are currently working toward a major milestone, here is how to navigate the climb without losing yourself in the process:
Define the "Why" Before the "What": An Olympic skier doesn't just want a medal; they want to know they mastered the most difficult line on the mountain. Ensure your goal is rooted in your values, not just an external "should."
Embrace the "Comfortably Uncomfortable": Growth happens in the stretch zone. If your goal doesn't scare you a little, it might not be big enough; if it paralyzes you, it’s too big. Find the middle ground.
Build Your Support Team: No athlete reaches the podium alone. Whether it’s a therapist, a coach, or a group of friends, ensure you have people who see your potential even on your "DNF" (Did Not Finish) days.
Recognizing Gold in Others
We often only celebrate people when they reach the finish line. But as a community, we can do better. We can recognize "gold-medal effort" in the people around us every day:
Acknowledge the consistency of a friend who is showing up for their recovery.
Celebrate the vulnerability of a partner sharing their fears.
Notice the resilience of a colleague navigating a setback.
Celebrating Yourself Along the Way
One of the biggest mistakes high-achievers make is "moving the goalposts." They hit a milestone and immediately look to the next peak without taking a breath.
This Sunday, as I watch the world’s best compete, I’ll be thinking about the quiet victories that happened long before the cameras started rolling. I encourage you to do the same for yourself.
Don't wait for the podium to feel proud. Take a moment today to look back at how far you’ve come. Maybe your "gold" today was simply choosing kindness over frustration, or persistence over surrender. That counts.
Whether you're watching the Games from your living room or, like me, catching the action amidst the pines of Cortina, remember: the noble part is the pursuit. Your gold is already within you.