Simone Biles Quote on Work Ethic and How Greatness Requires More Of You

“Everything I do is in the gym so I’m always in gym clothes.”

Simone Biles

Beyond the Quote (Day 370)

Gymnasts perform some of the most incredible feats humanly possible. The ability to hold an iron cross; to twist multiple times through the air as they leap from a high bar to a low bar; to flip multiple times on floor routines and to watch them stick insane landings—they truly are some of the most impressive athletes in the world. And you better believe that every flip, twist, and landing is hard earned—never given.

Like any other dangerous or risky feat, there is a ton of training that goes on behind the scenes before any of that could ever happen—it doesn’t just come with talent. I experienced this first hand as I tried to learn how to do a backflip. I started out on what they called the “Pac man” to understand how it feels to flip. I moved to the trampoline and had a spotter guide me through the motion. I then practiced flipping from floor to foam pit. Then I spent hours and hours drilling on the tumble track and spring floor. And the more difficult the movement or routine—the more tactics, tools, and training that’ll go into mastering it.

This is how it goes for anything high-level in life. Greatness requires great sacrifice, work ethic, and commitment. Nobody just starts out great. So, whatever it is that you want to be great at—make sure you’re putting in the time and work that’ll back that idea up. Sometimes you’ll have to say ‘no’ to fun nights out with your friends. Many times you’ll have to show up and work even when you don’t want to. And commitment means that you stick to it through-and-through—at least for as long as that desire for greatness continues to burn inside. Otherwise, be okay settling for where you are. Because without sacrifice, work ethic, and commitment—greatness isn’t an option.

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