Discipline is the not-so-secret weapon that separates good from great. It’s what propels athletes to victory, even when they’re tired, doubting themselves, or staring down impossible odds. Entrepreneurs and leaders alike face high stakes and relentless challenges. The difference between hitting your goals and falling short often comes down to one thing: discipline.
This isn’t just theory for me. I’ve lived it. I spent years in an elite Olympic Oval training program, competing at a level that demanded every ounce of grit, focus, and discipline I could muster. Those years didn’t just shape who I was as an athlete—they built the foundation of who I am as a leader.
Being part of that program was equal parts exhilarating and humbling. The competition was fierce, but it wasn’t about crushing others to rise to the top. It was about pushing myself to be better every single day, knowing that by elevating my own performance, I could elevate those around me too. That mindset continues to influence everything I do today—from the way I lead and build relationships to how I face challenges in business and life.
Here are the five lessons I’ve carried with me from the ice arena to the boardroom—and how they can help you become a more disciplined and inspired leader.
1. Show Up Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
In elite athletics, there’s no room for excuses. Training doesn’t care if you’re tired, sore, or doubting yourself. You show up, put in the work, and trust that it will pay off. That relentless consistency taught me that discipline isn’t about how you feel in the moment—it’s about your commitment to your goals.
How to Apply It:
- Create Non-Negotiables: In my training, practice wasn’t optional. Build that same mindset into your schedule, whether it’s carving out time for strategic thinking, team building, or personal growth.
- Anchor Yourself in Your Vision: Back then, I imagined myself standing on a podium. Now, my vision is different but no less powerful: leading others, building something meaningful, and creating impact. Find your “why” and let it fuel you on the hard days.
2. Master the Basics
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of the fundamentals. Every sprint, every drill, every repetition—these weren’t glamorous, but they were the building blocks of success. It’s the same in leadership and entrepreneurship: success is rooted in the basics, done well and done consistently.
How to Apply It:
- Focus on the Core Actions: Whether it’s setting clear goals for your team, honing communication skills, or building trust, the basics are what drive real results.
- Never Stop Practicing: Even now, I revisit the fundamentals. Discipline is like a muscle—you have to keep strengthening it through deliberate practice.
3. Embrace the Power of Grit
Training at an elite level wasn’t easy. There were injuries, losses, and days when I felt like giving up. But grit—staying in the fight even when it’s hard—got me through. That same grit is what I bring to every challenge I face as a leader.
How to Apply It:
- Keep Going When It’s Tough: Whether you’re leading a team through uncertainty or navigating a personal challenge, grit means staying the course and trusting that your persistence will pay off.
- Learn from Setbacks: Athletes don’t just face failure—they learn from it. Take every setback as an opportunity to refine your strategy and grow stronger.
4. Compete to Elevate, Not to Crush
In the Olympic Oval program, competition wasn’t about tearing others down—it was about raising the bar for everyone. That mindset has shaped how I lead. My goal isn’t to outshine others but to inspire them to rise higher alongside me. This approach has created collaboration, innovation, and deep connections.
How to Apply It:
- Lift Others as You Climb: Whether it’s your team, your peers, or your clients, approach competition as a way to bring out the best in everyone. True success is shared.
- Focus on Your Own Growth: Athletes compete against themselves first. Keep your eyes on your progress, not just the scoreboard.
5. Build Mental Resilience
Perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve carried into my career is the importance of mindset. Physical strength can only take you so far; mental resilience is what keeps you going. From visualization exercises to reframing challenges, I learned that the mind is the ultimate tool for discipline.
How to Apply It:
- Train Your Mind Daily: Incorporate practices like journaling, mindfulness, or visualization into your routine. These aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials for maintaining focus and resilience.
- Stay Process-Oriented: Athletes don’t just dream about winning; they focus on what needs to happen today to make it possible. Keep your attention on the habits and actions that lead to success.
How It Shaped Me
My time in the Olympic Oval training program didn’t just prepare me for competition—it prepared me for life. The habits, the grit, the discipline, and the resilience I built during those years have become the foundation of how I lead, build, and compete in the workforce. Every day, I draw on the lessons I learned on the ice and in the gym to show up as the best version of myself—not to outshine others, but to inspire and elevate them.
My calling is to share these principles and more to help leaders and entrepreneurs unlock their own potential. Discipline isn’t reserved for athletes—it’s a skill anyone can cultivate. And when you do, it transforms how you lead, build, and thrive.
Are you ready to compete at your highest level? Let’s build the discipline and mindset to make it happen—together. Email me at jacealynh@gmail.com to get started!
Even If You Miss..... 