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“The work is the shortcut.” - Apolo Anton Ohno

What are the characteristics of an olympic mindset?

More importantly, how well does that mindset work, once the time for chasing medals is over?

These were the kinds of questions that Apolo Anton Ohno, the most decorated American winter olympian of all time, had to ask himself when he retired from short track speed skating at the age of 28.

How do you forge a brand new identity when your old one is no longer relevant? How do you define a life well lived? How do you find, and stay aligned with, your True North?

In today’s episode of Impact Theory, we dive deep into these questions and more, including Anton’s humble beginnings, his relationship with his father, and the 5 Golden Principles that will help you through even the most challenging times.

If you liked this episode, you should definitely check out Apolo’s new book, Hard Pivot: Embrace Change. Find Purpose. Show Up Fully.

Order your copy today by clicking here: https://amzn.to/3qoiFIU


SHOW NOTES:
00:00 | Introduction
02:16 | Apolo’s Experience Being Raised By His Father
10:31 | Humble Beginnings
14:41 | Tapping Into the Dark Side to Achieve Greatness
23:25 | Finding Deeper Meaning After Success
32:05 | How Apolo Metabolizes Pain
35:24 | The Universal Skills For Greatness
47:58 | How Curiosity Helped Apolo Thrive After Retirement
52:13 | Apolo’s Later Relationship With His Father
55:07 | Stop Wasting Time and Take Back Control of Your Life
58:46 | How Hardship Leads to Growth


QUOTES:
“iI my dad had not placed me in these types of situations and environments, or if I had not operated from those psychological places of fear, or anger or rage, there is no way that I would have been able to… achieve that level of performance.” [16:55]

“People want to subscribe and be a part of something because maybe they don't have their own identity for themselves. And it's much easier to turn their face and look towards something else.” [20:26]

“You're going to fail and it's going to suck and it's going to hurt and there's going to be pain. And you can metabolize that pain, or that pain can blanket you and keep you submerged. That choice is yours.” [29:53]

“I realized, probably about two years into my retirement, that I could get off the treadmill. I was actually in control. I was the governor of my own speed limit.” [39:31]

“You are strong enough. You can do the hard stuff. You're being thrown out of the nest, and you got to adapt. You can and you will.” [1:02:41]

Follow Apolo Ohno:
Website: https://apoloohno.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ApoloOhno
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apoloohno/
Order your copy of Hard Pivot: https://amzn.to/3qoiFIU