The London Olympics showcased spectacular effort, achievement, and competitive spirit.  Preparing for the majority of their lives for a 2-3 minute opportunity, makes the performance of Olympic athletes inspiring and should motivate us all to do more, commit more, and sacrifice more.

Unlike business however, the Olympics has a definitive beginning and end. Last night’s closing ceremony concluded seventeen fantastic days of competition.  Conversely, business does not have a closing ceremony or an off season.   Every day matters in business and everyday is a competition. Business is a grueling and never-ending cycle.

The never-ending business season stands in stark contrast to the sustained intensity of the successful business person and the performance intensity of a gold medal winning Olympian.

Rating intensity on a scale of 1-10, the triumphant Olympic athlete operates at a personal 10 during the competition.  In business with no off-season however, operating at a personal 10 is unsustainable.  Motivated by Olympic euphoria, the delusional business person might crank up the intensity to 10.  Like a runner who sets out too quickly, the euphoric and delusional business person’s intensity quickly fades and falls to the back of the pack.  The short-term business sprinter is inconsistent, unreliable, and frustrating to work with.

Succeeding in business does not require a perfect 10.  In fact, winning in business requires operating, consistently, at an intensity level of 8.   The everyday 8 wins the gold medal in business.