Simeone Biles is out of the Olympics. The gymnastic gold medalist and former champion withdrew from the All-Around Gymnastics competition at the Tokyo Olympics to focus on mental health. This caused a stir amongst fans and the media. Some praised her for her bravery while others ridiculed her for not competing. Critics accused her of “quitting” on her USA Gymnastic teammates when she withdrew. However, Biles is clapping back at critics explaining that it is a safety and mental health issue.
“For anyone saying I quit, I didn’t quit,” Biles wrote in an Instagram story Friday. “My mind and body are simply not in sync … I don’t think you realize how dangerous this is on [a] hard competition surface.
“I chose not to continue team competition [so not to jeopardize] losing a medal (of any color) for the girls/US,” she wrote. “Also for my own safety and health.”
Read on for 6 lessons you can learn from Simone Bile’s bravery in prioritizing her mental health regardless of the pressure of millions of fans and haters watching her every move.
the outpouring love & support I’ve received has made me realize I’m more than my accomplishments and gymnastics which I never truly believed before. 🤍
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) July 29, 2021
1. Self Worth
Have you ever hoped you would feel worthy once you obtained something you’ve desired? I will be enough when… I have lots of money, lose enough weight, achieve this by 30. We’ve all been there. We chase a goal hoping to feel fulfilled, but then we get to that point and we still feel like we are unworthy. Why is that? Perhaps it’s because we base our worth on other’s opinions. Will we ever feel like enough if keep basing our worth on some asshole’s opinion who’s constantly moving the finish line further away? That’s why the first lesson we can learn from Simone Bile’s withdrawal is that you should define your own self-worth.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
2. Prioritize Health
How many times have you put work over your own health and well-being? I know I have especially at the start of my career when I felt pressure to “prove myself.” Simone Bile explains how “quitting” is actually protecting herself from injury. Your career could be your life, but it’s not worth your life. Regardless of what others expect of you, ALWAYS put your health first.
You are killing yourself for for a job that would replace you within a week if you dropped dead. Take care of yourself.
Jet Li
3. Self Awareness
Biles explained on her Instagram story, “My mind and body are simply not in sync … I don’t think you realize how dangerous this is on [a] hard competition surface. Checking in with yourself is so important because no one knows what you need better than you. Often we get into a routine and go on autopilot not even paying attention to our own needs. Take time to tune into yourself and how you’re feeling.
4. Speak Up
Due to struggles with the intense pressure, Biles explained, “I have to focus on my mental health.” Simone could’ve severely injured herself if she had not spoken up. You are your best advocate, so stand up and speak out for the things you need.
5. Ignore Haters
People’s opinions have more to do with themselves than to do with you. They are made up of their own past, their own expectations, their own fears in life. Not yours. Ignore the haters because their opinion of you is more of a reflection of themselves.
Be who you are and say what you feel becasue those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
Dr. Seuss
6. Take A Break
Did you know over half of U.S. workers – 54% – feel guilty for taking a vacation? And according to the U.S. Travel Association’s research, 55% of Americans don’t use all of their paid vacation time. If you are skipping breaks it can lead you to burnout. Be your best for work and your personal life by taking breaks more often. Need help convincing your boss? Just take a look at 4 lessons employers can learn from Simone Biles by Forbes.
7. You Don’t Owe Anyone
Prioritize yourself because you don’t owe anyone anything. Read that again. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. They don’t deserve access to you. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation for prioritizing your health. Period. Be unapologetic about your self-care like Simone Biles.
….did she cost the team a gold medal?🏅or did her decision help her team win a silver medal? 🥈….because if she had a really bad performance her team would not have placed at all.
— Thought Provoker (@Provokingu) July 28, 2021
8. Help Yourself To Help Others
By stepping down from the competition, Biles helped out her teammates by giving them a better chance of winning while cheering them on the sidelines. If she did not take care of herself, she wouldn’t be able to support her teammates and make the best decision for both parties. This is the same reason why safety announcements on flights always tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others.
Also, Mental health is taking the spotlight at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics thanks to athletes like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Michael Phelps coming forward helps to destigmatize the discussion around mental health. When you advocate for yourself, you can also unknowingly inspire others as well. We hope you feel inspired by her brave, unapologetic self-care and that you can apply some of these same principles to your own life. Learn more about mental health and self-care at Cleva Gal.
