Have you ever wondered what separates the good from the truly great? At just seven years old, Simone Biles watched a cheerleader execute a perfect back tuck and declared she could do it too. Without hesitation, she tried—and nailed it. That fearless moment wasn’t just a spark of talent; it was a glimpse into the mindset that would make her a global icon. Now, at 28, with seven Olympic gold medals to her name, Biles shares the advice that shaped her journey: focus on being the best version of yourself, not on outshining others. Her story isn’t just about gymnastics—it’s a blueprint for anyone chasing elite success in their own life.
The Power of a Self-Focused Mindset
When Biles was a kid, her mom gave her a piece of advice that stuck: don’t waste energy comparing yourself to others. Instead, channel that focus into beating your own past performances. It’s a simple idea, but in a world obsessed with competition, it’s revolutionary. Biles didn’t aim to be better than her peers; she aimed to be the greatest version of herself. That shift in perspective fueled her rise to becoming the most decorated gymnast in history.
I’ve always found this approach refreshing. In my own life, I’ve noticed how easy it is to get caught up in what others are doing—whether it’s a colleague’s promotion or a friend’s picture-perfect social media post. But Biles’ philosophy reminds us that true growth happens when we measure ourselves against our own potential, not someone else’s highlight reel.
“All I ever wanted was to be the greatest Simone that I could be. My goal was to be the greatest Simone Biles of all time.”
– Olympic champion
Why Comparison Kills Progress
Let’s be real: comparing ourselves to others is human nature. But it’s also a trap. When we fixate on someone else’s success, we’re not just distracted—we’re actively undermining our own confidence. Leadership experts point out that comparison often amplifies insecurities, making us feel like we’re never enough. Instead of running our own race, we’re tripping over someone else’s finish line.
Biles’ approach flips this on its head. By focusing on her own progress, she sidestepped the mental clutter that comparison creates. This mindset didn’t just help her win medals; it gave her the clarity to make tough choices, like prioritizing her mental health during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That decision wasn’t about beating anyone else—it was about being true to herself.
- Comparison steals focus: It pulls you away from your goals and into someone else’s story.
- It fuels insecurity: Measuring yourself against others highlights what you lack, not what you’ve gained.
- It’s a losing game: There’s always someone “better,” so the cycle never ends.
Building Your Own Path to Elite Success
So, how do you adopt this mindset in your own life? It starts with redefining what success means to you. For Biles, it was about mastering her craft and pushing her limits. For you, it might be landing a dream job, strengthening a relationship, or even finding peace in your daily routine. The key is to set personal benchmarks that excite you, not ones dictated by external standards.
One practical step is to track your progress. I’ve found that keeping a journal—whether it’s for work achievements or personal milestones—helps me see how far I’ve come. It’s like having a conversation with your past self, celebrating the wins and learning from the setbacks. Biles didn’t become an Olympian overnight; she built her success through countless small improvements, each one a step toward her ultimate goal.
Another tip? Surround yourself with people who inspire you, not intimidate you. Leadership experts suggest leaning on mentors and friends who lift you up and challenge you to grow. These are the folks who’ll remind you of your strengths when self-doubt creeps in.
| Focus Area | Action Step | Impact Level |
| Self-Reflection | Track progress in a journal | High |
| Support System | Connect with mentors | Medium-High |
| Goal Setting | Define personal benchmarks | High |
Embracing Tough Choices for Growth
Here’s where Biles’ story gets even more compelling. In 2020, she made headlines by withdrawing from several events at the Tokyo Olympics. A mental condition known as the twisties—a gymnast’s worst nightmare—was putting her at risk of serious injury. Walking away wasn’t easy. The world was watching, and the pressure to perform was immense. But Biles chose her well-being over external expectations, proving that elite success sometimes means saying no.
That choice paid off. Three years later, she returned to the 2024 Paris Olympics and clinched another all-around title. Her comeback wasn’t just about medals; it was a testament to her resilience and commitment to her own path. In my view, that’s what makes her story so universal. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or a personal setback, prioritizing your growth over short-term wins can lead to bigger victories down the road.
“The world doesn’t need you to be perfect. It needs you to be bold.”
– Olympic champion
Applying the Mindset Beyond the Gym
Biles’ approach isn’t just for athletes. It’s a game-changer for anyone striving to stand out in their field. Take relationships, for example. Instead of comparing your partnership to others, focus on building a stronger connection with your partner. Or in your career, rather than chasing someone else’s title, aim to master your current role and create opportunities that align with your strengths.
Psychology research backs this up. Studies show that people who prioritize self-referenced goals—like improving their own skills or habits—tend to report higher satisfaction and resilience than those fixated on outperforming others. It’s not about ignoring competition entirely; it’s about making it secondary to your own growth.
- Identify your “why”: What drives you to improve? Clarify your personal motivations.
- Set incremental goals: Break your big dreams into manageable steps.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge every milestone, no matter how small.
Overcoming Setbacks with Resilience
Let’s talk about setbacks, because no path to success is a straight line. Biles’ journey is proof of that. The Tokyo Olympics weren’t her only challenge—she’s faced criticism, pressure, and personal struggles throughout her career. Yet, she keeps coming back stronger. Her secret? A mindset that views obstacles as opportunities to grow, not as roadblocks.
This resonates with me on a deep level. A few years ago, I hit a rough patch in my career that left me questioning my abilities. But I realized that dwelling on the failure wasn’t helping. Instead, I started asking, “What can I learn from this?” That shift didn’t erase the disappointment, but it gave me a way forward. Biles’ story reminds us that resilience isn’t about avoiding pain—it’s about using it to fuel your next step.
The Role of Passion in Sustained Success
At the heart of Biles’ philosophy is passion. She’s said that being an elite anything requires a fire within—a drive that comes from loving what you do. Without passion, it’s easy to burn out or lose sight of why you started. But when you’re fueled by something deeper, even the hardest days feel worth it.
Think about the last time you felt truly excited about a project or goal. That energy is what carries you through late nights, tough feedback, or unexpected hurdles. For Biles, it was her love for gymnastics that kept her going, even when the stakes were sky-high. Finding your own “why” can make all the difference, whether you’re building a career or nurturing a relationship.
A Mindset for Everyone
Simone Biles’ story isn’t just for Olympians. It’s for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being exceptional at something. Her mom’s advice—to focus on your own growth rather than others’—is a universal truth. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and trusting that your efforts will lead you somewhere extraordinary.
Perhaps the most inspiring part is how Biles lives this mindset. She’s not perfect, and she doesn’t pretend to be. She’s bold, resilient, and unapologetically herself. That’s the real lesson here: you don’t need to be flawless to achieve greatness. You just need to keep pushing to be the best version of you.
So, what’s your next step? Maybe it’s setting a new goal, reflecting on your progress, or simply giving yourself permission to prioritize your own path. Whatever it is, take a page from Biles’ playbook and start today. The world is waiting for your version of elite success.
