In speed skating, a hard pivot is an aggressive turn that requires balance, focus, and courage. Blasting down the ice, shoulder to shoulder with another world-class competitor, blades on his feet, Apolo Ohno began his Olympic career in 2002, eventually winning eight gold medals and becoming the most decorated athlete in Winter Olympics history. In today's episode, Apolo shares valuable lessons that can be applied to anyone looking to improve performance and make the most of the 86,400 seconds each day.

Apolo's new book, Hard Pivot, is now available for pre-order.

Topics in the conversation:

  • The mind is the most powerful asset or prison: Apolo delves into the mental strategies that can either propel you forward or hold you back, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a positive and resilient mindset.
  • What is your identity: Exploring the concept of self-identity, Apolo discusses how knowing who you are at your core can influence every aspect of your life and career.
  • Anger, rage, insecurities affect even the most successful people: Apolo candidly shares his struggles with negative emotions and how he managed to channel them constructively.
  • The thin line between healthy and unhealthy obsession: Understanding the balance between dedication and obsession, Apolo highlights the importance of maintaining perspective and well-being while pursuing excellence.
  • Geniuses are often called insane until they succeed: Reflecting on the journey of innovation and success, Apolo talks about the perseverance required to push through skepticism and doubt.
  • Imposter syndrome during a career transition: Apolo opens up about his experiences with imposter syndrome, especially during times of change, and how he overcame it to find new paths to success.
  • Focus on process instead of the prize: Emphasizing the importance of process-oriented thinking, Apolo explains how focusing on the journey rather than the destination leads to sustained success.
  • Personal life lessons and motto: Apolo shares his guiding principles, including gratitude, giving, goals, grit, and taking action, offering a blueprint for living a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

Enjoy!