The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos The Happiness Lessons Helping Win Olympic Medals
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Jul 29, 2024 
Christine Bolger, Associate Director at the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and coach Emilie Lazenby share insights into the high-pressure world of athletic coaching. They stress the importance of prioritizing well-being to combat burnout and enhance performance. Listeners discover how lessons from Olympic sports can apply to everyday life, embracing imperfection in self-care and valuing progress over perfection. Their discussions highlight empathy, delegation, and fostering supportive environments as keys to success for both coaches and athletes.
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Coaching Pressures and Family Strain
- Coaches face mental health challenges due to the constant pressure to win.
- One coach, working in a winter sport, was away from family 200 days a year.
The Coach's Burden
- Coaches, like teachers, often believe they must have all the answers.
- This can ironically lead to burnout and negatively impact their well-being, according to Team USA guidelines.
Seeking Support and Vulnerability
- Coaches need to prioritize self-care and seek support.
- They should find someone they trust to talk to, even outside of sports.