How to Embrace CHANGE and Find PURPOSE with The World’s Most Decorated Winter Olympian, Apolo Ohno

Mar 22, 2022

In this engaging discussion, Apolo Anton Ohno, the most decorated American Winter Olympian, shares insights from his remarkable journey in short track speed skating. He opens up about the challenges of redefining identity after retirement and the significance of an Olympic mindset beyond medals. Apolo emphasizes the value of embracing change, personal growth, and curiosity. He dives into the lessons learned from his complex relationship with his immigrant father and reveals his '5 Golden Principles' for navigating life's transitions.

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ANECDOTE

Early Morning Training

Apolo Ohno's father, a Japanese immigrant, instilled a strong work ethic in him from a young age.
This included waking him up at 3:30 AM to practice speed skating in empty parking lots.

INSIGHT

Limitless Potential, Underlying Disadvantage

Apolo's father believed in his limitless potential but also instilled a sense of disadvantage.
This motivated Apolo to work harder and adapt to any environment, like a chameleon.

ANECDOTE

Warrior Mentality

Apolo's father instilled a warrior mentality in him, exemplified by his extreme training methods.
This included making him skate in empty parking lots at dawn with a miner's light.

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What are the characteristics of an olympic mindset?

More importantly, how well does that mindset work, once the time for chasing medals is over?

These were the kinds of questions that Apolo Anton Ohno, the most decorated American winter olympian of all time, had to ask himself when he retired from short track speed skating at the age of 28.

How do you forge a brand new identity when your old one is no longer relevant? How do you define a life well lived? How do you find, and stay aligned with, your True North?

In today’s episode of Impact Theory, we dive deep into these questions and more, including Anton’s humble beginnings, his relationship with his father, and the 5 Golden Principles that will help you through even the most challenging times.

If you liked this episode, you should definitely check out Apolo’s new book, Hard Pivot: Embrace Change. Find Purpose. Show Up Fully.

Order your copy today by clicking here: https://amzn.to/3qoiFIU

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“The work is the shortcut.” - Apolo Anton Ohno

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 | Introduction

02:16 | Apolo’s Experience Being Raised By His Father

10:31 | Humble Beginnings

14:41 | Tapping Into the Dark Side to Achieve Greatness

23:25 | Finding Deeper Meaning After Success

32:05 | How Apolo Metabolizes Pain

35:24 | The Universal Skills For Greatness

47:58 | How Curiosity Helped Apolo Thrive After Retirement

52:13 | Apolo’s Later Relationship With His Father

55:07 | Stop Wasting Time and Take Back Control of Your Life

58:46 | How Hardship Leads to Growth

Follow Apolo Ohno:

Website: https://apoloohno.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ApoloOhno

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apoloohno/

Order your copy of Hard Pivot: https://amzn.to/3qoiFIU

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