What 3-time Olympian Lolo Jones taught me about pivoting

Have you ever put your all in preparing for a major project, interview, or event? With all of your preparation, you get to the time to shine and your light fades to black? Well, I imagine that’s how 3-time Olympian, Lolo Jones, felt. An Olympic-trained athlete ready to compete in track and field hurdles competition, yet during the big event, Lolo clipped the hurdle and fell. 

“Everyone loses. Everyone comes up short. Winners are talented but most winners are just losers that never gave up.” - Lolo Jones

This is Lolo Jones looks like in action! Fierce, right?!

What do you do when you fall? 

• Stay down

• Get up

• Start over

• Pivot

Well, Lolo has pivoted. She traded her track shoes for a bobsled. On February 6, 2021 with Kaillie Humphries, they won the two-woman bobsled World Championship. I’m sure Lolo’s ability to overcome challenges in her youth - being homeless, living in a Salvation Army shelter, and learning to steal food in order to eat- helped her to fuel her determination to excel.

Lolo Jones (left) and Kaillie Humphries celebrate winning the two women’s bobsled race. Photo: Associated Press.

In making your decision in what you will do when you fall, think about this quote:

“I would love to have the biggest failure of my life turned into the biggest success, and I would love for people to be encouraged by that persistence and determination.” - Lolo Jones

Yokefellow, I want to encourage you - don’t stay down too long. When you face losses, get up and decide if you’ll start over or pivot like Lolo. 

I’m rooting for you.