The Bronze Medal Mindset
Bronze medalists in the Olympics were discovered to be happier compared to silver medalists. This behavior was first described in 1995 and it was recently examined again by Hedgcock, Luangrath, and Webster. This phenomenon is thought to be related to the way an athlete can view their success. The silver medalists compared themselves to what could have been (gold). On the other hand, the bronze medalists were pleased they received a medal.
I find this interesting and have decided to train for the bronze in my own life. Winning a gold medal is an amazing accomplishment. However, seeking perfection in the sport of life takes away focus from the delight of the present. I choose gratitude to be awarded a medal at all: the prize of living in this moment in time.
The Power of Perspective
Motherhood is my current sport with the expectation of perfection either from myself or society. However, how others judge me is not actually within my own reach. Everyone has a different filter through which they see the world and others in it.
Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese concept that honors imperfection and the release of control. In art, this is symbolized through “kintsugi.” Kintsugi celebrates the repair of broken pottery cracks. There is strength and beauty in imperfection.
I probably will not receive a perfect 10 in life or motherhood anyway. And that is okay. I want the bronze.
Perspective is everything.
References
Hedgcock, W.M., Luangrath, A.W., Webster, R. (2021). Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. Counterfactual thinking and facial expressions among Olympic medalists: A conceptual replication of Medvec, Madey, and Gilovich’s (1995) findings. 150(6): e13-e21. doi: 10.1037/xge0000992
Medvec, V.H., Madey, S.F., Gilovich, T. (1995). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. When less is more: Counterfactual thinking and satisfaction among Olympic medalists. 69(4):603-10. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.69.4.603
