The world’s greatest gymnast is the epitome of #BlackGirlMagic. 2016 Olympic Champion Simone Biles may still be a teen, but she’s wise beyond her years and everyone can learn a lesson or two from her hustle.
1. Believe in yourself
Simone credits the 2013 World’s Championship as one of her proudest moments.
“I proved to myself that I could do things that I didn’t think I could. I guess I didn’t really believe everyone when they told me how good I was, and so for me to go out there and [win] I kind of started to believe it… I proved to myself that I do have the confidence to go out there and hit it like I do in practice.”
How can you shine if you don’t believe in your own magic? Simone shows that you have to recognize the greatness that is within you and know that you can do anything you put your mind to.
2. Work with what you got
Simone is apart of the small and mighty club. At 4 foot 9, she uses her characteristics to her advantage. Her small stature helps her flip and glide in the air flawlessly during her floor and balance beam routines.
Like Simone, work with what you got! Play the cards that you were handed to the best of your ability. This is your life and it’s up to you to make the most of it using your resources.
3. Teamwork makes the dream work
Simone’s longtime relationship with her coach Aimee Boorman contributed to her success. In an interview, the gymnast described the beginning of their relationship as a mutual learning process.
“I think that’s what helped us both, because we were kind of both clueless about it. So we were just learning together.”
Just as you absorb the information and resources of the people around you, make sure you’re adding value to them as well.
Simone couldn’t have won gold at the 2016 Olympic Summer Games without her team – Gabby, Aly, Laurie and Madison. From encouragement during rigorous practices to sideline cheers during solo routines, her team offers love and support that keeps her going.
Surround yourself with positive people who want to be apart of your journey and be great with you. When we channel our energy into collaboration and productivity, we accomplish more together than we can apart.
4. You define you
The Ohio native wrote her own narrative. Simone pursued her passion and unique talents, and practiced her craft for years. Although her biological mother was addicted to drugs and alcohol, that didn’t inhabit her brilliance.
Your past, family, and childhood help mold you but they don’t define you. Who do you want to be? What do you want to be known for? It’s up to you to write your story.
5. Family and friends are important, and you can’t make it on your own
From her grandparents adopting her and her sister to having the same gymnastics coach since she was 8, Simone’s circle helped her step into her light.
Appreciate your loved ones and cherish the time that you get to spend with them when your not hustlin’ in your field.
6. Practicing consistency is major key
A gymnast doesn’t get a chance to compete in the Olympics overnight. They consistently practice so they come to competitions prepared. Simone is confident when it’s game time because she knows how hard she’s worked to get there.
Life is a process. To move up the ranks in your field, it will take sweat, tears and maybe a little blood. But consistency is the key to make your dreams come true.
7. Reach for your dreams
The first female gymnast since 1974 to win four consecutive all-around titles at the U.S. national championships.
The first woman ever to be the all-around world champion three years in a row.
The recipient of fourteen world championships medals – the most ever won by an American woman.
These are just a few of Simone’s accolades, and it’s clear that she will continue to make history and show the world how magical Black girls are.
Like Simone, there is nothing keeping you from following dreams but yourself. Now forward roll over your fears, cartwheel towards consistency and flip to success. Keep reaching for your dreams!
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Lifestyle blogger and published author Teyonna Ridgeway is dedicated to helping people recognize their beauty and unleash their brilliance. By day the Atlanta native works in social media marketing, and by night she drops gems about career, travel, faith and life as a Millennial on BecomingBrilliance.com. She also makes homemade natural body butters and sugar scrubs through her Etsy shop, Gail’s Goods. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram @TeyonnaLanez.