Beyond the Medal: Lessons in Joy from Alysa Liu

I’m late to the Winter Olympics.

Between International travel and family commitments, I missed the whole shebang - the dramatic upsets, the inspiring stories.

I even missed the “Quad God.”

But, these past few days, I could not escape the energy and thrill in the voices of people around me—in art class, on Zoom calls, at the grocery store checkout line:

“Did you see Alysa Liu’s gold-winning performance? It’s the most amazing thing I’ve seen. And that’s after stepping away from competitive training for two years!”

I was intrigued. Besides, who doesn’t love a great comeback story?

So this weekend, while savoring a second cup of coffee, I searched YouTube for her Olympic gold performance.

She's a top athlete, of course. So I had high expectations of her program.

• I expected technical mastery.

• I expected artistic brilliance.

• I expected sophisticated choreography.

What I did not expect was the easy joy that radiated from her as she performed triple lutzes, complex spins, and intricate sequences with such grace it almost made me want to get out on the ice and dance with her. Or at least cheer her on from the cozy comfort of my living room.

In interviews, Liu repeatedly said, “A medal? I don’t need a medal… I just want to be here and show people what I can do.” Of course, she was at the Olympics to compete, but more than that, she was there to feel the thrill, to immerse herself in every moment, to bring joy to others, to shine.

The commentators all gushed:

“It’s like she’s just playing on the ice, not even performing anymore. The joy, the passion! It is childlike, beautiful innocence out there.”

“It’s a whole new world this time, because she doesn’t feel like her life is on the line.”

“She’s figured out how to cope without carrying the weight of it. She stays loose and completely herself out there. That’s a secret every athlete wants to solve.”

Watching Alysa Liu, I thought about how this is a secret all of us want to solve.

Have you ever tripped yourself up by chasing the “medal” instead of the joy that brought you to the arena in the first place?

Social media only heightens the pressure we put on ourselves.

How often do we sabotage ourselves and rob ourselves of joy by stressing out over being "up to speed," the "best"?

Constantly comparing ourselves to others is creating an oppressive pandemic of anxiety and stress.

You’ve probably seen the sobering research:

• 68% of US adults say they felt worse about their lives after seeing posts on social media.

• Research reported in Time shows 32% of teen girls felt worse about their appearance after using Instagram.

• Comparison increases fear, anxiety, and insecurity. More comparison equals less confidence, lower self-esteem, and more stress.

“Comparison is the thief of Joy”

This constant comparison not only makes us anxious—it can make us falter, prevent us from taking action, keep us stuck and small. Like Alysa, what if we could all stay a little looser, completely ourselves, and play more - without carrying the "weight" of all of it?

Let me be clear:

Excellence in any endeavor demands discipline, consistency, and lots of hard work. Alysa Liu didn’t just show up in Milan, put on a sparkly costume, and crush it. She spent years training, practicing, and honing her craft.

But what sets her—and all of us—apart is knowing our values, believing in ourselves, taking action and choosing to enjoy the process, knowing that, if we do - we can each stand on our own podium.

I know that I'm happiest when I trust myself, and don’t try to compete with others. I’m at my best when I'm just trying to be a better version of myself today than I was yesterday.

So maybe it’s time for all of us to be a little gentler with ourselves.

That big thing you’re working on? That dream you're holding close?

Forget social media. Forget what other people are doing.

Your life is your journey, not someone else's.

Remember why you started. Remember what inspires passion and brings you joy.

And, in case you’ve forgotten, let me remind you:

You, my friend, are already extraordinary. A one-of-a-kind gift to the world.

Remember all that you’ve walked through, all you’ve created, the lives you’ve touched, the strength you’ve earned, and the ways you’ve grown.

There is a light within you that no one else can shine. This is your magic. Yours and yours alone.

And there is no greater victory than this.

Stay Strong. Stay Kind.

With so much love,

Susan

Decide Happy Practice

• What’s something you’re pursuing or dreaming about that you’re excited about?

• What drew you to it? What lights you up about it?

• Are you trying to measure up to someone else, and why?

• How would you feel if you let go of their standards and focused on your own instead?

• What if you celebrated your own progress, without comparing it to anyone else’s achievements?

  
  

Woohoo! Go YOU!

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