Motivation and Leadership

Kenyan marathoner Brigid Kosgei repeated an inspirational mantra to herself ahead of her record-breaking performance in the 2019 Chicago Marathon. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons) “Tomorrow is my day.” The night before the 2019 Chicago Marathon, Kenyan marathoner Brigid Kosgei repeated those words to herself as motivation. Her inspirational mantra proved prophetic -- not only did Kosgei best her female competition, she set a new world record in the process by running 26.2 miles in just 2 hours and 14 minutes. “I was not expecting this,” Kosgei told The New York Times after the race. “I was expecting to run 2:16 or 2:17. It’s amazing to run 2:14, but the world record was in my head. When I started the race, I was thinking I need 2:15 for record.” The record-breaking runner also found motivation from the crowds, she recalled. “People were cheering, ‘You are running the world record! World record!’” she said. “I felt their energy.” Her combination of internal and external motivation reminded us of powerful sayings from other world-class female athletes. Our contributor Deborah Sweeney, founder of MyCorporation.com, recently rounded up this list, 11 Inspiring Leadership Quotes From Female Athletes, which she says has personally empowered her over the years. “Mentally, I believe that being athletic — and staying active — helps shape your mindset,” Sweeney wrote. “You’re driven to do the best you can and be the best version of you that you can be. You’re not afraid to work hard, get dirty, or lead a team to victory. This is all applicable to entrepreneurship, too.” She then pointed to inspirational mantras from sports powerhouses like gymnast Simone Biles, soccer player Megan Rapinoe and tennis player Billie Jean King as food for motivational thought. “Entrepreneurship, and sports, are full of risks for all involved but the risk is worth the reward if you invest time and energy into your passion,” Sweeney adds. Give them a read, especially if you need a boost. And wherever you draw inspiration from -- athletes, entrepreneurs, or whoever else -- here’s to tomorrow being your day.

Motivation and Leadership

The 4 Words That Sparked a Record-Breaking Marathon Run

The Story Exchange

Motivation and Leadership

The 4 Words That Sparked a Record-Breaking Marathon Run

The Story Exchange

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