Post-Olympic Blues - Skills for Navigating the Ups and Downs in Life

In this episode of The Anxiety Society podcast, Cali Werner is joined by Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY, an Olympic steeplechaser and sports psychologist, to explore the phenomenon of post-Olympic blues. The discussion delves into how the high of major achievements, like competing in the Olympics, can lead to emotional dips and anxiety afterward. They also discuss how this issue extends beyond athletes, affecting anyone who experiences a significant build-up to a major life event. Tune in for valuable insights on managing the emotional aftermath of success and learning how to build a balanced, fulfilling life post-accomplishment.

Key Points:

[2:02] – Meet Dr. Lennie: Olympian & Sports Psychologist  

Dr. Lennie Waite, incredible career includes competing in the Rio Olympics, sports psychology work with athletes, and her role as a professor and mom.

[4:42] – The Rise of Achievement Anxiety  

Dr. Lennie Waite, explains how athletes today not only train physically but also juggle brand-building and social media, contributing to heightened anxiety.

[9:35] – Defining Post-Olympic Blues  

Post-Olympic blues refer to the emotional letdown athletes often feel after the thrill of competition fades, leaving a void after months or years of preparation.

[13:00] – Parallels in Everyday Life  

Post-event dips aren’t exclusive to athletes. Anyone preparing for significant life events—like a big exam, a wedding, or career achievement—can feel similarly.

[15:40] – The Double-Edged Sword of Achievement  

Highlighting how striving for success can be both motivating and draining, emphasizing the importance of balance and having a well-rounded identity.

[34:51] – Preparing for the Crash  

Practical strategies for managing the emotional fallout after a big achievement include building a well-rounded identity, mindfulness, and behavior change.

Quotable Moments:

[9:35] "Post-Olympic blues are the letdown of excitement, feeling important, and having the world's attention on you—then waking up one day, and it's gone." – Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY

[15:03] "Achievement striving is a double-edged sword. It drives you, but at some point, you have nothing left to give, and it just plummets." – Dr. Lennie Waite, PhD, OLY

[35:00] "A huge part of managing post-achievement dips is having a well-rounded identity, so you’re not defined by just one accomplishment." – Cali Werner

Links Mentioned:

• AnxietySocietyPodcast: https://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com
• Instagram: @TheAnxietySocietyPod: https://www.instagram.com/TheAnxietySocietyPod

Post-achievement anxiety can impact anyone, from Olympians to everyday people. By building a well-rounded identity and preparing for emotional dips, you can manage the aftermath of major life events more effectively. For more insights into anxiety, subscribe to The Anxiety Society and explore our resources on social media. Together, we can change how we deal with anxiety and build healthier, more balanced lives.

Mentioned in this episode:

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