O-lym-pi-an [(ō-lĭm′pē-ən)], adjective:

1. A competitor

2. One who trains to achieve a goal

3. A representative of a country

4. A participant in a game of some sort

5. A fighter

As we all know, one of the most exciting world events is currently among us: The Olympics.

Many of us are inspired by these Olympians, as we should be. We look up to these athletes. We think to ourselves “Wow, they’re actually doing something with their lives, while I’m sitting here on the couch.” We consider them heroes, legends even. We hold them to a much higher standard than ourselves.

Now, in no way do I mean to take anything away from these talented, and amazing beings. But, they are not the only ones who are capable of doing big things. You see, we can all be Olympians. Change starts at home. Whether it’s big change or small change, it makes a difference somewhere.

Now let’s take a further look into the traits above.

1. A Competitor: To be a competitor, as the word implies, you must compete. Whether it's to do the best at a job interview, or to score the highest grade on a math test, you’re already off to a great start. Competing displays a sense of self-pride. It shows that a person truly cares about something. And frankly, competitiveness makes this world go ‘round. I can assure you that if Apple didn’t have to constantly compete with Android, iPhones wouldn’t be as great as they are today. Similarly, in human nature, competitiveness pushes the entire society— pushes us to do better things, and to become better people.

2. One Who Trains to Reach a Goal: So perfecting a back handspring for hours in the gym, or swimming laps until your limbs feel numb definitely isn’t for everyone. And that’s understandable. But there are trainings that aren't strenuous-- ones that aren’t physical even. In working at something, and setting long term goals, you're still training. You are preventing the plague of an idle mind. You are channeling your energy towards something constructive, as opposed to letting your potential go to waste.

3. A Representative of A Country: This is the easy part. Countries don’t make themselves, the people make a country. America isn’t so great because we’re a vast piece of land in the western hemisphere. We’re great because hardworking Americans pour their blood, sweat, and tears into the making of this country on the daily. And whether it’s in a positive way or a negative one, we all represent a country. So in all that we do, let’s keep that in mind.

4. A Game Participant Life counts as a game. If you're living, you're playing it. Remember that.

5. A Fighter As once quoted by Alexander Hamilton, “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” In simply taking a stand for something you believe in, you are a fighter— one who refuses to submit to defeat and will stop at nothing to get what they desire.

Now, if you put these five traits together, you’ve formed an Olympian. You probably aren't aiming to be the best in the world, but you are aiming to be the best you can be. And by doing that, you will affect the world in ways you'll never know. You may not receive a medal for your efforts. Sure, you may not receive global recognition. However, what you will receive is pride, dignity, self-worth, a sense of belonging. And most of all, a purpose. And that— that is the beauty of it.