Today, in gymnastics, Simone Biles has attained the stature and longevity that not many can claim. But how did she do it? Of course, she had visionary mentors like Aimee Boorman, Cecile, and Laurent Landi to guide her every step of the way. But, at the end of the day, the sport demands a lot from the athlete. And here’s what Simone Biles mentioned as her Mantra in her keynote address at the Washington University.
Biles said, “Success in academics, like in athletics, requires sacrifice and dedication.” Biles even said, “There is a lot of fun along the way but to make it to the top, you also really need to find joy in the work.” She continued, “To be an elite student or an elite athlete or an elite anything, you have to be one of those people.” That right there was the GOAT’s mantra! Do you think it stands apt for people from all walks of life?
Success doesn’t happen by accident. For someone like Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, success is crafted — piece by piece, practice by practice, mindset by mindset. But what’s the real secret behind her breathtaking flips, record-breaking performances, and undeniable mental strength?
Turns out, it’s a mantra — a simple yet powerful phrase she lives by. Let’s dive deep into the mindset of a champion and discover what keeps Simone Biles grounded, driven, and unstoppable.
Who Is Simone Biles, Really?
The Legend Behind the Leotard
Simone Biles is not just another gymnast — she’s a phenomenon. With 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, she’s rewritten the rules of the sport. But behind every perfect ten is a story of grit, grind, and growth.
Why Her Words Matter
When Simone speaks, the world listens. Especially when it comes to overcoming doubt, trauma, and pressure. Her mantra isn’t just about winning; it’s about living.
The Power of a Mantra
What Even Is a Mantra, Anyway?
Think of a mantra as your inner coach — a phrase you repeat to reset your mindset. It’s like mental armor for tough days and fuel for when motivation runs low.
Why Athletes Swear By It
Top performers use mantras to stay locked in. It boosts focus, blocks out negativity, and reminds them why they started.
Simone Biles’ Success Mantra (Drumroll, Please)
“I’m not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I’m the first Simone Biles.”
Boom. Mic drop.
This isn’t just a confidence booster. It’s a declaration of identity, originality, and owning your story. Simone’s mantra tells us: You don’t have to be the next anyone — just the best version of YOU.
Lessons We Can Learn From Simone’s Mantra
Stop Comparing. Start Owning.
In a world of filters and highlight reels, comparison is toxic. Simone’s mantra teaches us to shift the focus inward. Be proud of your journey.
Celebrate Your Unique Blueprint
Why blend in when you were born to stand out? Simone’s words push us to embrace what makes us different.
Build Legacy, Not Just Success
Winning medals is great. But leaving a mark? That’s legendary. Simone is building something far beyond sports — she’s creating impact.
How to Create Your Own Success Mantra
Step 1: Dig Deep
What fuels you? Is it freedom, family, revenge, passion, proving someone wrong? Find your core driver.
Step 2: Make It Short and Sticky
The best mantras are tweet-length. Easy to remember, impossible to ignore.
Step 3: Say It Like You Mean It
A mantra only works when you believe it. Say it loud. Say it often.
How Simone Uses Her Mantra Daily
Before Practice
She mentally sets the tone. No distractions. Just focus on her goals and her greatness.
After Failures
When things go south — and they do — she returns to her mantra to remind herself of her worth.
During Public Scrutiny
From Olympic pressure to media storms, her mantra keeps her rooted in self-worth, not headlines.
Mind Over Matter: Mental Health + Mantras
The Mental Game Is the Real Game
Simone’s open battle with anxiety and trauma reminds us that strength isn’t just physical. It’s in the mind.
Mantra as Mental Medicine
Her mantra isn’t just motivational — it’s therapeutic. It silences the inner critic and amplifies self-love.
Simone’s Mantra in Action: Real-Life Moments
2016 Rio Olympics
She dominated the Games — not just with her skills, but with her aura. Her mantra echoed in every flip.
2020 Tokyo Withdrawal
When she stepped back for her mental health, her mantra stood taller than any podium.
Everyday Training
Behind every win is thousands of quiet moments where that mantra whispers, “You got this.”
Why Simone Biles’ Mantra Went Viral
It’s Relatable
Everyone’s tired of being compared. Simone gave us permission to be our own damn selves.
It’s Empowering
It’s more than a catchphrase — it’s a rally cry for a generation tired of molds and limits.
It’s Shareable
Short. Punchy. Instagrammable. It’s everything a viral quote should be.
What Entrepreneurs, Students, and Dreamers Can Steal From Simone
You don’t need to be an athlete to adopt Simone’s mantra mindset. Whether you’re launching a startup, chasing a degree, or surviving parenthood — own your story.
You are not the next anyone. You are the first YOU.
The Simone Biles Blueprint: How You Can Channel Her Mantra Daily
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Morning Reminder: Say it while brushing your teeth.
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Pre-Meeting Pep Talk: Whisper it before the big Zoom call.
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Post-Failure Bounce Back: Let it be your inner “reset” button.
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Goal-Setting Anchor: Align all your dreams around your truth.
Final Thoughts: Mantras Make Legends
Simone Biles didn’t just flip higher. She thought different. Her success mantra isn’t a secret formula — it’s a mindset shift. And guess what? You don’t need a gold medal to start thinking like a champion.
So… What’s your mantra?
