Known for her unmatched prowess and grace, Simone Biles has redefined the boundaries of gymnastics with her incredible skills. But beyond her athleticism, it’s her mindset that often stands out. At this year's Olympics, despite already being considered the best gymnast of all time, Biles whispered to herself, "You've got this," before competing. Her focus was not on the competition but on beating her own personal best. This internal focus and commitment to personal excellence resonate deeply with the philosophy behind microschools, where individualized learning and personal goals take center stage.
In the high-stakes world of the Olympics, athletes like Simone Biles are frequently thrust into the spotlight with the weight of global expectations on their shoulders. Yet, Biles' approach underscores a profound lesson: success is not merely about surpassing others but about pushing oneself to new heights. Her self-affirmations—simple yet powerful reminders of her capabilities—serve as a tool to center her focus on her own growth and improvement rather than the external pressure of outperforming competitors.
Like Biles, Olympic swimmers, sprinters, and cyclists never look left or right when competing. They hone in on their own race, doing their best to reach their own personal goals. By concentrating on their own performance and continuously striving to surpass their previous achievements, they embody a growth mindset that prioritizes personal progress over mere victory.
Our microschool, Lucas Literacy Lab, echoes a similar philosophy. Our small, specialized educational setting caters to the individual needs of each student, much like Biles' approach to her training. In our microschool, the focus is on personalized learning, where each student sets their own goals and works at their own pace, supported by dedicated educators. This model encourages students to develop their unique talents and interests, fostering an environment where personal growth is paramount.
Benefits of Small Teams and Dedicated Coaches
1. Personalized Attention—Just as Simone Biles benefits from coaches who provide tailored guidance, our students receive individualized attention from educators. This personalized approach allows for a deeper understanding of each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, facilitating more effective instruction and support.
2. Customized Goals--In both the Olympic arena and Lucas Literacy Lab, the emphasis is on setting and achieving personal goals. For Biles, this means perfecting a routine and surpassing her own records. For our students, it involves setting academic or personal milestones and working towards them with the support of coaches and mentors. This focus helps cultivate a sense of ownership over one’s progress and achievements.
3. The Right Team--Small class sizes provide an environment where students can hone their skills more intensely. Biles’ teammates know her goals and growth opportunities, and they support her by practicing with her and providing encouragement and feedback. Similarly, our students benefit from a small, tight-knit school community that provides support, feedback, and motivation.
The link between many Olympic athletes' journeys and the microschool experience is clear: both highlight the importance of setting personal goals and striving for continuous improvement. Whether in gymnastics or education, the journey to reaching one’s full potential is less about competing against others and more about surpassing one’s own benchmarks.
Lucas Literacy Lab is a microschool in Old Bridge, NJ, dedicated to helping our students achieve their personal best through personalized curricula, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers who partner with families to curate the ideal educational environment. RSVP for our Zoom information session this Thursday at 6:30 PM. Space is limited.
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