What We can Learn from Olympic Athletes About Dating

Watching the Olympics is exciting and motivating -after all, who can resist thinking about how much better shape they'll be in if they were to be a little more like these fantastic athletes? Maybe not so toned and chiseled, but there is something inspiring about working towards physical perfection.

But it's not so much about the body as about the mind. Olympic athletes train through dedication, practice, and overcoming their own doubts in order to compete effectively. What can they teach us about dating? A lot, but here are a few basics:

Persistence is key. You'll have good days and bad days no matter what - as well as good and bad dates. The key to success is no matter if you're going through a rough patch, the only way you'll learn, improve your chances, and reach your goals is to keep going. Don't give up just because it gets tough, that's when you have a chance to work even harder to achieve what you want.

Focus on the goal. There are a lot of other people out there, and some seem to get what they want more easily than others. Maybe you feel like all the good guys are taken, or that some women are just lucky. Do you feel jealous and competitive? Instead of focusing on what everyone else seems to have and what you don't have, focus on getting to your own goal. Outline the steps to get there - like signing up for online dating or flirting with that Facebook friend - and start taking them, without worrying about everyone else.

Don't get impatient. Olympic athletes spend years training for a race or a competition that may only last a few seconds. The physical and mental preparation required is the most important part of what they do, no matter how short the race itself is. While it seems unreasonable that you would go out on dozens of dates before meeting someone special, it's really just part of the process to finding someone who's right for you. It prepares you for the right relationship. Have a little patience to get what you really want.

When you fail, you try again. How many Olympic athletes have lost races compared to winning them? While everyone strives for the gold medal, not everyone can win at the same time. If they lose one race, they have a shot to win another, and it's the same with love. Don't give up because you've been hurt by someone or you can't find anyone worth dating right now. When you're feeling down, recognize that you will have more love in your life - as long as you're willing to give it a chance.