How to find your inner champion: Goal Getters with Andrew Haley

The desire to set goals – and achieve them – is inherent in all of us. But it’s not just about reaching your goals; it’s surrounding yourself with the right people. The ones who believe in you, cheer you on, and celebrate your success as their success.

Andrew Haley is an inspiring example of what it means to be a champion. Best known as a gold medal paralympic swimmer for Team Canada and a 2x cancer survivor, he knows the importance of goals and how to reach them.

In this episode of Goal Getters, Steve Hardy, CMO at Prophix, sits down with Andrew to talk about how you can tap into your inner champion, use your resilience and strength to reach personal excellence, and celebrate your wins—for you and your team.

Whether you’re an athlete, an individual contributor, or a finance leader, there are actionable tips for you because if you believe in progress, you’re a goal getter too.

Here are the top 5 takeaways from their conversation.

Watch the full conversation here.

1. What can people who work behind a desk take away from Andrew’s experience as a Paralympian?
   We can do anything we want in life because the fire within us is what helps us push the limits. If you keep pushing, striving for excellence, and surround yourself with people who support you on your journey—anything is possible.
   
   
2. How do you find your inner champion and tap into your potential?
   Athletes are always taught to focus on the things you can control. This is applicable for everyone. Set your goals, determine your path, but work with the team around you to get there. You’ll fail, but don’t ever feel like a failure. See it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
   
   
3. How can you foster a team environment and still support each other to reach your individual goals?
   Team is an acronym: together everyone achieves more. Surround yourself with the support networks that will push you forward. Embrace the mindset to do it no matter what and others will start to take notice. This will give you the motivation to pursue excellence.
   
   
4. What if your team doesn’t work together. How do you rally to get to where you need to be?
   The bigger the team, the more opportunity for a disconnect on goals and priorities. But it’s about open dialogue and communication with those around you. Athletes go on habit, but flexibility and confidence go a long way too. And listening to the team around you. Having teammates is a good thing – and some of the best work is done with a team.
   
   
5. How do you turn setbacks or obstacles into growth opportunities?
   When you win a gold medal, it’s not just about that. It’s about the journey you take along the way. It’s important to break down big goals and understand where you’re going, and not being intimidated by that vision. Break it down into steps and take each one to get there.

What does it mean to go all in on goals?

Going after your goals is like reading a book. When you get to the last 100 pages, you start to see the end. You get fired up because the finish line is near. That’s what we should all use as a goal post – aim for your own finish line, whatever that looks like, use your drive, and get after it. Because that’s what being a goal getter is all about.

Listen to the full conversation, How to Find Your Inner Champion, and explore the rest of our Goal Getters series!

This blog post is part of our Goal Getters series. Goal Getters looks at what it takes to chase and reach your goals. You speak up, lean in, and take your seat at the table because being a goal getter means you believe in seeing what you can do. Explore our episode library here.