Through this conversation, it's clear that Maggie Steffens's adaptability is one of the keys to her success. She discusses overcoming pandemic challenges, performing in high pressure situations, and leading her team to Tokyo.
“What can I do now? I personally am like, I can get faster, I can get stronger. I can get more intelligent, mentally I can get stronger. I can become a better teammate, a better friend, a better leader. And that's motivation within itself, the opportunity to improve.” - Maggie Steffens
Today's guest is Maggie Steffens, Captain of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Water Polo team.
Our conversation with Maggie was a blast. We touched on everything from how she handled the mental challenge created by the pandemic, her approach to showing up big in high pressure situations and the unique approach she takes with her teammates when it comes to leadership.
Throughout our exploration of her mindset on these and so many other topics, the recurring theme that stood out to us was the need in life to be adaptable. It’s very clear that this is one of the key characteristics that has helped Maggie excel at such a high level in her sport for so many years.
As you listen to our conversation, you’ll discover a few tips you can apply to your life to be a little more adaptable.
Show Notes
(3:18) Where you can find Maggie and where training is taking place…
(5:44) The impact of the 2020 Olympics being cancelled…
(8?49) Taking advantage of the “opportunities” that Covid provided…
(14:50) “We found other ways to test our bodies and test our minds, and stay active and kind of try to find creative ways to also stay connected through that as well.” Being creative and adaptive in training…
(16:20) A last-second shot in 2017…
(20:44) “I asked the three biggest girls and then the three strongest girls on our Stanford team to stay after practice for five minutes. And I literally would say, I want you to almost lay on top of my head, and put all the pressure you can on me and be as physical as possible. And I have to try to somehow not be fouled and still score, or at least get a shot off.”
(22:00) Training in practice for that moment that doesn’t go the way we think it should…
(24:51) Focus and process depend on intention…
(29:38) “What can I do now? I personally am like, I can get faster, I can get stronger. I can get more intelligent, mentally I can get stronger. I can become a better teammate, a better friend, a better leader. And that's motivation within itself, the opportunity to improve.”
(32:14) Loving what you do and the power of a team leading well…
(36:55) A supportive male coach…
(37:53) Preparing for Tokyo 2021…
(40:32) “We get to help individuals who may not have had the resources, may not have had the exposure, opportunity to go to where they're going now if we hadn't noticed them and given them that chance.” What drove her to found 6-8 Sports...
References
2012 Olympics: All 21 Goals - YouTube
6-8 Sports - website | Instagram
Guest
Maggie Steffens - website | Instagram | Twitter
Maggie's fav UCAN product: Cran Raz Energy Tub
Hosts:
Jon Rankin - gobemore.co | @chasejonrankin
Bryan Green - maketheleapbook.com | @maketheleapbook
Learn More:
Your Personal Best Awaits