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Prioritising mental health, having hobbies, and setting boundaries are the key to a successful and enjoyable career, according to 11-time Olympic medallist Simone Biles.
This week, world champion and three-time Olympic gymnast Simone Biles set foot in Australia for the first time to headline the REA Group Ready25 event.
The annual event brought together over 1,500 real estate professionals, focusing on social impact, the upcoming industry and market changes, and providing practical tools to agents.
The main event featured a wellbeing discussion with Simone Biles, who recounted her journey from discovering gymnastics at six to pausing at Tokyo for mental health, then returning stronger to win three golds at Paris 2024.
Back in 2021, at the Tokyo Olympics, Biles suffered from a mental breakdown that had her withdraw from the competition.
“In Tokyo, I was physically fit, probably the best shape of my life, but not mentally,” Biles said.
“At that point, I was so afraid of getting injured physically because I’d never had a big injury throughout my career that I neglected my mental health.”
Additionally, at the time, she said she felt a lot of pressure as a returning veteran Olympian, compounded by COVID-19 isolation, leaving her to compete without her support system or a cheering crowd.
Right before the start of the competition, she experienced a mental block known as the “twisties”, which caused her to lose her air awareness and forced her to withdraw from multiple events to protect her physical safety.
While first hesitant to share her mental health struggles, Biles said the experience empowered her to become an accidental mental health advocate.
“Pulling out at the Tokyo Olympic Games was the most courageous thing I’ve done. That’s the only time I’ve ever felt worth more than gold, and then I finally got the help that I deserved.”
According to Biles, every business professional should prioritise their mental health, including real estate agents.
In the real estate industry, mental health issues have been a growing concern.
A 2021 RISE study showed that over half of real estate agents reported constant stress, and nearly two-thirds experienced physical symptoms linked to work-related anxiety – numbers that have grown forward since then.
The study also found that real estate professionals consistently showed higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to the general population, even though one in four Australians has a mental health condition.
Earlier this year, another survey by MRI Software found that 53 per cent of property managers have been experiencing mental health issues, including psychological distress and burnout.
Biles said that prioritising mental health for professionals has never been that important and will help build success in the long term.
She said seeking help is the first necessary step.
“You always think you can do it by yourself, but the fact of the matter is sometimes that’s not the case. Sometimes you need help and the most courageous thing is saying, ‘I need help.’
“Being vulnerable is a sign of strength, not weakness.
“You also have to set boundaries and take care of yourself to be successful.”
Biles said that in addition to seeking help, business professionals should find joy and personal fulfilment rather than solely focusing on external goals and expectations.
“Whenever I find hobbies and do little things outside, that‘s when I‘m the best version of myself. In the gym, that‘s when I‘m the most successful.”
Additionally, Biles said that having a strong and supportive team is indispensable for achieving success at the highest level.
She said that, similar to real estate, gymnastics is an individual sport practised in a team, and being well-surrounded remains primordial.
“The reason I was so successful was because of my team behind me.
“A lot of the time, with the girls, we support one another anytime we‘re on stage, and although we have to compete against each other, we‘re rooting for one another because we see the hard work that goes behind.”
After taking care of herself, she returned to the Paris Olympics, guided by a new approach focused on rediscovering her joy for the sport, rather than specific goals, ultimately leading to a more successful and happier experience.
“If I could give any advice, I would say to stay humble, stay in tune with yourself, and find joy outside of your work,” Biles concluded.
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