To watch the Olympics day in and day out, a particular event, or the highlights even, it’s pretty impossible to not be motivated. Here you have athletes of various ages, with different stories, from so many countries, living one dream. There’s so much the Olympics can teach anyone and, well, after they have gone off. A lot of life lessons lie in any type of competition, but this type especially.

So many people, young and old, Black and White, have been inspired by history-making Gabby Douglass, Michael Phelps with his final win, and others who have proven that they are indeed superior in their respective sports. It should serve as fuel to see others succeed. Whether it’s for the gold, a record deal, scholarship, or job, much like the 2012 games, everyone has to learn mental toughness. It’s as simple as what you think you get more of.

There’s no way a winner can win and be defeated in their mind. To succeed, the mind has to be right, and the gold, in anything you do, will follow. Of course, while aiming for the top spot there will be doubters. You’re too young, old, unskilled, but again, we see what determination and hard work can get you. Each team that wins does it together. The individual runners, gymnasts, and so on, have someone or some people helping them train, keeping them positive and focused. Your talents need a foundation, but never forget the talent you have now can let you down or be taken away. Making sure the team you have around you cares more about you than your abilities is vital, too. Those are some of valuable gems the Olympics have dropped.

There are also many teachable moments for the children who are watching: sportsmanship, perseverance, how to have pride in their country and, most importantly themselves. The 2012 Summer Olympics have a plethora of that. With so much nonsense on TV and the radio, children can now be exposed to young champions. They also see athletes who gave their all and don’t win, but they fought hard. That’s an important lesson anyone of any age has to learn, a few times at that.

Not only is the world witnessing countries coming together peacefully, there’s also a general consensus among fashion designers, celebrities, and world leaders, that the Olympics serve as much more than various events to watch. It’s easier to see the similarities in the world during this time. From taste in music, the need for support from loved ones, how to prepare for that once in a life time moment, to the will to see something through to the end. It’s as if the barriers that usually separate strangers around the globe seem to be down, even if it’s just for a little while.

Tawni Fears is a freelance writer and contributor to AllHipHop.com. Follow her on Twitter (@brwnsugaT).