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As I write this, the Winter Olympics haven’t begun yet. When you read this, they’ll be over. So, I’ll make some predictions: A record will be broken; an athlete will suffer a sad disappointment; another athlete will go from underdog to champion.

OK, there’s nothing startling about those predictions. It seems the Olympics follow the same script every year. But the media tends to follow the favorites and tells the stories of the winners. What interests me are the untold stories; tales of men and women who beat the odds, but don’t medal — like the first Jamaican bobsled team (profiled in the 1993 comedy “Cool Runnings”). Those folks whose anthem won’t play, but they’ve achieved a personal victory and stand with head held high all the same.

For me, the Olympics aren’t about athleticism as much as they’re about attitude. Obviously, only one competitor can win the gold, but everyone can be a winner. Everyone can achieve his or her personal best and be proud.

And that goes for you, too.

Mobile distribution isn’t an Olympic sport, but you’re out there competing every day just as much as an Olympic athlete. You may not be the gold-medal dealer for your flag, in your state or even in your area, but you can be a better dealer this year than you were last year.

MORE THAN MOTIVATIONAL POSTERS

Your success rests squarely on your attitude. Just as an athlete’s attitude influences performance, your attitude will influence your performance. What’s your attitude? Are you as fearless as a snowboarder on the half pipe? Can you sidestep objections like a slalom skier dodges poles? Are you as focused as a speed skater?

Olympic athletes like we saw compete in Vancouver dedicate years to refining their skills and pushing through the pain. But the athletes at the top of their game don’t just have the physical toughness to endure, they have the mental toughness to break out from the pack and be the best in their nation — and possibly the world.

Academics have studied sport psychology since 1898. That’s when Indiana University’s Norman Triplett, the first sports psychologist, published “Pacemaking and Competition” in the American Journal of Psychology. He found that cyclists often rode faster when they raced in groups or teams than when they raced alone.

PLAY AGAINST BETTER PLAYERS

Much like cycling, mobile distribution is a solo sport. I know you have a team supporting you — your DM, people at your flag or WD, perhaps spouse and kids. But think of speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno. Although he has a trainer and fans cheering him on, when he steps out on the ice, he stands alone.

It’s the same when you pull up to your next shop: you’re on your own. Ohno draws energy from the competition. Much like the cyclists Triplett studied a century ago, Ohno’s performance is enhanced by competing against other top athletes. In the same way, you can draw energy from competitive dealers.

Want to be more competitive? Compete against better competitors. Are you the best dealer on your route? If not, try to outdo your competitor. Or compete on the next level, maybe against others in your district. If you’re an independent, pull together a network of other independents and draw your energy from them.

Doing your best is one thing. Pushing yourself to do better is another.