What Eileen Gu Teaches Us About Having A Positive Relationship With Ourselves
- Abbey Villasis
- May 8
- 3 min read
Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?
- Rumi
Just on the verge of International Women’s Day 2026, six-time Olympic medalist and freestyle skier Eileen Gu reminded the world that her power goes far beyond the slopes. Known for her dominance in sport, she captivated both live audiences and millions online in a viral interview moment that has since taken over social media. Almost overnight, one quote echoed everywhere:
‘You can control what you think… you can control how you think, and therefore you can control who you are. And especially as a young person, with neuroplasticity on my side, I can literally become exactly who I want to be.’
But what exactly does she mean?
At just 22, the Stanford student studies fields rooted in science and human performance, so it is no surprise she speaks with confidence about complex ideas like neuroplasticity. Put simply, neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new connections and reorganise itself in response to experience.
In other words, our thoughts are not fixed, and neither are we. So, naturally, we must ask, how we can implement this into our daily lives? As it turns out, neuroplasticity follows a simple rule that most of us, especially athletes, are already familiar with: What you repeatedly do and focus on strengthens your brain.
You don’t become what you want.
You become what you repeat.
How can we start doing this?
By starting slowly, and focusing on and deepening our intentions, which will eventually grow strong, new neural pathways. We must train our attention and redirect it to the positive activities we desire. This will strengthen our thoughts, which are the foundation of our actions and self-beliefs. Then, learn to repeat the right thoughts. Our brains are not rewired from actions; they are rewired from thinking patterns. Do things with emotion (like curiosity). Strong emotions are linked to a higher chance of remembering, which leads to an increased chance of rewiring. Also, remember to move your body and get good sleep, because depriving the body of things it needs does not allow the brain to grow, and if it's malnourished, neuroplasticity won't stick. Finally, remember to reward yourself for all your efforts by celebrating small wins.
For women navigating careers, businesses, and everyday pressures, this idea is especially important. It means that the way we think about stress, failure, ambition, and even ourselves can be reshaped, and it helps us to let go of things like fear and self-doubt. Success matters, but it is nothing without feeling happy and fulfilled through creating positive relationships with ourselves. As Noor Ui Ain reminds us, ‘You will bloom if you take time to water yourself.’
In a world that often tells women who they should be, Eileen Gu’s message shows us that identity is not something we passively inherit, but something we create over time. So, on the days when work feels overwhelming, or life feels uncertain, it is worth remembering that the way we think determines how we feel, and how we feel shapes the life we create. And that might be the most powerful kind of freedom there is.
Abbey Villasis, 2026
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