In the days and months leading into the Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, I began to feel something unexpected.

I felt emptiness.

Not because I lacked drive or excitement, but because I could see what was coming. For 15 years, I had lived with total clarity. Every decision, every early morning, every sacrifice was fueled by a singular goal. I knew exactly what I wanted and exactly what it would take to get there. But as the Games approached, I realized that once they were over… there would be a blank slate.

No plan. No next steps. No challenge.

And that scared me.

It’s funny how the thing you’ve looked forward to your entire life, the pinnacle of your passion, can leave you wondering what comes next. I knew I couldn’t sit still and wait for the next challenge to find me, I had to create it.

Challenge Yourself: How I Found Purpose After the Olympics

Two weeks before the opening ceremonies, I decided to make a post-Olympic bucket list. It wasn’t about chasing adrenaline or checking off wild adventures, (though I wouldn’t rule that out either), but it was about intentionally finding ways to keep growing. I wrote down things I’d always wanted to try but never made time for like learning to play the guitar, reading 50 books in a year, writing a book, speaking on stages, juggling and learning to speak Spanish. These goals became lifelines to new hope, direction, and passions in my life.

Don’t Wait for the Next Goal—Challenge Yourself to Grow

John Maxwell once said, “Growth is the only guarantee that tomorrow is going to get better.” 

That quote hit home, because I had experienced the truth of it. We don’t find lasting fulfillment by standing still. We find it when we’re stretched, learning, progressing and (especially) when we’re uncomfortable.

There’s also research to back this up. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that “the single most important factor in boosting motivation is making progress in meaningful work.” Progress, not perfection or applause, is what fuels joy. When the external challenges fade, the internal ones become everything.

That bucket list has continued to expand each year and it has helped me rediscover the thrill of growth. It continues to give me new energy, fresh purpose, and a reason to keep reaching. I have realized that success isn’t a destination but it’s a mindset, and it has to be renewed constantly. 

So if you find yourself in a season without a clear challenge, don’t wait for one to appear. Create your own. Push your limits. Try something that makes your heart race a little. When life doesn’t challenge you, challenge yourself.

That’s how we keep becoming.

Quote to Ponder

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” -C.S. Lewis

Question to Consider

Do I currently have a clear goal or direction I’m working toward? If not, what’s one thing I could pursue that would bring purpose to my day?

More Tools to Make Challenging Yourself a Little Easier

Think Ahead in Sports and Business: In this article, discover how the Olympic sport of skeleton teaches athletes and entrepreneurs alike the power of thinking ahead.

Believe in the Impossible - Tony Hawk: Be inspired by skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk, as he shows the world that with persistence, belief, and grit, you can believe in the impossible—and achieve it!

Success is Not Final: Success isn't a finish line—it's a launchpad. Learn how mindset, discipline, and purpose turn one win into a lifetime of growth.

Creating new habits sounds exciting at first, until real life steps in. One day, your schedule gets thrown off, the rhythm you’ve worked hard to build is disrupted, and suddenly you’re standing at a crossroads. Do you take the detour and give yourself a break? Or do you find a way to stay on the path, even if it looks a little different for a while?

How a Forgotten Book Taught Me the Power of Consistency

Recently, our family went on a vacation. It was a chance to unplug, unwind, and build memories together. When we arrived and began to unpack, I realized that I had forgotten to bring a book that I’ve been reading each night. Over the past few weeks I’ve been working hard on a personal goal of putting my digital devices aside at night and picking up a book instead. This one small shift has made a big impact for me. I’ve noticed that reading before bed helps me fall asleep faster and it is helping me to wake up feeling more rested. It’s a habit I’ve been proud of building, but that commitment was tested on this trip.

When I realized that my book was missing from my bag, and still sitting on my nightstand at home, I knew my nightly routine would be thrown off. At first, I was tempted to shrug it off and say, “Oh well, it’s a vacation anyway. I can take a break from my habits too.” But deep down, I knew this was one of those moments that mattered.

Building Habits That Stick: Even on Vacation

That’s when I noticed something. My nine-year-olds had brought a few books with them! They were stuffed in their crowded backpacks and ready for the trip. (I could definitely write a whole article about the importance of being prepared, and how my twin boys taught me a good lesson, but we’ll stick to the principle of consistency for this one.) They were way more prepared than I was! 

So, instead of skipping my reading altogether, and turning into my old habit of grabbing my phone and scrolling before bed, I asked if I could borrow one of theirs. With wide smiles on their faces, they excitedly agreed. 

For the rest of the trip, I read their books each night before bed. It obviously wasn’t what I had planned, but I was proud of myself for sticking with the habit. I was staying consistent in a small way. And honestly, it turned out to be a fun little twist. I got to see what they were reading and even had a few good laughs along the way.

Consistency Isn’t Perfection—It’s Persistence in Small Moments

This experience reminded me that consistency doesn’t require perfection, it simply requires persistence. Even when things aren’t ideal, doing something that aligns with your desired habits and goals keeps the momentum alive.

Research from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, supports this idea. He explains, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” And systems are built through repetition, not just dramatic effort or perfect circumstances. The more consistently you repeat a behavior, the more it becomes part of your identity. Missing one day doesn’t break a habit, but the decisions you make in moments of disruption are the ones that shape who you’re becoming.

When Life Disrupts Your Routine, Stay Consistent in Small Ways

No matter what goal you’re working toward, whether it’s improving sleep, building strength, growing a business, or deepening your faith, consistency is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. It’s not about doing it perfectly every time. It’s about showing up, even when it’s inconvenient, even when your plan gets thrown off, even when all you’ve got is a kid’s chapter book and a flashlight while on a vacation.

Because it’s in those small, quiet decisions that real change is made. And those are the moments that matter most.

Quote to Ponder

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” -Robert Louis Stevenson

Question to Consider

Do I hold an “all or nothing” mindset when it comes to habits, or am I willing to adapt and stay consistent in small ways?

Consistency Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect - Tips on How to Stick With Your New Habits

How to Get Back on Track After Falling Short:In this article, Noelle teaches that when you fail, life offers you a chance to start again with a new outlook.

Self-Discipline: The Quiet Power Behind Every Success: Discover how self-discipline—not motivation—is the key to lasting success, with practical steps to live a “no excuses” life.

After 15 years of striving toward the Olympic Games, I discovered that certain self-improvement strategies didn’t just make me a better athlete—they made me a better wife, mother, business owner, and friend.

As I have taken time to reflect back on these lessons, I have come to realize that many of these lessons have grown to become beneficial habits in my life today. They help me to find balance and allow me to continue to learn and grow. I wish I could say that I have learned everything that I need to learn from these lessons, but I haven’t. I will keep learning and relearning these lessons throughout my life.

Self-improvement is not a destination, it’s a lifelong journey. It’s the conscious effort to grow, learn, and become a better version of ourselves every day. These practical, proven habits can help anyone build a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Although I could share hundreds of lessons and strategies with you in this article, I think I’ll save the majority of them for another time. I have narrowed the list down and decided to share my favorite top 10 strategies to self-improvement with you. These are rooted in daily habits, mindset shifts, and personal discipline, and they offer a well-rounded roadmap to elevate different aspects of life. Applying even a couple of these can lead to meaningful transformation. So as you read these, if there is one that stands out to you, commit to implementing it into your life this week. I promise, you won’t regret it.

1. Read Daily

Reading sharpens the mind, improves vocabulary, and expands knowledge. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or articles (like this one that you are reading!), daily reading helps foster focus and intellectual growth. Studies show that reading can increase brain connectivity and empathy. (Mar et al., 2006). Take time to read each day.

2.Exercise Regularly

Physical activity isn’t just for fitness. It enhances mood, reduces stress, and boosts mental clarity. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve your emotional well-being, and supports long-term brain health. You get to define what “regular exercise” means to you. For some people, this means they want to exercise every day. For others, it might be much less. The key is to be consistent with your exercise routine.

3.Set Clear Goals

Goals give our lives structure and direction. Writing down short and long-term objectives provides motivation and helps us track progress. According to research from the Dominican University of California, people who write down their goals are nearly twice as likely to achieve them. What is a goal that you have? Write it down, then break it down into small steps. Set a deadline and get to work.

4. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation

Mindfulness enhances emotional regulation and reduces stress by encouraging us to be fully present in the moment. Even 10 minutes of meditation daily can rewire the brain for better focus. For tips on how to be more present in your life, check out my article,“Practicing Mindfulness in a Distracting World.” 

5. Learn a New Skill

This is one of my favorite self-improvement strategies and really helped me to move forward when my Olympic journey came to an end. Continuous learning strengthens cognitive function and broadens our opportunities. It allows us to be hopeful about the future and see the best in what lies ahead. Whether it’s a language, juggling, coding, or public speaking, new skills not only keep the brain agile but also build confidence, resilience and adaptability. The world is full of possibilities. Create your bucket list today! 

6. Reflect Daily

Reflection encourages self-awareness and helps identify areas for growth. Journaling or mentally reviewing your day promotes consistent self-correction. Here are three questions that I asked myself every night throughout my journey to the Olympic Games, and they changed my entire trajectory: 

1. What went well today?

2. What didn’t go so well today?

3. How will I choose to improve tomorrow?

7. Improve Communication

Strong communication skills, especially active listening, enhance both personal and professional relationships. This area drastically improves as we focus on being mindful in our conversations with others. Are you fully present when someone is talking to you, or do you find yourself distracted? Do your emotions get the best of you when you don’t see eye to eye with someone else? Oftentimes, it’s best to set our emotions aside when conflicts arise and listen to every point of view.

8. Wake Up Earlier

An early start often means a more intentional and less rushed day. Morning routines allow us to have moments of quiet focus, meditation, exercise, planning, and setting the tone for a productive day. As Richard Whatley states, “Lose an hour in the morning, and you will be all day hunting for it.”

9. Declutter Your Environment

A tidy space can lead to a clear mind. Research has shown that physical clutter can negatively impact focus and increase stress levels, while a clean environment can enhance productivity and peace of mind. If your nightstand is piled high with a variety of items, it’s time to clean it off. If your office desk is filled with stacks of papers, books, and things that you will “get around to”, then it’s time to declutter your space and make room for productivity.

10. Surround Yourself with Positive People

The people around you influence your mindset, habits, and aspirations. Being in a supportive and uplifting social circle will allow you to stay motivated and resilient through the good and the bad. Take time to recognize the relationships in your life and notice whether they are lifting you up or pulling you down. Intentionally draw closer to those who make you want to be better, and intentionally remove yourself from relationships that are destructive and toxic.

Take The First Step to Improvement Today

If one of these self-improvement strategies stood out to you, decide now to improve in that area and become better today than you were yesterday. As the philosopher Aristotle wisely noted, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” I truly believe this. I believe that you can become whoever you want to become, but it does take discipline and action.

These ten strategies to self improvement are not just self-help tips, they are science-backed strategies that, when practiced consistently, can bring about lasting change in every area of life. Begin with one, and build from there. I promise, your future self will thank you!

Quote to Ponder

Question to Consider

If your future self could thank you for one change you made today, what would it be?

Reference

Mar, R. A., Oatley, K., Hirsh, J., dela Paz, J., & Peterson, J. B. (2006). Bookworms versus nerds:Exposure to fiction versus non-fiction, divergent associations with social ability, and the simulation of fictional social worlds. Journal of Research in Personality, 40(5), 694–712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2005.08.002

Click on the links below to learn more self-improvement strategies

• Time Management Tip: Every time I use this time management tip, it takes a weight off my shoulders and allows me to see where I need to place my priorities.

• Mindset Minute Video - Finding Balance in Life: Comedian James Perry shares a time in his life where he had to slow down and focus on what mattered most.

• Mindset Minute Video - 1% Better:Miss Salem, Emily Weber, encourages us to make small goals that will help us be 1% better each day, and eventually we will be able to accomplish whatever we set our mind to.

Do you ever feel like your life is a never-ending race with so many things pulling you in different directions?

As you try to have more balance in your life with your goals, family, work, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. But here’s something to remember - we can’t do everything all at once, and we’re not meant to. Time management tips aren't about cramming more in, it’s about prioritizing what truly matters, setting boundaries, and being intentional with our time.

When we focus on what’s most important and let go of the distractions, we find more peace, more joy, and more energy for the things that truly lift us up. When we are able to do this, we are able to live a purpose-driven life.

Finding Balance and Relieving Stress

I have found that the stress levels in my life seem to show up like clockwork. Every three months or so, I find myself feeling agitated, uneasy, overwhelmed, without direction, or lacking in some way. When this happens, I have learned that it is almost always due to an imbalance in my life. I’m typically putting too much emphasis in one area and unintentionally lacking in another. One way that I have found to easily navigate this unnecessary stress is by taking time to reflect on where I am, and where I want to go in the coming days, weeks and even months ahead. To do this, I create a “Balance Wheel”. This is my go-to time management tip.

Here’s how this works:

Step 1: Create

Draw a circle on a piece of paper and divide it into eight sections. Give each section a title to include areas in your life. The eight areas I have found helpful to use are these: Family, physical, finances, career, relationship, fun/recreation, personal learning/growth, and spiritual. 

Step 2: Reflect

Think about each section of the balance wheel and determine how you are doing in that particular area of your life. What is required of you in that area and how much time are you giving to it? On a scale of 1-10, with 1 representing “I’m really slacking” and 10 representing, “I’m doing great”, give each section a number. You can either write the number in the section, or you could color it in. (I’m a very visual learner and like to color in each pie section so that I can see the differences in each section.)

Step 3: Evaluate and make a plan

Finally, look at your “Balance Wheel”. What do you notice? Is there an area or two where you feel like you need to put in more time or effort? Is there an area that you need to step back from or even consider setting boundaries?

Looking at my example, I recognize that we recently took a family trip. So my family and fun/recreation areas are doing quite well! However, it took a toll on our finances and also set me back in some work obligations. My nutrition and physical fitness have also slacked. It was a much needed and incredible trip. However, looking at this diagram, I know I need to spend some time in those areas now that we’ve returned. I also want to set a new goal for myself in personal learning and growth. Maybe I’ll decide to read a new book or learn a new skill. I want to take a little time today to think about how to improve in this area and improve the overall balance in my life.

Move Forward with Purpose

Every time I use this time management tip, it takes a weight off my shoulders and allows me to see where I need to place my priorities. It gives me direction, purpose and reminds me what is most important in my life.

At the end of the day, it’s not about how much we can squeeze into our schedule but it’s about making time for the things that truly matter most. As we learn to prioritize, set boundaries, and be intentional with our time, we not only reduce stress but also create space for joy, growth, and the people we love. Life will always be busy. It’s time to take control of your time, intentionally manage your time and move forward with purpose.

Quote to ponder

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” -Stephen R. Covey

Question to consider

Is there an area in your life that needs more attention? What can you do today to improve in that area and find more balance in your life?

Click on the links below to learn more about finding balance

• Simplify Life: Finding Peace in a Hectic World: Feeling overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list? Discover how to simplify life, find peace in the chaos and reconnect with what matters most.

• Mindset Minute Video - Finding Balance in Life: Comedian James Perry shares a time in his life where he had to slow down and focus on what mattered most.

Over the years, I’ve had a handful of people ask me if the sport of skeleton is simply a race of chance, not realizing how much effort it takes to find your balance point—both physically and mentally.

“Do you even do anything on your sled? Or do you just lie there?” 

To be completely honest, I’m pretty sure the first hundred times down on my sled, I just laid there, prayed for safety and held on tight. So I think there is some truth to that question! Those first hundred times weren’t very fast. And they definitely weren’t injury free. But the lack of speed and the constant bruises made me determined to figure out how to be the best in this sport.

Is Skeleton Just a Sport of Chance?

In the sport of skeleton, to ensure elite performance, there are many aspects that need to be tested and fine-tuned. We check the weight of our sled every day, in case water or ice is trapped inside of it. When this happens the sled becomes heavier than allowed. Then we examine our runners. These are the metal bars that we slide on. We want to make sure that there aren’t any scratches or debris that might slow us down. We also check our helmet, speed suit, gloves, and shoes. It's essential that everything is aerodynamic and ready to perform at their highest level.

Among the various details tested is something called “the balance point”.

What Is the Balance Point—and Why Does It Matter?

The balance point allows an athlete to focus on what is in front of them and not worry about what is beneath them or around them. Staying balanced allows them to eliminate unnecessary stress and anxiety as the world flies by what seems to be 1,000,000 miles an hour.

Did you ever play on a teeter totter when you were younger? 

The balance point reminds me of watching two kids playing on a teeter totter. For a while, these kids will go up and down and up and down. But eventually, they might try something new. You might even see the kids try to hold as still as possible as they try to balance their weight on the apparatus. As the kids lift their feet up off the grass and shift their weight forward and backwards they diligently try to get the toy to lift them both off the ground at the same time. If they do it carefully, they can stay level with the ground without touching the grass beneath them. 

This is called “the balance point” and is the same concept on a skeleton sled.

The Importance of Balance in Skeleton Racing

The balance point is a critical aspect of sliding headfirst, with your chin less than an inch from the ice, and flying 90 miles an hour down the icy track. The balance point ensures that you are neither too far forward on your sled or too far back. Positioning yourself too far in either of these directions can cause the sled to lose control. Then it could steer straight into a wall and keep you from reaching your final destination. 

To find an athlete's balance point, they place their sled on solid ground and lie on top of it in a comfortable position. Well, as comfortable as you can be when you’re lying on something that feels like a cookie sheet. Once the athlete does this, a long broomstick handle is positioned beneath their sled. It is placed in a perpendicular direction, in the center of their runners. The idea is to find the perfect position where the sled balances on the broomstick without touching the ground on either side. 

If the sled touches the ground in the front, the athlete has to inch back on the sled. When the sled touches in the back, the athlete inches forward on the sled. If it is drastically lopsided, lead weight plates must be adjusted within the sled. 

Oftentimes, in order for me to find my balance point, I had to close my eyes so that I could pay attention to where my body actually was on my sled. I had to pay attention to my breathing, my head placement, my grip on my handles and many of the small details that I rarely even noticed at any other time.

Finding the balance point is a very simple process but it makes a huge difference.

How to Find Your Balance Point in Life

How often do you feel that your world is flying by at what seems to be 1,000,000 miles an hour? Do you sometimes feel that your life is completely out of balance? Do you feel overwhelmed by your to do list, never ending emails, kids activities, or house projects that never seem to end? Maybe you are feeling guilty for not spending enough time in your home and too much time at work? Or maybe your life feels out of balance because you feel stuck and unsure about what to spend your time doing?

No matter what the reason is for feeling out of balance, we all experience this at different stages in our lives. Balance in life allows us to eliminate anxiety and stress and create the life that we want. 

Three Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Life Balance

Here are three tips to consider when the world around you seems to be out of focus. 

Slow Down

• In the speedy sport of skeleton, we have to slow down and take the time to check our balance point in order to improve. This is no different in life. Take time to slow down and consider how you are balancing in the following 8 areas: finance, relationships, physical health, personal growth and learning, spiritual wellness, family, career, fun/entertainment. (I do this every month and it typically takes 20-30 minutes. It’s worth it!)

Is there an area that you are spending too much time in? Is there another area that is struggling because of it? Where would you like to improve?

Make personal adjustments

• In skeleton, small adjustments make a huge difference. Instead of looking at our competitors, we learn to focus on ourselves and how we can personally improve. What does this look like in everyday life? Take a break from endless social media scrolling. Stop comparing yourself, your relationships, or your kids skills to others. Instead of comparing your balance point to someone else, focus on your own position, how you are feeling and what you can do to improve your situation. 

What is a small adjustment that you can make in your life to alleviate any stress and anxiety that you are feeling? 

Focus on what matters most

• In skeleton, once we slow down, make adjustments and simplify the process we can then focus on what matters most. We can focus on our goals and see more clearly what is right in front of us. Simplify your life. Cut through the clutter and the unnecessary time constraints. Take hold of your life and spend your time focusing on what matters most to you.

Just like finding the balance point on a skeleton sled, finding balance in life is a very simple solution that will bring you great rewards.

Quote to Ponder

“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.”  -Jana Kingsford.

Question to Consider

How often do you intentionally strive to find balance in your life and make time for the things that matter most?

Click on the Links Below to Learn More about How to Find Your Balance Point

Time Management Tip: Every time I use this time management tip, it takes a weight off my shoulders and helps me find my balance point and see where I need to place my priorities.

"Come on Noelle. Youve got to pick yourself up." I was six years old and learning how to snow ski, when these words ran through my head. As a young girl, I was about to discover something very profound. 

A Childhood Ski Crash Teaches Self-Reliance

Following a massive, typical crash where skis went flying and poles scattered in both directions, I found myself lying in the snow, alone. I looked up and watched as the snowflakes landed on my cheeks and my nose. My dad had skied down the hill in front of me. I’m sure he wasn’t very far away, but I felt very alone. I listened to the stillness around me and waited. Someone was sure to come to my rescue, pick me up, and gather my equipment for me. But no one came.

Again, I’m sure my dad was very close. What seemed to be a very long time was probably less than a minute. While lying in the snow waiting for my rescuer to arrive, this thought came to me: “If I never pick myself up and move from this spot, I will be stuck here forever. Come on Noelle. You’ve got to pick yourself up.”

I realized that there are times in life when others around you are there to help you up and make you stronger. There are also times in life when you need to find the energy, take action and “pick yourself up”.

In one of my favorite books, titled “Endurance” by Alfred Lansing, after sharing the history of how an expedition ship sunk in the Antarctic waters and the crew had to find a way to survive, the comment is made,

“If they were to get out - they had to get themselves out.”

Shackleton’s Endurance: When No One Comes to Your Rescue

Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) was an Irish-born British polar explorer who led several expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century. In January of 1915, Shackleton and 27 crewmen had the goal to reach the South Pole. However, before they could do this, their ship, “The Endurance”, became stuck in the treacherous ice of the Weddell Sea. Eventually, on October 27th the encircling ice and crushing pressure on “The Endurance” was too great. The crushing ice forced the crew to abandon ship.

Having kept the faith in their expedition leader – Ernest Shackleton – the men now faced a daunting and frigid march north. They dragged their boats for miles through the harsh Antarctic weather, hoping to reach land and find rescue. However, the ice never broke up enough for them to launch the vessels successfully. They stopped their march and lived on ever decreasing ice flows for 5 months, until April 9th, 1916. The ice broke apart just enough for the party to take their three small boats out to sea.

Unfortunately, the cruel tides and winds dragged them further from land. They battled on through vicious storms to finally reach the tiny speck of land – Elephant Island. This was the first land they had touched in 497 days.

From Elephant Island to South Georgia: Picking Yourself Up at Sea

You may think the story ends here. Had it ended there, the cruel island likely would have buried the entire crew. Realizing that no passing whalers would rediscover them, Shackleton knew they had to act. The only option was to face the torrents of the sea in a tiny little boat, the James Caird, and head to South Georgia. 

Shackleton set out on April 24th 1916, with 5 companions for this 650-mile crossing of one of the wildest oceans in the world. After a month of battling the Scotia sea, navigated by Captain Frank Worsley, the tiny boat reached the jagged shores of South Georgia, a staggering feat in its own right. Shackleton, Worsley & Crean then had to cross the mountains of South Georgia to finally reach the Norwegian Whaling station at Stromness. 

For the remaining crew on Elephant Island, rescue eventually came 4 months later, after a number of aborted attempts by various other ships. On August 30th, Shackleton and a brave crew on a Chilean tug named, “The Yelcho”, arrived at Elephant Island, and with great joy, they found all crew members alive and ready to go home.

Applying “Pick Yourself Up” to Everyday Challenges

Our lives are filled with ski crashes and sunken ships. Sometimes these crashes come in the form of a lost job or a big move and sometimes these come in the form of not understanding how to navigate new technology platforms or not knowing how to add oil to your car. Instead of waiting for someone else to save your day or to open doors for you, pick yourself up and have courage. Take time to learn, be creative and find a way to get to where you want to go and be who you want to become.

Quote to Ponder

“And for all the trials and discomfort, these weeks of primitive living had been peculiarly enriching. The men had been forced to develop a degree of self reliance greater than they had ever imagined possible.” -Endurance, Alfred Lansing

Question to Consider

How can you be a little more self-reliant and independent in your life this week?

Read more about developing the mental strength to "pick yourself up"

Believe in the Impossible: Tony Hawk - In this article, Noelle shares the incredible story of skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk, defying odds by landing "The 900". His story shows that with persistence, belief, and grit, you can believe in the impossible—and achieve it!

Overcoming Adversity After Miscarriage: A Journey of Focus and Hope - In this personal account, Noelle shares her journey toward overcoming adversity after a devastating miscarriage. With the help of loved ones, she gained the strength to get back up by learning lessons of gratitude, hope, and focus.

Click on the links below to learn more about Ernest Shackleton and The Endurance

StudyErnest Shackleton's biography on Britannica - "Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton is best known as a polar explorer who was associated with four expeditions exploring Antarctica, particularly the Trans-Antarctic (Endurance) Expedition (1914–16) that he led, which, although unsuccessful, became famous as a tale of remarkable perseverance and survival."

Read the book, Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage - "Experience 'one of the best adventure books ever written' (Wall Street Journal) in this New York Times bestseller: the harrowing tale of British explorer Ernest Shackleton's 1914 attempt to reach the South Pole."

People always ask me what it takes to become an Olympic skeleton athlete. At the heart of being a great skeleton athlete, it requires the ability to think ahead.

Precision on Ice: Why Skeleton Athletes Must Think Ahead

Skeleton is a precision sport. Every movement, every breath exhaled, and every pine needle that falls into the icy track, can make or break a competition.

We analyze every mile-long track and relentlessly practice the precise movements needed to steer the 65-pound sled swiftly and safely down the course. On our way down the track sliding headfirst, we steer by applying force to the corners of our sled. We push down with our shoulders and our knees to counter the intense 6G forces that press against our bodies.

Pressure, Distraction, and Planning for Success

Snowflakes fall. Spectators cheer. Camera crews lean in close to the track for a better angle. In the midst of it all, skeleton athletes succeed by preparing to counter the pressures and distractions that make them rise or fall in the track. We must make a plan, visualize and anticipate the process, and then utilize the clock to execute our goals. On the other hand, when we are unprepared, we constantly hit walls and are frustrated with our results. 

From Track to Business: Anticipation Is Everything

As an entrepreneur, and small business owner, I’ve recognized several similarities in business and sports. One of these is the need to anticipate the hits that are coming just around the corner.

Now don’t get me wrong. The majority of big hits in skeleton, and in life, are uncontrollable and blindside us on a random Tuesday morning.

I’m talking about the small hits that are within our control.

In business, the pressures and distractions are endless. Whether it’s constant software and technology updates or responding to a full inbox every 5 minutes, it’s easy to rise and fall with the pressures of the day. Ultimately, this constant lack of direction and forward motion leads to unwanted stress and anxiety.

When you don’t make a plan for your day, how intentional do you feel that it is? Do you feel that you are accomplishing your purpose? Or do you feel the stress and weight of wishing you had done more?

Think Ahead to Stay Focused and Finish Strong

We can better prepare for our day by making a daily plan and then anticipating the tasks and responsibilities that might take us away from our course. 

Are there phone calls to be made? Is there a stack of papers you’ve been meaning to sort through? Give yourself a set amount of time to do these tasks and then once the timer rings, move on with your day and come back to it tomorrow. Are there software updates that need to take place? Schedule them to be updated outside of work hours, and move on. If you work from home and are trying to be productive as the kids are rushing out the door for school, what is a better morning routine that you can implement? When we think ahead and make a plan, we equip ourselves to take control of the clock and execute our goals with purpose.

Quote to ponder

“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.” - Confucius

Question to consider

Is taking a few minutes of time to make a daily plan worth it to you if it means you could have a productive and fulfilling day?

What’s on your mind to explore next?

Video - Noelle's Olympic Medal Skeleton Race:Be amazed as you watch Noelle sliding headfirst over 80 mph down a mile long icy track at the 2014 Sochi, Russia Winter Olympics.

Learn more about the sport of skeleton on the Team USA Bobsled and Skeleton website

Article - Time Management Tip: To effectively think ahead, it's important to learn how to use our time well. Every time I use this time management tip, it takes a weight off my shoulders and allows me to see where I need to place my priorities.

Mindset Minute Video - Plan Ahead: Chef Jeff Jackson teaches that when we choose to plan ahead, things will go more smoothly and we will have success in school and in life.

Flight, space travel, human organ transplants, and circumnavigating the globe were all thought to be impossible… until someone believed it could be done and had the courage to try.

Skateboarding legend, Tony Hawk, has accomplished many things in his life. He is a father of four children, a philanthropist, an entrepreneur, a celebrity, and a champion at every level. But what he may be most known for is pushing the limits of skateboarding and stepping outside of possibilities. 

Daring to believe in the impossible

In the 1990’s, skateboard athletes were performing kick flips, switch flips and even a 720 here and there. People believed it was impossible to generate enough momentum and agility to spin 2 1/2 times in the air after leaving the ramp and still land on a board. This trick is called “The 900”. 

After attempting to master this trick, and dreaming about it for 10 years, Tony put his skills to the test in front of a huge crowd at the 1999 X Games V. He tried and failed 10 times to land it. Most would have given up and hung their head in embarrassment for falling short. 

Regulation time for the competition had ended, but he remained determined to give the world something new—and he did. He landed “The 900” on his 11th attempt and the crowd erupted in celebration.

Tony was the first to land many tricks, including the once thought to be impossible “900”. This trick inspired thousands of young skateboarders worldwide to commit to their craft, get back up when they fall down, and to believe in the impossible. Skaters old and young saw for themselves that persistence, grit, and belief could turn the impossible into the possible.

Landing the 900 didn't just happen.

Tony talked about landing The 900 in a podcast with Joe Fairless. He shared how he was able to accomplish something that most people considered impossible.

“I had the physical skills to do it for years before I really figured out the mental aspects of it. The mental aspects are it’s possible,” Tony said. “And so much of it is having confidence. I use that analogy to all kinds of things. The idea is that you have the confidence in the skill set to make something happen. That’s just as important as doing it, or as the idea of it in itself.”

You've got this!

Believe in the impossible. Have confidence to pursue your goals. Dare to take risks in an effort to shift from good to great.

Everything that was once thought to be impossible, from skateboarding tricks to flying around the globe, became possible- because someone believed.

Quote to ponder:

Question to consider:

Oftentimes our ideas and goals are shot down by doubt and disbelief before they can begin.

Instead of asking, “What if I fail?”

Ask yourself, “What will my life look like if I succeed?”

Click on the links below to learn how to believe in the impossible

Mindset Minute Video - Find Your True Voice with celebrity vocal coach, Debra Bonner

Through her own life experiences, Debra teaches that when you find your true voice and believe in yourself, anything is possible.

Mindset Minute Video - Believe in Your Dreams with world-renowned artist, Elspeth Young

As a young artist, a professor told Elspeth that her artwork was not good enough to pursue an education at a prestigious art school. This crushing rejection left her with a choice to make - believe the professor or believe in her dream to become a professional artist.