Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.

Henry Ford

 “I’m not the kind of person who…” have you ever said this? I have said it, a lot. Looking back, I realize I used it most frequently when I was faced with a situation, opportunity, or idea that scared me or made me uncomfortable. This is a powerful phrase, because as soon as you speak it it becomes true, even in just that moment, closing a door on what could be. 

And so, it seems, my professional career has conspired to teach me more about this concept – and it has gripped me.

Wait, I can’t ride this thing! 

In my early 20’s I stumbled into a career in the non-profit sector and the endurance sports training space. We would see individuals at all fitness levels, but my favorite was the person who would most closely identify as “couch potato”, and believe me we saw a lot of those. I would meet them in the information meeting, hear all their fears, convince them they could do it and then they’d show up terrified on day one. One of my favorite stories was a woman in her mid 50’s and out of shape, she signed up to complete a 100 mile bike ride around Lake Tahoe. Day one, she showed up to training with a basket, a bell, too few gears and when instructed to get on her bike for the short ride she said “Wait, I can’t ride this thing”(oh boy). She crossed the finish line (different bike) just 5 months later. 

In this time, we saw thousands of people triumph, everyone with their own initial challenges to overcome. Every time, I was moved beyond words by the transformation. Right before they crossed the finish line, I’d have a distinct recollection of who they were when they started the journey and, with a tear in my eye, know that as they completed their event, they would never be the same. They had unlocked something new and powerful inside themselves. 

Time and time again, the theory was proved: show up, put in the work, get uncomfortable, fall down, get up, lean on community and amazing things will happen.  

Your yesterdays don’t determine your todays…

Now, in my day job, I’ve spent the last year working with emerging talent from low socioeconomic backgrounds, people who are working to change the trajectory of their lives. They are mavericks in their family, traveling unknown paths and reaching for more. They are putting in the hard work, leaning on community and seeing the transformation along the way. We talk regularly about the fact that your yesterday does not determine your today. That every day we have the power and ability to choose who we will become that day and every day forward. The thing about it friends, is that this stuff works! These lives are changing at every turn. 

So, I guess the question becomes, who do you want to be today? Tomorrow? Speak it, share it, get after it, and don’t for one second tell yourself that you’re not the kind of person who lives the awesome life you dream of!

Live MAS!