The drive to be or
do something you and/or others perceive as impossible. The courage to give
one’s self permission to try and do a task that is meaningful and REALLY
hard. The joy of sharing that accomplishment with everyone around you. And to
receive the support of all who believe in you. That is the human spirit at work
people. And it is time for you to wake up and let it into your life!
Redefining your limits sometimes isn’t just for you. It is also
for the benefit of those around you. This was never more evident to me than
when I recently had the incredible opportunity to join the Project Athena
Foundation (www.ProjectAthena.org) for one of their
adventures in the Florida Keys. The purpose of Project Athena is to help female
survivors live their adventurous dreams through participation in outdoor
activities such as running, hiking, biking and kayaking in some of the most
beautiful places in the USA.
Project Athena is about focusing on the comeback, not the setback.
On our trip, we were blessed to support and sweat side-by-side
with six beautiful and courageous women (our Athenas) as they ran, paddled and
pedaled over 120 miles from Key Largo to Key West. They showed themselves and
us that redefining their limits after a significant medical setback wasn’t
about what they can no longer do. They redefined their limits beyond what they
ever thought possible.
Wheelchairs. Chemotherapy. Debilitating drug side effects. Poor
prognoses. Painful surgeries. These things defined the past for all six women.
Yet they all found the will and the spirit to kick the butt of what held them
back and made a comeback of epic proportions. What a thrill to watch!
They redefined what they thought was possible – even though they
each had their fears – and created a lasting impact on their lives and those
who supported them along the way. Be your own hero? Indeed … They amazed and
inspired themselves for sure.
See, here’s the thing. Being amazing is
really hard work. Testing your limits takes courage and guts and the will to
accept the fact that you will get bumped and bruised along the way. Redefining
your limits is the only way you will ever know what is possible for you.
Be scared … have fear … wonder … and
then put one foot in front of the other because winning is all in front of you.
What lies behind you is merely an input – the past doesn’t define who you are
as a person, a parent, a leader, an employer, a coach or … a friend.
If it is true in your mind, it is
true. Good or bad, positive or negative – it is true. Breaking through your own
personal barriers of disbelief is the key to true success in business and in
life.
What are your barriers that hold you
back? What should be redefined in order for victory to be firmly in your grasp?
I know you know what these barriers are for you. Be candid with yourself and
hit them head on. It’ll be amazing when you do! I promise.
My soul and my spirit were lifted high
by the courage and tenacity of the Athena women in the Keys. They
taught me to be a better person and to redefine my limits. These Athenas
inspired me to look beyond my barriers and try harder.
And when I congratulated one of the Athenas on a great kayak
paddle that particular day, she said “I’m trying.” I responded and told her,
“No … you are doing. And it’s amazing!”
Get on with the doin’. Be curious. Give yourself permission not
to be perfect all the time. Step over the line that defines your comfort zone
and knock the barriers down that stand in your way.
Your life (and your business) becomes amazing when you do. And
your life is happening right here, right now. Make it amazing – I dare ya!
If you would like to talk about how to create a more impactful
business, leadership or life outcome for you or your team, give me a call or
drop me an email. Let’s find ways to uncover together what will make you simply
amazing.
