So I conquered the nerves and successfully completed a motivational talk at Kitchell, a construction company with offices in Arizona, California and Texas. The turn-out was great and the employees were so welcoming and interested. (It’s always nice to look around the room and see engaged – as opposed to bored – faces!)

I am so incredibly thankful for the opportunity and for their support of my Olympic journey. I am always thankful for any chance I am able to share my story, to encourage others to go after their dreams, challenge their fears, doubts and misconceptions of ‘impossible’, and to move forward from each failure.

I know a lot about failure because I’ve had a lot of them, and this is what they’ve taught me.

Failure is not the end, but simply a prerequisite to success. Failure is a lesson, the result of which when learned will lead you to bigger and more fruitful blessings. Failure is an opportunity for growth. See it as such. Wallowing in self-pity, indulging your disappointment and settling with your setback is a big no-no.

How do you respond to failure? AMPLIFY your life…  

A

Keep affirming positivity and belief in your abilities and potential. Challenge your self-doubt and negative self-talk (NST); replace it with self-belief and P(ositive)ST.

M

Talk with conviction and fearless faith about your desires. What you focus on expands, so develop mindful awareness of your thoughts, words and actions; it all stems from the meditations of your heart.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” HENRY FORD

P

Trust the process. Set goals. The hard work will pay off.

L

Let go; it’s true that you can’t control the weather, but you can control your response to it. Trust that the storm will pass. For sportspeople & creatives: take cognitive process-learning from your head to your heart (autonomy); enter your ‘flow’ state for breakthrough results.

 “Empty your mind…be formless, shapeless like water. Be water, my friend.” BRUCE LEE

I

Inspire. Breathe life into others’ dreams as well as your own. Smile at a stranger. Buy someone’s lunch. Share your story. Know your value. Be a joy to be around.

F

Walk in faith with faithful, faith-filled friends. Misery loves company so make sure you roll with friends who elevate your level of thinking when you’re down rather than indulging your pity-party.

“You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” JIM ROHN

Y

Finally, know your ‘why’. Live with purpose, passion and perseverance. These are my three keys to success because when you know your purpose, you’ve discovered what you love to do. And what you love to do will drive you forward – despite setbacks, disappointments and ‘failures’ – in the direction of your dreams.

Use your failure; don’t let it use you.

#FailForward #FearlessFaith

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If you’d like to get in touch to arrange a talk/lunch & learn/workshop at your workplace, business or school, fill in the form below (or encourage the person who can make that happen to do so!). Thank you!