Meeting the Challenges

Life Upgrade
a five minute motivational newsletter

Issue 85
By Master Coach Ginger Cockerham

Quote
Meeting the Challenges
Life Upgrade Questions
~o^o~ Resources

"We all experience doubts and fears as we approach new challenges. The fear diminishes with the confidence that comes from experience and faith. Jumping in does not guarantee victory, but being afraid to try guarantees defeat."
Brian Goodell, Olympic Gold Medallist

Meeting the Challenges

Our youngest son, Casey, because of his dyslexia faced challenges at school everyday. One of our intentions as his parents was to put him in as many situations as possible where he could be a winner. Fortunately, he loved sports and excelled at them. When he was in high school, he was ranked as one of the top C1 paddlers in his age group in the nation. I often went with him and his buddies as they took their boats through big rapids in the canyons of Colorado.

One day as he prepared to challenge Sledgehammer (a Class V rapid) and I fixed lunch, I watched as he sat on a rocky outcropping for 45 minutes staring below and memorizing the river.

He told me later that he had actually visualized every possible line through the rapid. Later in the afternoon, as he paddled into that giant water, he made the right moves and conquered Sledgehammer with apparent ease.

A couple on the bank near me stood in amazement and commented that that guy must be crazy because ‘you could die in that rapid.’ I smiled to myself knowing that my son was not only an expert at paddling, but he had taken the time to plan what he was going to do, strategize about how he would do it, and entered the water knowing he would be successful. A few years later, he won a national championship in canoeing.

Life Upgrade Coaching Questions

What is a challenge ahead that will move you toward your goal?
Are you ready to step into that challenge with confidence?
Do you have a well thought through plan?
Have you developed a strategy to succeed?
Can you visualize your path to victory?
Who is on your team? (Casey had a coach, mentors, instructors, and a support team)

Peak Experiences
Casey and his partner Scott have an
adventure camp and climbing gym for kids
called Peak Experiences located in
Richmond, Virginia USA.

Casey loves to give kids the chance to excel — at paddling, rock climbing, cycling and at LIFE.

Me to We: Finding meaning in a material world
Craig Kielburger and Marc Kielburger
Here the interview with Craig Kielburger-- go to
www.thepowerofgroups.com