Issue 024: Determination Outpowers Fear

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right.”
– Henry Ford

“Mj, your newsletter really resonated with me,” a colleague shared, talking about my ziplining excursion in last week’s edition. His response kicked off the second topic in this three-part series.  
 
After the six of us zipped to Hummingbird’s second tower, one adventure-goer tossed her heavy leather gloves. Shook her head. Done! Dense vegetation surrounded the tower set in Gulf Shores State Park. After several quiet radio calls and the arrival of two crew members in a sports utility vehicle, the muscle-toned guides lowered the cabled harnessed woman to safety.

“Who’s ready to zip?” The shorter, blonde-haired guide yelled with excitement. His exuberance uplifted the group’s subdued mood. We zipped three more towers, gaining confidence. This reminded me of what I’ve shared in my workshops. The more you ask for the sale, the easier it gets. The more you implement resilience techniques, the more resilient you become.

With two towers remaining, the taller guide reminded us to cross our ankles as we were facing the wind. With two women in front of me, I watched the first one come to a complete stop on the zipline. Oh no! The guide made his way to her and pulled her behind him to the tower. The second person didn’t make it, either. The guide had to rescue her.

My turn. I jumped off the tower, thinking a faster speed would help. I felt the wind’s force against me. About 50 feet from a safe landing, I inched to a complete stop. The twenty-something guide looked at me. He had already hoisted two others to the platform.

And I’d have to wait in mid-air. Without giving myself time to think, the curse that can halt any action, I swiveled around so I faced the tower I left. Hand over hand, little by little, I tugged myself toward safety…and relief for my straining biceps. I heard the other adventurers chanting, “You’re almost there.” “Just a little more.”

I muttered “you’re almost there, you’re almost there” because I was afraid if I didn’t focus on the outcome my brain would realize I hung suspended from a wire over Lake Shelby. Fear would break my momentum. Once I stopped, as with anything from prospecting to finishing a project, it would be harder to start again.

An arm’s length away, the guide pulled me to the platform with high fives from the other adventurers.

With aching muscles and a smile, I jumped off the landing determined to zip straight to the very last tower. I pulled tight, ankles crossed, shifted in my harness, and turned myself upside down.

1. Be unshakable. Mental determination is that steely determination that you can outpower the obstacles set in your path. Combine mental determination with your belief in yourself, your abilities, and your strengths.

2. Build your Power Team. Having the right Power Team in your corner is crucial to your outcome and bouncing-up™. Your Power Team can get you through the toughest times, guide you in the right direction, and cheer you on when life gets tough.

Momentum Questions:

1. What decision has led you to somewhere you hadn’t planned to be?

2. What go-to strength do you rely on when life turns you upside down?

3. Who do you want on your Power Team?

Until next time, have a Bounce-Up™ day!

Mj

P.S. Want more information about creating your Power Team? Download Mj Callaway’s Power Team worksheet here.