Mindset, Attitude, Adventure

How to Achieve Happiness and Success in Business and Life

(Warning: this article includes a not-so-humble brag video. It tells the story of my boat, Vida Rose, and how I learned to sail - my own tale of mindset, attitude, and adventure. Join me for the ride.)

As a coach my job is to help leaders overcome their limitations, become forward thinkers, bold decision makers, impactful communicators. Mindset and attitude are major predictors of success. Adventure is a tool I often use to open minds and foster winning attitudes. I practice what I coach. Of all adventures out there, sailing is my favorite.

Mindset: The Captain of Your Ship

On the seas of success, your mindset is at the helm. Optimism is the compass that steers you to your North Star and guides you through the gales of your career. Leadership is very much like sailing: you set your carefully plotted course, only to discover that the weather forecast worsened overnight. Economic cycles veer from squalls to doldrums, office politics pop up like unmarked underwater obstructions. Armed with a success mindset, there is no ocean you can’t cross, no storm you can’t navigate through, no setback you cannot recover from.

For me, an open mindset fed my passion for adventure and ultimately led me to learn sailing in midlife. It empowered me through a major career transition and continues to keep my horizons clear. It informs my coaching practice and helps me help my clients. Do you have a mindset for success?

Attitude: Your Mindset in Action

When you walk into a room with an attitude that screams, “I’ve got this,” the universe tends to nod in agreement. Your attitude is your secret weapon in the battle for success. It’s what sets you apart when you are negotiating a million-dollar deal, when you are motivating your team, when you are networking and making connections.

What does your attitude say about you? From your posture to your gait, to your facial expression, and the clothes you choose – do you scream, “I’ve got this” or do you mumble, “I’m just here for the ride.”

I believe it was my attitude that prompted Beneteau to invite me for a photoshoot with my new boat. I hope it comes through in the video – my passion for my pursuits and for lifelong learning, and my joie de vivre, the joy of simply being alive.

Adventure: The Spice in Business and Life

Imagine your life and career as a massive treasure hunt, filled with opportunities. Are you ready to embrace the adventure, add excitement to your story, and trim your sails for happiness and success? I sure hope so because this journey is what will lead you to self-discovery and growth. What’s more, you will make friends and partners along the way, building your people network that will be there to cheer you on when the going is great, and support you, when you hit the rough patches.

Have you found your own sweet spot where mindset, attitude, and adventure harmonize with your goals? Are you ready to chart the course of your business and life, trim your sails for optimal performance, take the helm and steer toward happiness and success? I’d love to know!

Shaping Minds and Changing Perspectives

Did you ever have an experience whose impact was so profound that it changed your thinking, even your life? 

I certainly have had a few. Fleeting encounters that opened my eyes to new horizons, conversations that changed the course of my career, stories that stayed with me for a long time, motherhood, friendships, travels to faraway lands… 

Whether it’s work, travel, relationships, challenges, or adventures, our experiences have the power to reshape our perspectives and become catalysts for personal development. They can lead us to discover strengths, overcome fears, and unlock our creative potential. When shared with likeminded people, our experiences often lead to friendship and professional relationships that last a lifetime.

This is why I created LeaderSHIP™ retreats -  an executive experience program that both nurtures and challenges you to reset your mind, recharge your body, and regain your purpose while surrounded by likeminded humans. 

Take a look at my upcoming retreats. And if you want to have an unforgettable experience with your team, clients, or even your besties, let me design one just for you. 

What makes experiences hold such profound influence over our minds?

Broadening Horizons

Experiences have an uncanny ability to broaden our horizons and expand our understanding of the world. When we are exposed to new environments, people, cultures, and perspectives, they challenge our preconceived notions and break down the barriers of ignorance and prejudice. When we step out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves in unfamiliar settings, we gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and develop a more nuanced understanding of the complexities that exist beyond our immediate surroundings.

For instance, traveling to another country may transform our thinking by exposing us to different customs, traditions, and ways of life. It stimulates our senses with new sights, sounds, smells and flavors.  It opens our minds to new possibilities, fosters empathy, and cultivates a sense of global citizenship. 

Similarly, engaging in meaningful conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds can shatter stereotypes and reshape our worldview, promoting tolerance and understanding.

Building Resilience and Adaptability

Experiences often involve confronting challenges and overcoming obstacles. These trials, though difficult at the time, possess the potential to reshape our thinking and instill valuable life lessons. Adversity has a way of pushing us beyond our limits, forcing us to tap into our inner reserves of strength and resilience. 

Through experiences, we develop the ability to adapt, grow, and thrive in the face of challenge.

Take for example participating in physically demanding activities such as hiking, rock climbing, sailing, or endurance sports that can test our physical and mental stamina. Pushing through these challenges not only strengthens our bodies but also fortifies our minds, teaching us the value of perseverance, determination, and self-belief. 

These lessons extend beyond the specific activity and translate into our daily lives and careers, equipping us with the mindset and skills necessary to tackle obstacles with confidence.

Shifting Perspectives

Experiences have the remarkable power to challenge and transform our viewpoints, and enable us to see the world through different lenses. They provide us with alternative perspectives and expose us to new ideas and philosophies, often leading to profound shifts in our thinking.

Engaging in volunteer work, for example, allows us to witness firsthand the struggles and injustices faced by marginalized communities. This exposure can ignite a sense of empathy and social responsibility, motivating us to become better leaders and advocates for positive change. 

Similarly, attending thought-provoking retreats or workshops can introduce us to innovative ideas and transformative knowledge that reshape the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

Journeys of Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Experiences push us beyond our comfort zones and unlock our true potential. They encourage introspection, self-reflection, and create a deeper understanding of our values, passions, and aspirations. 

Embarking on a journey, solo or in the company of likeminded individuals, allows us to step away from the distractions of daily life and explore our inner selves. It provides the space and solitude necessary for introspection, enabling us to reconnect with our dreams, desires, and purpose. 

Through this process, we gain a clearer sense of self and develop the confidence to pursue our passions and make choices aligned with our authentic selves.

Lifelong Impact

Experiences possess a transformative power that extends far beyond the moment itself. They challenge our existing beliefs and open our minds to possibilities we could not have imagined. Through the lessons learned and the wisdom gained, experiences promote personal growth, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.