Skiing is hard. It does not come naturally to humans…especially learning as an adult, or trying to improve as an adult. There is nothing intuitive about it. It requires practice and the learning curve is (ahem) steep. So why do it? Whether it’s skiing or some other physical challenge, why do something you don’t have to do when it’s so darn hard?

Because I believe overcoming obstacles in one area of your life sets you up for success in others. It’s like practice. If you practice the process of success in one category, it primes you for the win at work, other healthy lifestyle choices and whatever other goals you’re working to achieve your biggest dreams. Whoa. Just working on my skiing is setting me up for improving other areas of my life? Yep. True story and here is why.

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If we have a growth mindset, we believe we can overcome obstacles and achieve goals with hard work. It is what makes us want to come back for more. When you approach something new with a fixed mindset – one where you believe you have a certain skill set, talent, abilities, etc., you set yourself up for all or nothing: Win or lose. Succeed or fail. It’s a set up for discontentment. But, if we acknowledge and embrace imperfections, we can cultivate a sense of purpose. By changing your perspective on failure, you change the perception of your efforts. Carol Dweck writes a lot on this topic and generalizes that growth mindset is “a tendency to believe you can grow.”

One phrase you’ll hear around our house on the reg is: “you can’t do this YET.” It’s a really powerful thing for them to say! And, it’s not just for kids! I’ve started using it myself. When we first got back to skiing, you may remember, I was just fine being where I was with my abilities. “I’m just a blue skier” and “Oh, I have no desire to do THAT” crept into a lot of how I talked about my skiing. But, I really didn’t feel that way.

I was uncomfortable with my skills to do harder things, and had a confidence problem not an ability problem. I wanted more from it. And by getting more from it, I found joy in it! It gave so much to me to get better. I worked through the discomfort (fear) – and believe me not without frustration. Tackling that, getting over the hump, skiing things I never thought I would made me feel that way about other areas in my life.

I am so incredibly thankful for the climb. It’s always worth it, whether you win or lose, you gain such abundance from those experiences.

Mercedes Barrs

I just made a return to tennis after a couple solid decades away. It was intimidating to walk into a tennis class after so long, and just weeks later, join a league, but I did it. It wasn’t as scary as it could have been because a while ago, I conquered some of my on snow challenges. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely get caught up in my mistakes, but overall, it’s a crazy good time and provided me the opportunity to meet some amazing women I wouldn’t have otherwise met.

I really encourage you, that when you get out there to try something new or try to take your thing to the next level, be kind to yourself! There is value in going through the processes to improve ourselves, whether that is through sport, education, meditation, healthy eating, exercise, you name it. YOU are valuable for showing up so tell yourself that! “I can’t do it yet.” Try it. Now is the time!! It may just help you find your joy of winter. Be snow happy, friends!!