Episode 7 - How to think like an Olympian with Steve Mesler

Could your mindset be your biggest untapped asset? 

If you have things you want to get better at… challenges you want to overcome… goals you want to achieve… or things you’d simply like to enjoy a little more (and struggle with a little less)… your mindset could help you do it. 

Steve Mesler is a master at mindset. Not only does his non-profit organization Classroom Champions teach kids social emotional learning skills (including growth mindset), he is also an Olympic Gold Medalist, a 3-time Olympian in the sport of bobsled, and a previous member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Board of Directors. 

In this podcast episode, Steve explores the mental reframes and mindset shifts he’s used to get where he is today. 

In particular, we unpack the beliefs and assumptions Steve had about himself and writing in general that held him back from communicating for years, and how he has since become a stronger fundraiser, leader, thinker, and writer. 

We cover:

• Why Steve credits his Olympic success to a fundamental mindset shift.
• How Steve went from hating fundraising to loving it… and bringing in nearly 3X the dollars as a result.
• A simple reframe you can use anytime to turn something you loathe into something you love. (Try this if you hate sales, marketing, or writing!)
• How our thoughts can help us or hurt us, and how to recognize the difference.
• The beliefs and assumptions about writing that prevented Steve from expressing himself for years… and the realization that changed his entire approach.
• Why you don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) try to do everything by yourself, and the value of coaching and mentorship.
• How to get over paralyzing questions like, “what if nobody reads what I wrote,” or “who am I to do this?” and embrace your potential.
• Why writing involves a degree of risk-taking, and how to mitigate that risk.
• Why you should see your writing and ideas as a gift for other people rather than a selfish indulgence.

Steve naturally inspires everyone he talks to (including me!), all with a good dose of humility, practicality, and humor. 

Read and subscribe to Steve’s newsletter here: www.stevemesler.org/

And check out Classroom champions here: classroomchampions.org

If you need a shot of motivation or a fresh perspective, don’t miss this episode!