The Titan Within: From the Track to the Boardroom - A Journey of Mirror Work and Mental Toughness

The Power of 6 AM Friendship

Every Friday at 6 AM, magic happens. As a former national hockey player and black belt, I've experienced many forms of athletic camaraderie, but there's something special about our Friday morning crew. We're a group of women who understand that true strength isn't just about physical prowess – it's about showing up, supporting each other, and pushing through barriers together.

The Beauty of Not Being First

Let me share something personal: In my swimming days, I often found myself in eighth place in finals. Dead last. But here's the wisdom I gained from those experiences – excellence isn't about being first; it's about staying in the race. Those moments taught me resilience that now serves me in every aspect of life, from business challenges to personal growth.

The Mirror Work Revolution

When Louise Hay introduced mirror work, she transformed how we think about self-reflection. But here's the twist – we're not using mirrors to break ourselves down or critique our flaws. Instead, we're using them as tools for empowerment. Every morning, I stand before the mirror and declare:

"I love you."

"I am powerful."

"I am ready for this day."

"I am a champion."

This isn't just positive thinking – it's rewiring our neural pathways. When my self-confidence was at its lowest, these mirror work techniques became my ladder out of that dark place.

The Physical-Mental Connection

During our intense 400m running sets, when lactic acid burns and breath becomes heavy, something remarkable happens. As one of my workout partners recently said, "Come run next to me, even my bad mind tired!" That phrase captures everything about the power of community and mental toughness.

Why This Matters in Business

The women I work out with aren't just fitness enthusiasts – they're boardroom powerhouses delivering world-class results in their professional lives. Why? Because the mental toughness developed through physical challenges creates an unshakeable foundation for leadership.

The Four Pillars in Action

1. Soul-Set: It's about finding your "why" in every burpee, every presentation, every challenge. When you're clear on your purpose, the path becomes clearer.

2. Health-Set: Physical vitality isn't optional for high performance. Those early morning workouts aren't just building muscle; they're building resilience.

3. Mind-Set: Through mirror work and mental training, we're literally rewiring our brains for success. Every "I am" statement is a brick in the foundation of our future achievements.

4. Business-Set: The same grit that gets you through that last set of sprints translates directly to navigating business challenges. Our Friday morning crew proves this – they're living examples of integrated success.

The Power of Community

When you're bringing up the rear in a running session, and a workout partner slows down to run beside you – that's more than friendship. It's a testament to the power of community. In business, as in fitness, we rise by lifting others.

Practical Integration Steps

1. Morning Mirror Work: Start each day with powerful "I am" statements. Watch how this simple practice transforms your self-image and, consequently, your results.

2. Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better. Our Friday 6 AM crew isn't just about fitness – it's about mutual growth and support.

3. Embrace the Struggle: Whether it's lactic acid burn or a challenging business negotiation, remember – the discomfort is where growth happens.

Leadership isn't about being perfect – it's about being present, persistent, and willing to grow. Whether you're in eighth place or first, whether you're just starting your mirror work journey or you're a seasoned veteran, remember: your strength isn't just in what you can do, but in how you show up for others.

I invite you to share your experiences. How do you integrate physical and mental toughness in your leadership journey? What role does community play in your growth?

Let's continue building a community of leaders who understand that true strength comes from lifting each other up, one early morning workout, one mirror session, one challenge at a time.

Remember: Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up.

#ConsciousLeadership #TitanMindset #WomenInLeadership #MirrorWork #MentalToughness