In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, Jess Sargus shares her unconventional career journey from being an Ivy League trained attorney to an undefeated MMA fighter, and now a high-performance coach and speaker. She discusses the pivotal moments that led her to leave a traditional law career, the challenges of transitioning into fighting, and the importance of self-belief and family support in navigating these changes. Jess emphasizes the significance of personal growth, empowerment, and the ripple effect of coaching others in their journeys. In this conversation, Lisa and Jess Sargus explore the themes of achievement, mindset, and personal growth. They discuss the ripple effect of accomplishments on confidence, the importance of embracing challenges, and the distinction between fixed and growth mindsets. Jess shares insights on present moment focus, the zen of intense experiences, and the common post-achievement letdown. They emphasize the significance of defining purpose beyond achievements and the role of values in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the creation of habits for success, the redefinition of failure, and introduces the Phoenix Method for personal reinvention.

Engagement Link

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicarichmansargus/

The Legal Athlete Podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-legal-athlete/id1776383645

Website: https://thelegalathlete.com

Your brain consumes 20% of your body’s energy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC124895/?utm_source=

Fixed versus growth mindset: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset?utm_source=

In this episode, Tracee Metcalfe shares her incredible journey of climbing all 14 of the world's highest peaks, reflecting on the challenges, logistics, and emotional significance of her climbs. She discusses the hardest climb, Annapurna, and the meaningful experience of summiting Shisha Pangma after a tragic avalanche. Tracee emphasizes the importance of teamwork with Sherpas, mental resilience, and the role of connectivity during her expeditions. She also opens up about her fear of heights and the techniques she used to manage it throughout her climbing career. In this conversation, Tracee Metcalfe shares her insights on climbing, focusing on the mental and physical preparation required for high-altitude expeditions. She discusses the importance of acknowledging fear, using mantras, and the role of meditation in managing anxiety. Tracee also reflects on her physical training regimen, the challenges of reintegrating into everyday life after expeditions, and the personal growth she has experienced through her climbing journey. She emphasizes the need to inspire others, particularly women, to pursue climbing and shares practical tips for first-time climbers.

Takeaways

• Tracee became the first US woman to complete climbing all 14 peaks.
• Annapurna was one of her most challenging climbs due to various issues.
• The emotional significance of summiting Shisha Pangma was profound for Tracee.
• She emphasizes the importance of letting Sherpas make safety decisions.
• Climbing rejuvenates her and provides a sense of purpose.
• She learned to manage her fear of heights through therapy techniques.
• Tracee reflects on the ethics of climbing and Sherpa safety.
• She acknowledges the challenges of logistics and planning for climbs.
• The journey of climbing has strengthened her relationships with family. Fear is a natural part of climbing that must be acknowledged.
• Using mantras can help calm the mind during climbs.
• Meditation can be beneficial for mental preparation.
• Physical training should be tailored to individual needs and limitations.
• Reintegration after an expedition can be challenging and requires self-compassion.
• Setting new goals can help with the transition back to everyday life.
• It's important to inspire others through personal climbing stories.
• Climbing is a journey of personal growth and self-acceptance.

Engagement Link

Tracee’s website: https://traceelmetcalfe.com

EMDR therapy: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/

Overview of 8,000 meter peaks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight-thousander

5280: https://www.5280.com/tracee-metcalfe-pursues-the-worlds-highest-mountains/

Ascend Athletics: https://www.ascendathletics.org

In this episode of the Finding Elevation podcast, host Lisa Thompson discusses the difference between resolutions and intentions, emphasizing the importance of identity in achieving lasting change. She shares practical strategies for setting intentions and highlights the significance of showing up consistently to work towards personal goals. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the process of becoming who they want to be, rather than focusing solely on outcomes.

Takeaways

1. Start with identity: Instead of focusing on what you want to achieve, ask yourself, “Who do I want to become?"Write it down, and let that be your guiding intention. Stick it to your computer monitor, to your treadmill.
2. Create rituals around showing up: Lay out your gear the night before. Schedule your training like an important meeting, put it on your calendar. These small rituals help anchor your intention. I also like linking a new habit with an existing one.
3. Embrace imperfect action: You don’t have to be perfect. Missing one workout doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency and it's making consistent improvements over time.
4. Celebrate the process: Reflect on how showing up makes you feel, even if you’re tired or the workout didn’t go as planned. Every step you take reinforces your identity and builds momentum.
5. Revisit your intention regularly: Remind yourself of the future you’re committed to creating. Write it on a sticky note, put it on your mirror, or say it out loud each morning.