We wrapped another amazing two-day Summit for Investment Planning Counsel – this time amidst the stunning views of Whistler, British Columbia.

For me, one core message rang loud throughout the event: the power of resilience plus the courage of humility adds up to living life successfully on ALL fronts.

Jon Montgomery – 2010 Skeleton Gold Medalist at the Whistler Games, and Amanda Lindhout – kidnap survivor and author of A House in the Sky – wore their hearts on their sleeves when they told their stories. Their life stories could not be more different, but they both proved that with dogged determination and hard work, an insatiable sense of curiosity and the grace to remain humble, we can break through any challenge, transform our personal stories, and achieve the success we each hold in our mind’s eye.

A few highlights from Jon:

• There are some things in life or things about yourself that you cannot change. Don’t let that limit you. But, approach fear head on and live so far outside your comfort zone by doing just one thing each day that stretches you.

“Things are only truly out of our reach if we put them there.” – Jon Montgomery

• Celebrate small victories along the way because if you’re not careful you might quit just before the miracle.
• Give your dreams some legs – let yourself be inspired by those around you.
• Help others improve. It’s impossible not to get better at what you do when you help others achieve their potential.

Some nuggets from Amanda:

• You will never truly know or understand what you have until it’s taken away from you.

“I’m grateful for the sky, because it was taken away from me. I hug my mother with more gratitude because she was taken away from me.” – Amanda Lindhout

• Find the seed of compassion, touch it, and look at things from the other person’s point of view. You’ll understand more and it can make a difference in how you choose to react.

 

 

These are two people who reminded us that our dreams are worth fighting for, no matter the odds. How we achieve or survive the odds, and what we do with our success for our community is ultimately what matters.

PS: If you’ve yet to read Amanda’s, book, I recommend it. It will put you on an emotional rollercoaster.