We all have challenges. Some may be physical, some emotional, some financial, and some social. Every one of us has barriers to move through.

It is how we choose to handle our lives experiences, how we choose to focus on our mind’s attitude, and how we choose to take or not take action that allows us to harness adversities and break through the barriers and create a life of purpose and impact.

Who says that a woman who lost her residual hearing at age 18 can’t be an award-winning singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker? (Mandy Harvey)

Who says that a woman who loses her legs at age 19 to meningitis can’t win medals in the USASA National Snowboarding championship and be a runner-up on Dancing with the Stars? (Amy Purdy)

Who says that a man, despite losing his vision at age 13 can’t be the only blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest and reach the Seven Summits? (Erik Weihenmayer)

And who says that a woman born partially sighted and who became totally blind at age eleven can’t overcome parental, societal, and career discriminations; sing the leads in two major operas; build her own former Habitat for Humanity home; win fourth runner-up in the National Ms Senior America Pageant; and publish her autobiography “Soaring into Greatness?” (Gail Hamilton)

We all have barriers; it is up to us how we choose to live our lives. We can be victimized and paralyzed by our circumstances or we can be empowered by them. What’s your choice?

Erik Weihenmayer says if you are going to choose to live a life with no barriers, then you have to follow these seven elements:

VISION: Define a purpose that inspires you to give your best back to the world.

REACH: Move beyond your comfort zone to grow and reach goals.

ROAP TEAM: Collaborate and connect with others to build strong communities.

PIONEER: Persevere through challenges to innovate.

ALCHEMY: Harness life experience into optimism.

SUMMITS: Find the gifts earned through the struggle.

ELEVATE: Impact the world as a leader who serves.

I challenge you today to have a vision for yourself and your career; reach beyond what is comfortable; be willing to be a part of the rope team—every single one of us matters; be a pioneer—create a new project; turn every experience (no matter what) into a positive one; find the gift and celebrate the struggles; and be a leader—foremost to yourself, your community, and to the world. We all are champions, lets go forth and serve!

Remember, as the No Barrier’s philosophy states, “What’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way.”

Check out No Barriers at: www.nobarriersusa.org or check out Erik Weihenmayer’s website: www.touchthetop.com