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I offer you this image of a climbing Team studying a half mile high cliff that they are about to ascend. They are about to step out to the edge of their comfort zone.

It has been so internally and personally rewarding to step out to my edge, to step outside of my comfort zone to pursue things that are important to me. I would like to encourage you to step out to your edge. To pursue those things that are important to you.

I am not suggesting that your edge be the edge of a waterfall or the side of a cliff. What I do mean is… school, work, friends, family, career, house, kids, happiness, etc.

Although I have encouraged you to step out to your edge; I know it takes a lot of effort and courage to continue to strive, to look, to learn, to grow.

One of the people that had a strong influence on my life was my college wrestling coach… Roy Minter. Roy's influence made a big difference on how I approached personal challenges. Roy Minter was both a legendary wrestler and a legendary coach. I had the opportunity to wrestle under the leadership of Roy my first two years of college. Roy always produced championship wrestling teams. We were no exception. Although many matches were one sided victories, we also had our share of close wins.

I remember one occasion. We were up against Bismark junior college. The number four ranked junior college team in the nation. Roy pulled us aside before the match. "Guys" he said " If you win tonight… you are going to go a long way as a Team. This team is tough, and they want to beat you real bad. I am going to tell you though, you CAN beat this team. You have done all the work, you have done all the preparation… but there are only two things I can tell you right now that are going to help you win tonight."

"Number one: You have to believe in yourself. You have to believe that you can win."

Number two: "No one is going to do the job for you. It is up to you to take action. To score the points. It is up to each and every one of you if you want to win."

Those words were very powerful to me, but the most powerful thing of all about that evening is… THAT WE WON!

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