Navigate With Purpose

July 11, 2012

Beth Schluter, the legend, has been a national and international champion for over four decades.Beth competes in open, masters and age group classifications in canoe and Nordic adventure and endurance races. Best known as a marathon canoe racer, she has won multiple USCA National Canoe and Kayak Championships in C1 Woman, C2 Women, and Mixed in nearly all age divisions.

Like all elite athletes, Beth has talent, strength and determination, skills she has developed with a regimen of mental preparation, efficiency training, attention to diet and living in an environment with clean air and water.

Aging competitive athletes need continuous improvements in efficiency and technique, according to Beth. Her husband and former coach, Errol Schluter said, “She concentrates on technique more than physical strength.” Beth says, “Being aware of body alignment is important because it’s easier on the body.”

Many of Beth’s competitors come to events with morephysical preparation and training, but her secret is mental preparation. Beth trains her brain through visualization exercises and mental focus to gain an advantage over her competition.

NeilWiesner-Hanks, Beth’s long-time paddling partner, refers to her as “The Legend.” He said, “Beth doesn’t make mistakes. Her competitors, some of whom are younger, stronger and faster, lose to her because they make mistakes.” Read More »

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Jun 12

Survive a Squall

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June 12, 2012

We set sail on a lovely day unaware that we would survive a squall. Little did we know that extreme adventure and a near death experience were in our future when we began our journey along the familiar coast of Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula.

The allure of freshwater and lush green islands make this area popular for sailing, Sure, we knew that weather on the Great Lakes could be challenging and unpredictable – sometimes even deadly. Just a week earlier, news reports indicated that two experienced sailors had died when their 35-foot sailboat WingNuts capsized during a storm on Lake Michigan in the Race to Mackinac.

But on this day in July 2011, we woke to a sunlit sky and a gentle onshore breeze, ideal for day sailing. This was intended to be our final sail aboard Tara. Her owner, my father, had decided to sell the 36-foot cutter after 20 years of enjoyment.

Anticipating a lovely cruise, we set sail from Fish Creek. Our course would take us past Little Strawberry Islands, around Chambers Island, and back. The forecast called for a change in weather with the possibility of an evening storm, but we expected to be back and dining ashore. Read More »

Adventures, Dreams With Purpose

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Jun 05

Chance Encounter

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June 5, 2012

During a recent visit to Sedona Arizona, while hiking at Airport Mesa near an energy vortex, I had a chance encounter. A gentleman, along with his partner and faithful dog, taught me an important lesson. It was a simple life lesson that I’d like to share with you because it made my journey to this magical place memorable.

As we watched the setting sun from the top of a butte on the mesa, Danny Kean described how years ago this vortex changed the direction he was traveling. The mystical nature of the vortex experience in this spot high above Sedona had its way with him – a positive way. Danny told me, “Playing, creating my own music, sharing what I have to offer the world at no cost, the travel, relationships; all is for the joy of it. [This] came about after a decision to pursue my wildest of dreams.”

Once he realized that he could play for the joy of it, he mounted a piano to the back of a bright red pickup truck and began “feeling his way through life and music.” It became a new way of life for Danny and his piano dog, “Mo.” They travel the roads together. Outdoors, Mo sits on top of the piano, while Danny plays improvisational music. Danny’s mission in life is “fun, friendship and respect with musical empowerment and inspiration and no cost and without commercial, organizational or political affiliation.” He uses synchronicity and spontaneity to create music for people.

After sharing his story, Danny asked if he could play for me. Drawn by the sound of music across the night air, people gathered around the piano. Energy and emotion poured forth, as his hands danced across the keyboard in the twilight. Music came through Danny’s heart and soul as a stream of consciousness that he readily admits he could never repeat. Read More »

Adventures, Dreams With Purpose

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May 14

Dreams with Purpose Part 2 – My Story

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Adventures, Dreams With Purpose

May 14, 2012

Dreams with purpose are realized by people with seemingly impossible goals using focus, discipline, hard work and self-determination. Faced with a variety of challenges, these champions never give up. The pathways toward their goals may be unclear; nonetheless dream achievers persevere. They exhibit resilience and tenacity – rising above failures, temporary setbacks and physical challenges – in order to accomplish their dreams.

Olympic and Paralympic medalists are among the greatest achievers. They are not the only successful individuals to realize their dreams. Many accomplished individuals go unnoticed. They achieve personal success without fanfare or notoriety. Like Olympic champions, they have high aspirations and strong mental fortitude to overcome setbacks and unforeseen challenges along the way.

Dream achievers can be found all around us. They are ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary goals. Think about accomplished individuals whom you most admire. In addition to world-class athletes, these individuals might be charismatic leaders, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, community volunteers, educators, movie stars, doctors, musicians, and local heroes – all achieving successes in their own ways.

This story is about a personal journey and a discovery process that enabled me to realize my dreams. Through this example, I hope to inspire and encourage others so they too can follow paths of self-discovery toward personal achievement. It is my intention to share stories from time to time about my experiences and those of people I admire. Through these stories, I would like to educate and motivate others to achieve their dreams. Read More »

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May 11

Dreams with Purpose Part 1 – Dreamers & Achievers

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May 11, 2012

Dreamers and achievers have one thing in common – both have a vision. Dreams provide us with visions that can fuel our aspirations. Dreams alone won’t get us far. The ability to achieve dreams with purpose requires mental fortitude and resilience. Achievers turn dreams into reality. The will to succeed takes great inner strength.

I have learned that many individuals are capable of far more than what they achieve. The raw talent may exist. Talent alone does not make a champion. Talent, skill and agility can be developed over time. Sheer determination comes from within. But lack of motivation, resources and other excuses prevent some dreams from ever becoming realized.

In “Dreams with Purpose” you will learn my perspective of what it takes to become a champion on and off the field. This is the first in a series of articles about how people achieve dreams with purpose. Together we will explore gold medal performances in the sports arena, successful game changers and winning performances in business. Many of the same traits that enable people to succeed in sports also create a foundation for success in other areas of life.

From Dreamers to Achievers

High achievers turn dreams into action. They set goals, attain them and then excel to achieve more. Achievers learn to overcome difficulties and turn challenges into opportunities. I respect those with high standards who overcome perceived limitations to embark on a personal plan toward success. However, I do not admire winning at all costs. For those who want to succeed, I would encourage you to maintain values and a sense of purpose in pursuit of a winning performance. Read More »

Adventures, Spring Adventures

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Apr 26

Rhythm of the Waves

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April 26, 2012

Rhythm of the waves. Water can be a powerful cleansing agent; a force that both soothes and re-energizes. Springtime on the water provides new opportunities for exploration, introspection and self-discovery. This combination refreshes and revitalizes my inner spirit. It renews my energy.

March brought unseasonably warm temperatures to Wisconsin’s Lake Country area and I was able to get out on the water most days. As the cold winter months melted away, so too did my natural tendency to draw inward. As I paddled and watched spring awaken, I felt my protective shell melting away like the ice on the lake and I could sense I was becoming more open.

Over the years, paddling and rowing have become meditative experiences for me. Again this spring, the sights and sounds of the water and of nature were invigorating and I was able to stroke my way into a Zen-like state. The rhythm of my strokes and the motion of the waves always help to clear my head. These rhythms enable me to relax and amplify my thoughts. Using human-powered watercraft, I contemplate life while exploring inland waterways.

As sunshine, warm air and wind moved ice off frozen lakes, the thrill of paddling alongside large ice floes drew more kayakers onto the open water. Listening to ice crystals clanging like ice cubes in water glasses heightened the sensation and enhanced the paddling experience. Each day another lake awoke along with its inhabitants. Birds migrated north returning to nest. Within a few days, life sprang forth on inland lakes. Attracted by the warm air and sunshine, more people were drawn outdoors into nature. Read More »

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Mar 19

In Snow Sports, Expect the Unexpected

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March 19, 2012

In snow sports, expect the unexpected. Turning potentially disastrous situations into memorable and thrilling sports adventures requires awareness, training, and good instincts.

With skill and appropriate judgment we can come prepared to the mountains to ski, ride, climb, and snowshoe. Ever

Swedish Powder Shot”, Phil Icke, Photographer

changing winter conditions present a variety of situations making snow sports challenging. Toying with fate, we calculate risks based on our preparation and knowledge of each situation. The more informed and better prepared we are, the lower the risk; yet providence still plays a hand in our destiny. We can’t let our guard down. We must remain vigilant. And we need luck on our side.

Adrenalin junkies often place themselves at risk for the thrill and joy of the moment. Some take unwise and unnecessary risks. Others come unprepared or simply unaware of pending disasters. Rather than plan for these situations, many people prefer to hire a guide with local knowledge. Others rely on unofficial guides as group leaders to shepherd them. In search of adventure, they follow like flocks of sheep.

Adventure seekers are everywhere. They are especially prevalent in Utah, an adventure sports mecca. Utah is a vast outdoor playground for holiday travelers, thrill seekers, and adventure sports athletes. I fall into the latter category. Read More »

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Feb 12

Westward Journey

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