⭐️ Is It Worth It To Shoot For The Stars? | Pulse Of The Nation

As kids, we all have big dreams. Parker wanted to be a professional athlete. I wanted to be a chef/sports commentator/SpyKid. At the time, it seamed reasonable. Why not? Our parents always taught us to shoot for the stars.

However, as we get older, those big dreams crash down to reality. We hear people tell us to “be reasonable” and ask, how we plan to make a career with that degree. Shooting for the stars quickly turns into something a bit more conservative.

When thinking about shooting for the stars, I can’t help but take a moment to be inspired by friend of the podcast, Jalen Brunson, starting point guard for the New York Knicks. His whole life, Jalen was an underdog. Folks labeled him as too short, too slow, simply not good enough.

Jalen had a hidden talent though. He didn’t just shoot for the stars. He shot at them, and then got to work. Yearly, Jalen would create goals and affirmations. And everyday, he would look at those taped to his bedroom door.

This inspired his magic work ethic and his relentless pursuit to achieve those stars, even as they got higher and higher. As I think about the phrase Shoot for the Stars, I think we should tweak it as I’ve been influenced by watching Jalen’s success. Instead, I think we should say, “Shoot for the stars, and get to work.”

Elevator Spotlight

Shining a light on accomplishments throughout Elevation Nation

Elevation Nation takes NBA All-Star Weekend! 

A unique Elevation Nation collab took center court as Elevators no 84. and 85. Xander Chase and Ryan Lane, created a custom FTL Bag for Knicks Point Guard, Jalen Brunson.

The fellas included Jalen’s many accomplishments as well as his own Mental Motto, “The magic is in the work”.

Shoutout to Elevator no. 1, Joey Lane and Elevator no. 11, Connor Cashaw for helping execute and delivery this incredible crossover collaboration!

Welcome to Elevation Nation

The latest additions to the Elevation Nation community

Elevator no. 153 - Sammy Kaye

Sammy followed his dreams post-covid and packed up his life to move to LA to pursue his acting dreams. After following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his family, Sammy used those acquired skillsets to elevate his personal brand and break into the entertainment industry.

Sammy’s Mental Motto - "One day at a time."

Elevator no. 154 - Jess Diamond

After struggling herself as a young adult, Jess decided to change her life and the lives of others. She started her coaching business to help instill confidence and a sense of direction in young adults around the globe.

Jess’ Mental Motto - "It’s not forever, it’s for now."

Elevator no. 155 - Marianna Cuomo Maier

Marianna started her post-grade life at Teach for America in Chicago, a fulfilling but draining career that challenged her to look internally for more holistic ways she could find wellness. Her inspiration helped form, Grata Wellness a holistic coaching practice, wellness platform, and blog that provides a gratitude-centered approach to health.

Marianna’s Mental Motto - "You have to fill up your cup."

Elevator no. 156 - Briana Blair

Bri is a marketing leader and entrepreneur at the heart of LEAD Network Group. Bri wanted to bring the power of real connections to help cultivate new friendships and give back to the Charlotte community.

Briana’s Mental Motto - "Courage, connection and growth."

Nation News

Highlights and wins from around the Nation

• 🥊 Fight Night - Elevator no.6 Matt Johnson won his two debut fights as a boxer in Aurara, IL this past month, taking home the belt!

• 🏁 Going Fast - Elevator no. 34 Alex Sheinman and Elevator no. 44 Jack Settleman signed a deal with their company, Snapback Sports and NASCAR as a content partner for 2024!

Fourtitude Four

4 quick ways to elevate your Mental Fortitude

1. 📚 Quick Read - How to Develop a Strong Work Ethic by HBS

2. 🎤 Quote - “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.” - Conrad Hilton

3. 🎬 Clip - The Magic’s in the Work - A video on Jalen Brunson’s work ethic

4. 🙋 Question - What first step of action have you taken towards your goals this year?

Until next week Elevation Nation...Peace

Sam & Parker