Ruptured

If you've seen the headlines this morning, you may know that Simone Biles will lead the USA women's gymnastic team to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

But there's another name I can't get off my mind.

Kayla DiCello, the 3rd best gymnast in the United States this year, will not be on the team of 5 this year.

After being named an alternate to the 2020 Olympic team, I was rooting for her big time.

In the very first event at the 2024 Olympic Trials on Friday, Kayla ruptured her achilles.

And just like that, the Olympic hopeful was out of the running.

Kayla Dicello, 2024 USA Nationals Bronze medalist.

I happen to be very familiar with this injury as I'm currently recovering from my second ruptured achilles as I write this.

It happens in an instant and will completely uproot your life.

Kayla's experience is a reminder that no matter how well we plan, life is truly out of our control.

But if we can learn to expect the unexpected, the more we can mentally prepare for these moments.

When it comes to building wealth, you will have financial setbacks.

It's not an "if" but a "when".

If you keep waiting to take control of your money, the more these unexpected events will negatively impact you.

It’s scary to think about outcomes out of our control but recognizing the possibility and acknowledging this fear can actually be really healthy.

One of favorite personal finance expert's, Farnoosh Torabi, calls this a Healthy State of Panic (also the title of her phenomenal new book, go read it).

In the book, Farnoosh discusses how leaning into fear, rather than avoiding it, can open up new opportunities for wealth creation and personal growth.

Sometimes fear is a good thing.

For example, if you're in the market for a house and your afraid you won't be able to cover the mortgage, that's a good sign to rethink your next steps.

But too often, fear can hold us back from making the progress we really want and need.

That's often when we need to lean in.

For example, if you're afraid to look at your bank or investing accounts because you think they aren't where they need to be, what's the worst thing that will happen?

You'll realize you have some work to do.

That's it. That's the worst outcome.

If you're afraid to learn how to invest because you don't think you have the time to learn?

The worst outcome is that you learn some things that will help you build wealth.

Not so bad.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines of your own financial life, this is your sign to use your fear as a motivator.

And if you have no idea where to start, but are ready to do something different, don’t miss my next free beginner investing workshop.

Learn more, here.

In the meantime, let’s wish Kayla a speedy recovery. If she does choose to try for another Olympic team in 2028, I’ll be rooting for her with everything I’e got.