Don’t Let Fear Take Over With Olivia Atkin -

Have you ever felt like life was throwing obstacles in your path just as your dreams were taking off? Tune in to this week’s episode of the Flow Over Fear podcast to hear Olivia Atkin’s incredible story of resilience.

Diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, just as her swimming career was taking off, Olivia refused to let it define her. Through grit and determination, she pivoted to build a successful career in sports management and coaching while also achieving multiple degrees.

Now she empowers others through her company Achieving Success LLC. Join us to learn how Olivia rose above the challenges life threw at her to achieve her definition of success.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

Relinquish control and see obstacles as opportunities
When epilepsy strikes without warning
How swimming reflex saved her during her first seizure
When resilience means doggy paddling through adversity
There’s beauty in facing challenges head-on
Empathy and accountability in sports management
The line between empathy and accountability
Redefining success and pivoting plans as you grow

Episode Highlights:

[06:19] Relinquish control and see obstacles as opportunities

Olivia discusses relinquishing control when faced with obstacles. Instead, use those as an opportunity to experience something new despite the unknowns presented.

[09:28] When epilepsy strikes without warning

Olivia shares how her first seizure as a child was triggered by an allergic reaction to Parmesan cheese, highlighting how unexpected the onset of epilepsy can be.

[11:54] How swimming reflex saved her during her first seizure

Olivia demonstrated early resilience at age 9 when she instinctively began treading water during her first epileptic seizure while swimming, keeping herself safely afloat until the seizure ended despite losing consciousness underwater.

[17:49] When resilience means doggy paddling through adversity without others knowing your battle

There can be things that we’re trying to doggy paddle our way through, even if it’s not showing on the outside.

[26:50] There’s beauty in facing challenges head-on

When facing challenges, take control of the narrative by making a decision rather than having one made for you – and who knows what unexpected beauty could come out of that.

[37:23] Recognize challenges others face without using them as a crutch to justify unacceptable actions

While empathy is important, making excuses allows bad behaviors to continue and does not hold people accountable.

[52:52] It’s okay to redefine success and pivot plans as you grow

It’s okay if your definition of success changes along with your journey. It’s okay to pivot since growth means openness to new routes.

Resources Mentioned:

www.achieving-success.com

Olivia Atkin’s Ted Talk: Defeating Your Biggest Enemy, You!

Book: Achieving Success and Career Development

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Transcript

[06:19] Relinquish control and see obstacles as opportunities
Olivia discusses relinquishing control when faced with obstacles. Instead, use those as an opportunity to experience something new despite the unknowns presented.
[09:28] When epilepsy strikes without warning
Olivia shares how her first seizure as a child was triggered by an allergic reaction to Parmesan cheese, highlighting how unexpected the onset of epilepsy can be.
[11:54] How swimming reflex saved her during her first seizure
Olivia demonstrated early resilience at age 9 when she instinctively began treading water during her first epileptic seizure while swimming, keeping herself safely afloat until the seizure ended despite losing consciousness underwater.
[17:49] When resilience means doggy paddling through adversity without others knowing your battle
There can be things that we’re trying to doggy paddle our way through, even if it’s not showing on the outside.
[26:50] There’s beauty in facing challenges head-on
When facing challenges, take control of the narrative by making a decision rather than having one made for you – and who knows what unexpected beauty could come out of that.
[37:23] Recognize challenges others face without using them as a crutch to justify unacceptable actions
While empathy is important, making excuses allows bad behaviors to continue and does not hold people accountable.
[52:52] It’s okay to redefine success and pivot plans as you grow
It’s okay if your definition of success changes along with your journey. It’s okay to pivot since growth means openness to new routes.