Host Leslie Pagel talks with Carol Koiro about living “to the beat of your own drum” through determination, confidence, and refusing to accept “no.” Carol shares examples of solo travel to Dubai and a trip to Cuba despite others’ doubts. She explains that she has been headstrong since childhood. After tearing both hamstrings, she pivoted from running to triathlon, gradually improving to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona. She describes being diagnosed with colon cancer and later lung cancer (after racing in 2023), having lung surgeries, and choosing to shift focus to new experiences like hiking after moving to Washington State. Carol explains how she identifies fear, researches, breaks challenges into steps, plans for worst-case scenarios, and avoids panic. Leslie reflects that confidence is built by taking action, hearing “no,” failing, and continuing anyway.
00:00 Welcome to Purpose Project
00:41 Meet Carol Koiro
01:16 Solo Trips and Big Ideas
02:48 Headstrong Since Childhood
04:46 From Runner to Kona
05:54 Cancer and Changing Priorities
09:05 Confidence and Fear Research
14:07 Breaking Fear Into Steps
17:58 Figuring It Out in 2020
18:48 Determination Over Proving
20:07 Goals And Purpose Mindset
20:56 Childhood Self Sufficiency
22:28 No Excuses Philosophy
25:02 Life Is Short
26:27 Finding Your Adventure Tribe
29:18 Meeting People In New Places
31:11 Support Network That Enables
33:41 What Holds You Back
34:35 Building Confidence Through Action
37:07 Closing Reflections And Takeaways
Purpose Project is a research study on the topic of living life's purpose. You can follow along in the making of Purpose Project:
Instagram: @purpose.project
LinkedIn: @purposeproject-media
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