Hello Giants, this is episode number #78. I have been on a little hiatus, took a personal break and intentionally slowed down to reflect and re-assess – on what was most important to me at this time, weighing up priorities, exploring where I wanted to make the most impact. These are thoughts that once you unpack, can turn into a 1000 person party in your head. If you’ve ever asked yourself the question “where might my time and energy make the most impact and difference in the world?” it can be incredibly confronting – however, when you create the space … when you truly switch off and go inwards, when you dance and sit in that discomfort, meaningful dialogue does emerge. Pair that with insights, support and guidance from trusted peers, mentors and loved ones, greater clarity is within reach. Speaking of fear, overcoming the uncomfortable, being brave and courageous, today’s guest is known for her presence in Artistic Cycling.   As of releasing this episode, she’s currently 25 going on 26 years old. She was a competitive athlete in Artistic Cycling between the years 2000-2020 (that’s right, she started when she was about 6 years old) and in 2010 (by the age of 16 onwards) was a member of the German national team. Her greatest achievements in the sport have been the silver medal in 3 different occasions at the UCI Indoor Cycling World Championships in 2016, 2017 and 2019 as well as winning the European Championship, twice – one in 2012 and the other in 2018. In February this year, 2020 she retired from the competition side of the sport, to focus on three areas; performing in shows, studying her Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, and exposing Artistic Cycling through her Instagram platform (where she currently has over 370,000 followers) – you’ve got to take a look at her content yourself, it’s jaw dropping. Some of the topics we spoke about include: How she’s been able to sustain great interest in such a specific craft Her relationship with fear and her response to fear How her practice, training and risk mitigation looks like The technical, mental, physical and creative aspects of the sport, and plenty more.   So if you’re someone that’s curious about designing a life towards peak performance and performing, then this episode is right up your alley. A little side-note: something was up with my side of the mic that I only found out after the recording which caused a little bit of subtle static in moments. I apologise in advance for that, as it’s the first time I’ve encountered it and not the quality anyone should be listening to. I’m pretty devastated by this. That said, I learnt something new from the experience; in this case, the application software I was recording on needed to be updated. A small tip there for other podcasters to not make the same mistake I did! Okay let’s do this. I present to you … the all-smiling, all-cycling, world-class athlete … Viola Brand!     More on Viola Brand can be found via the links below: Violalovescycling.com Instagram: @Violalovescycling Ellen Welcomes World-Renowned Artistic Cyclist Viola Brand Facebook.com/violalovescycling   Subscribe to The Giant Thinkers Podcast on iTunes.     Want to know the most productive tool that has helped me accelerate my progress? It’s the Five-Minute Journal; the simplest, most effective thing you can do everyday to be happier. It’s a physical journal that gives you a positive quote, followed by three questions you answer in the morning and two questions to answer in the evening before bed. It basically anchors your mind in a positively focused, intentional and grateful mindset, in less than 5 minutes a day. Grab yours here: GiantThinkers.com/fiveminutejournal