This particular dance lesson started poorly. I arrived late, started dancing cold with less than stellar results, and repeatedly fell out of a turn I’ve done hundreds of times before. I became angry and frustrated. I didn’t want to listen to advice on how to fix things; I wanted to give up.

By the end of the lesson, I was eager to keep trying this new leg extension and turn.

What changed?

I recognized where my mind was headed. I took a breath and told myself to just try one more time. Not to get it right. Just to get it a little better. As with physical strength and balance, mindset takes intentional, consistent work. And breathing. Don’t forget to breathe.