I vividly recall the day I first learned about those who uproot everything they know to chase a new dream. It reminded me of the times I questioned whether it was “too late” for me to start a new pursuit—like my own doubts about jumping into triathlon at 38. Today, I see that same fearless spirit embodied in Morgan Pearson, an American triathlete who has forged an impressive path from short-course racing to the intense world of long-distance triathlon.

Morgan’s story might feel similar to anyone grappling with their own “what ifs.” In the T100 series, a challenging 100k format melding swimming, biking, and running, he proves that resilience and curiosity can open doors to exponential growth—whether it’s a new job, a new project, or a new distance in sports. We often fall into the trap of believing we need to perfect every discipline before diving in. But as I’ve learned myself—sometimes painfully—you sharpen your craft by getting it wrong multiple times before you get it right.

Mental Strength and “Flow State”

One of the biggest misconceptions about elite performers, from top CEOs to athletes, is that they’re immune to doubt. Morgan reminds us that mental strength isn’t about silencing worry altogether, but staying present—tapping into a flow state where your instincts guide you. Like those unstoppable triathletes (looking at you, Lionel Sanders—Mr. No Limits), Morgan recognizes the power of subtle mindset shifts. Rather than overthinking the “shoulds” and “musts,” he focuses on instinctual racing strategies.

Running Credentials and Cycling Growth

Morgan’s running background is nothing short of legendary: a sub-13:30 5K is proof he has the speed to climb the leaderboard. Yet, in triathlon—especially long-distance—no single discipline guarantees a podium. Champions must piece everything together. Morgan openly admits that while his swim and run pack a punch, his cycling development still lags behind. This scenario is all too familiar to me; every triathlete has a “weak link.” But, as Morgan’s results in places like Vancouver T100 (a hard-fought seventh-place finish) show, there’s beauty in seeing a weakness as your greatest growth opportunity.

It’s similar to investing: for years, I hesitated to put my money into new markets, believing I had “too many gaps in my knowledge.” But once I dove in, I realized the best returns came from consistent effort—not some magical short-term fix. Morgan’s story encourages us to nurture that incremental improvement and apply it anywhere in life.

Olympic Ups and Downs

Morgan’s journey as an Olympic triathlete illustrates that achievement lies on a winding road marked by challenges and triumphs. He celebrated two silver medals in the Mixed Team Relay—first in Tokyo 2021 and then in Paris 2024—but also wrestled with burnout and the raw grief of losing his brother in 2021. Some might say adversity is an unwelcome visitor, while others believe it can transform our perspective. Morgan uses every race as a chance to cultivate a healthier, more competitive mindset.

I’ve been in races where everything seemed to unravel, from a throbbing muscle strain to bike mechanicals. In those moments, it’s not just about being physically fit; it’s about nurturing your inner dialogue. Morgan’s ability to bounce back underlines what I’ve learned personally: adversity can often be the driving force for a profound mental shift.

Creating a Personal Environment for Growth

Morgan trains in Colorado, where he dedicates long hours to conditioning.