#29 See Yourself As Exceptional (Not Ordinary) with Norisha CAMPBELL

ATHLETE CASE STUDY | Feb 13, 2015

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BACKGROUND

On today’s show we will talk about Norisha CAMPBELL’S duties not only as a mother, but also as a professional athlete and a very talented singer. She competed in one of the biggest singing competitions in Germany. Having these talents has given her energy throughout her life and they allow her to pursue EVERYTHING she is passionate about. We’ll talk about how she balances each of these aspects in her life.

BIO

Born, Norisha CAMPBELL in California, USA, on September 21, 1980.
Norisha grew up in a single parent home of five kids, two brothers and two sisters. She was born in California, but grew up in Florida, later moved to Texas. Was introduced to volleyball in the 7th grade.
Has a nine year old daughter, Aniya, who sings and plays tennis.
Norisha has been living in Germany since 2002.
Graduated from Florida State University where she played as a Middle Blocker
Received NCAA All-American honorable mention. Was on the USA Women’s National Team from 1999-2002, and then again in 2007-08. Best finish as a pro player was fifth place in the Champions League with VBC Volero Zurich. Was on “The VOICE of Germany” in 2013 and made it to the “show down.” She is also currently a singer in Germany performing live at various events.

MOST GRATEFUL TODAY FOR:

“That I am surrounded by wonderful friends, I have such a great family, I’m blessed with my daughter, I’m grateful that I have health.” -Norisha Campbell

PERSONAL QUOTE:

"Your destiny is not determined by what others think and say about you. It is determined by what you think, say and do. Anything is possible when you believe that you are exceptional and not average” - Norisha Campbell

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN HER LIFE:

Her mother: “My mother was strong and she’s also Christian and spiritual...and she always taught me to go beyond average and to never limit myself.” -Norisha Campbell

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Key Discussion Points:

When was one of your biggest struggles?
How were you able to humble yourself?
As someone who was the first person IN and first person OUT of the gym, what was it that you were doing during those time slots?
When was a time that you took a risk, and you failed? How did you move forward?
When was a light bulb moment in your career?
When was one of your proudest moments so far in life?
What has you most excited these days? (hobbies, projects, goals, etc.)

Key Lessons:

Prepare yourself for opportunities that may come your way, and when they do use them wisely

“I went to practice everyday, I worked my butt off, I never complained, I was the first one to be in the gym and the last one to leave the gym because I wanted to work hard to earn my spot.” NC @ 10:50

Always look ahead when you feel yourself in a difficult situation
Humble yourself and always encourage others instead of complaining or being negative
Always work on your weaknesses

“When I stayed after practice, I worked on my weaknesses, on my weak points, like my serving was my weak point and my blocking was my weak point….I gave myself a GOAL.” NC @ 12:59

ONE mistake, ONE point, never loses a whole game or match, EVERYBODY makes mistakes
Average athletes give just enough, Exceptional Athletes give beyond what is required
When it feels like you have nothing left to give, and you push a bit more, that is when you have given 100%

“That’s when you improve, when you feel like you can’t give but you push anyways, THEN you have given that 100%.” NC @ 20:54

Having multiple passions doesn’t mean that you can only pursue one
As an athlete, whether you like it or not, you will always have eyes on you, and many will look up to you as a hero
As much as we love our sports, it’s important to have something to fall back on when our career is over
Living abroad gives you the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective, learn the different cultures, different languages, and overall a different way of life than you are used to, as well as the opportunity to GROW UP

Listen ON-THE-GO (00:46:36) NOW -or- mobile via iTunes | Stitcher | TuneIn Apps!

Norisha’s TIP JAR

What is the best advice that you have ever received?
If opportunity doesn’t knock, then you I should build a door, sometime you have to create an opportunity, go out and make it happen.

How do you adjust to a new team/arena?
I look around and explore the gym, get a feel for the environment, I take myself away from everything and everyone, meditate through prayer, and then visualize how I want the game to turn out.

What personal habit do you believe has contributed most to your success until now?
If I start something I’m determined to finish it.

Sleep & Morning ritual:
I try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep. Normally I wake up at 7 to get my daughter ready for school. When I wake up, I go to my kitchen, and I look and stare in the fridge. I try to have at least an hour to myself.

Give a tool/habit you love to use to stay healthy:
I educate myself on health by reading books. I work out and train on a daily basis.

A useful tool or tip for eating on the go -OR- for traveling in general?
I eat to be healthy. Try to pack a healthy snack such as nuts and fruits. I find it more convenient to pack a healthy snack or lunch. Try to avoid fast food.

How would you like to improve yourself as a person?
I always try to be a better friend, mother, and athlete.

What book would you give away and why?
I would give away “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy, It teaches you how to put your life together, and taking tiny steps.

With the resources you have now that you didn’t have before, if you had a do-over, what would you do differently to set yourself up for success?
I would have looked for a mentor, and maybe a hero, and I would have followed that person. I also would have read a bit more.

INFO

Charity/Organizations/Action they take to Add Value:
Volunteer work with little kids in schools. She also visits the elderly who may be alone that living in her apartment building, taking the time to talk and listen to them. “Sometimes time is the best thing you can give.” -NC

Business/Work:
Professional Volleyball Player
Singer in Germany, performs at big events

Past/Current Teams:
Current- Rote Raben Vilsbiburg, Germany
Past- Barcelona, Spain; VBC Volero Zurich (Switzerland)