KAREN & CHAD
We live in Chicago and have two adult kids. We love to travel, laugh and eat with family and friends, host sing-a longs, garden, cook, and work on creative projects together.
Karen’s Journey
I was born in Hawaii and raised in Japan and Nebraska by a Japanese mom and a Scottish/German dad. Never quite knowing where I fit in, I attempted to appear like a “model student” to hide my insecurity. I went to Northwestern University where as usual, I stayed safely in my comfort zone, too afraid to venture out and risk rejection and failure. I went on to get a master’s degree in education and run my own piano studio. The process of writing this book has helped me let go of my fear of failure and embrace the adventure of the discomfort zone. This is where I finally found the courage to try scary, vulnerable things I never would have before, like write and publish this book.
Chad’s Journey
I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. Going to Northwestern University on a football scholarship where I got my B.S. in Communication Studies was a big deal for me. I wish I could say I broke records and made a huge impact on the team. In reality, I spent most of my time on the sidelines. Injuries held me back but my expectations limited me more. I didn’t try for the starting position. I didn’t think I would be given a shot, so I settled for the backup role, and that’s exactly what I got. I learned how powerful raising my expectations were when going after the love of my life, Karen, and she said yes to marrying me. I love helping people realize their potential, and have done that throughout my career in Talent Acquisition and coaching. Playing sports, drawing, technology, making music, and photography bring me joy. I try to keep learning and growing everyday
WHY WE WROTE THE BOOK
In middle school our kids started trying out for all kinds of things, like the basketball team, volleyball team, school play…often not making it or given a disappointing role. It was heartbreaking to see such defeated spirits in such young people. With time, both kids tried again and eventually found their path, but the idea to write a book with the focus on failure was sparked during those painful middle school years.
We wanted our kids to see that rejection and struggle are a normal part of the the journey for anyone who has succeeded. We wanted to pull back the curtain and show them that the most successful people fail and fail and fail…they succeed because they find a way to always get up again. With this book we hope to share with you the message we gave to our kids: EVERYONE FAILS! Embrace it, learn from it and keep growing!
When you’re feeling discouraged by failure and disappointment
Say to yourself…
Written for kids, yet applicable for ALL ages.
