Mindset In Motion
You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know Until You Know
This is one of my favorite sayings, a “Debbi-ism,” as our good friend Mike Marsh likes to call it. Mike has a knack for jotting down the quirky phrases I often blurt out during our evening fires with a glass of Chardonnay in hand. Some of these sayings carry profound meaning, while others are just lighthearted nonsense, perfect for brightening up our not-so-cheerful news days.
Reflecting on my life over the past 60 years, I realize how much I’ve learned—often in hindsight. Much of my journey could be summed up by the phrase “Accidentally with Purpose,” which an editor once used to describe me in Unique Homes Magazine. From charity work to crossing finish lines, opening a company, and launching a podcast, my life has been a series of unexpected yet purposeful adventures.
By reverse engineering the goals I achieved, I created the Mindset In Motion Method—a framework designed to help others replicate success with clarity, intention, and actionable steps.
Most recently, I’ve accomplished:
– Running the LA Marathon
– Completing a Half Marathon Trail Run (and let me tell you, running on a trail is far more challenging than pavement)
– Competing in three Spartan Races
– Finishing a few 10Ks
All of this happened within a year leading up to my 60th birthday, inspired by my son and a simple book.
I dove headfirst into each race, relying on the limited training I managed before the marathon. In truth, I completed the marathon on sheer willpower—and maybe a little good genetics. I didn’t share my marathon plans with anyone until just a week before the event when I told Adam he needed to come to LA. I knew he would believe in me, but I still hesitated to share my plans until the last minute.
I didn’t want reality to disrupt my mindset—after all, “You don’t know what you don’t know until you know.” I was aware that people might call me crazy or warn me about potential injuries, but I chose not to focus on that. I didn’t need rational thinking to cloud my determination.
And I did it.
I crossed that finish line, and as I did, tears streamed down my face. I’m not entirely sure why; perhaps it was the overwhelming emotion of achieving something I hadn’t truly considered until February, just a month before my goal was met. Completing 26 miles definitely takes a toll on your day.
During the run, it was just me and my thoughts—the relentless chatter in my mind. I kept telling myself, “You will not stop. No is not an option. Finish what you’ve started.” The experience was more overwhelming than I had expected, I burst out into tears. Was I ecstatic about my personal best, or was I just shocked, thinking, “What on earth did I just do?!”
There have been other chapters in my life that began without any knowledge of what lay ahead.
What were we thinking when we decided to start a real estate office during a recession?
What compelled us to unexpectedly purchase a lot and build a vacation home in Arizona while on vacation with two small children? It turned out to be one of the best family experiences we ever had.
It’s often in those moments—when we venture into the unknown and overcome obstacles, cross finish lines, launch companies, write books, or raise kind-hearted children—that we realize the importance of taking risks. Sometimes, you just need to dive in headfirst, trust your instincts, and roll the dice. Many successful entrepreneurs, including billionaires who never attended college, have embraced this philosophy, embarking on adventures fueled by passion and a desire to figure it out along the way.
As Sir Richard Branson wisely said,
“Entrepreneurial business favors the open mind. It favors people whose optimism drives them to prepare for many possible futures, pretty much purely for the joy of doing so.”
My message to you is that it’s essential to find passion and joy in your pursuits. Embrace the journey and relish the experiences along the way. And utilize the Mindset In Motion Method to conquer your goals.
Wishing you fun and adventures in your next chapter. Enjoy the journey!
