Through this upcoming "Shatter Expectations" series of articles, you'll learn about a Biblical, neuroscientific formula that will provide you with the mental tools you need to take control of your own life and reach your goals. It's all inspired by a philosophy called "Try Love."

The Try Love philosophy—coined by Broomfield CO's Ballistic Volleyball (for girls ages 12-18) Club Director, Coach Skeens—is making a huge impact not only in the lives of his athletes, but also in the lives of abandoned children at Casa Hogar Los Anglitos, a children's home in Manzamillo, Mexico. The Try Love philosophy claims that in order to reach new heights of success in life, sports, or business, love is the answer. BVC's yearly trips to Casa Hogar, local volleyball games, and mental toughness seminars provide their athletes with the perfect opportunities and strategies to implement their Try Love philosophy in every area of life. Not only are the volleyball players unlocking their newfound sense of purpose, but the Casa Hogar orphans are also shattering expectations! Casa Hogar children and BVC athletes who once had no hope are now entering jobs they never thought possible, accomplishing their own athletic goals, and receiving scholarships. All of this can be attributed to their new levels of love and happiness in life and relationships.

Since it was founded in 1995, Casa Hogar has provided a refuge for hundreds of poverty-stricken children. Founder Nancy Nystrom operates her children's home with the same philosophy as BVC—raising children with love and encouraging them to reach their full potential through hard work and the pursuit of individual dreams. Brenda, a child found near the city dump near Casa Hogar, was raised in Casa Hogar Los Angelitos (CHLA) children's home. She is now a dentist in Mexico! Similarly, Andres Navarro was raised in Casa Hogar after both his parents went to prison, but today he's a college graduate and working in international business.

Because of the Try Love philosophy and shattering expectations formula, Ballistic athletes are also overcoming what once appeared to be insurmountable obstacles in their lives. Colleen, a young girl who struggled with mental illness and an eating disorder for most of her life, is now in her 3^rd year of playing college volleyball. Tina is another BVC alumni who was bullied and assaulted in high school, but she is now almost finished with nursing school, and she shatters expectations every day as a volleyball coach who pours into her players' lives.

Kelly attributes her Dartmouth acceptance to an admissions essay she wrote about being a bench player during her time in BVC. She is convinced that the lessons she learned during her challenging volleyball career (as well as learning to keep a positive attitude) paved the way for her to enter an Ivy league school.

All of these testimonies were not created by chance or luck. Each athlete, orphan, coach, and everyone in-between followed a formula that was founded on love. Through simple, easy changes to daily routines and mental strengthening techniques, the Shatter Expectations formula will reshape your life. God gave us mental tools to guide and change us, and neuroscience proves that they truly work. The next several articles will walk you through Mindwork—strengthening your mental game before applying the same principles to your heart, soul, health, and skills. Soon you'll be shattering expectations!