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jasondorland5441

Dad to a butterfly child & 2 rescues. Husband to an inspiration. Author. Olympian. High performance coach. Keynote presenter. Workshop facilitator.

Mastering the Art of Saying "No" to Protect Your F

Mastering the Art of Saying "No" to Protect Your Focus.

Easier said than done, right? It certainly seems that way; it's remarkable how many people struggle with what should be a straightforward answer.

Okay, I’ve got to admit, this is definitely an Achilles heel for me—definitely. I hate saying, “No!” And therefore, no surprise, I’m lousy at it. Does that make me a pushover or a people pleaser? I don’t know—maybe? But for me, it’s more about not wanting to disappoint than it is about wanting to please. Kinda like my approach to competition; I hate losing more than I like winning, if that makes sense. So, in this instance, the stick is undoubtedly more effective than the carrot! ;)

And it‘s not just me; many well-intentioned do-gooders struggle with overcommitting, people-pleasing, or other unexpected distractions continuously derailing their goals. Professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs—you name it—countless yes-men and women who would love to be able to say no and not feel guilty.

How bad is it? Well, a 2018 study from the University of California found that multitasking (often a result of overcommitting or always saying yes) can reduce productivity by up to 40%. Yikes, that's a lot of stuff not getting done or people who can’t say no, depending on how you want to look at it.

For those of us who know the drill, we’re all familiar with that sinking feeling every time we agree to help someone, knowing full well that we either don’t actually have the time because of other more pressing things that need getting done. Then, like clockwork, the moment arrives where someone or something gets compromised, because as much as we want to help, we can’t, or we can’t to the extent we thought we could or promised. Yucko—feels crappy!

Continued in my Substack—Link in bio! Enjoy...

It's time to write book #4—but first, I need you

It's time to write book #4—but first, I need your help!

No, you're not going to write it for me; I'll do that. What I do need is for you to volunteer to be part of some research that will provide data to support my area of focus. Let me explain...

First of all, com’ on, really, another book—are you kidding me? I know, what the hell, right? Believe me, I’ve already had a few moments of regret, cursing myself for speaking the idea out loud to some friends and family.

“Jase, man, you said you didn’t have any more stories to tell—I heard you say that!”

Yup, that’s true. It’s been my answer since my last book, IKE: the dog who saved a human, came out two years ago. And for the most part, it is true; I don’t have another story that would begin to match the scope and interest of IKE. However, I do have something that I believe is worth sharing—an idea for a book that struck me last week and has been gaining steam ever since. So, here we are!

Continued in my SubStack—link in bio. Enjoy!

Turns out Gratitude Practices can Reduce Stress—

Turns out Gratitude Practices can Reduce Stress—who knew?

I know, I know, it kinda cheapens the authenticity of a "Gratitude Practice" when you sell it as a stress reducer—but, hey, if the shoe fits!

When I was a kid, I remember our dad saying Grace before dinner every night. For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. For these and all thy blessings. Amen. Wow, can’t believe how easily that came back—haven’t thought of it in over forty years. Regardless, it was the rhythm of our family dinners. And every time dad finished, like dogs who had heard a bell ring, we’d pick up our forks and dig in.

I can’t speak for my siblings, but in my case, I never paid much attention to the meaning behind what dad had just shared, let alone why he had. For me, it was simply some religious stuff that adults did, and I was happy to go along. Besides, it was too complicated for me to care or even want to talk about—I was good with that.

Today, we have a similar pre-meal rhythm that we’ve practiced for years now. Except, we don’t call it ‘Grace’—in fact, I don’t even know what we do call it? Giving thanks. Sharing gratitude—it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that we don’t start eating until everyone at the table has shared what they’re grateful for. It can be one thing or several—there are no rules.

Sometimes, the happenings of the day determine what gets airtime. And then you have the regulars, such as family, the dogs, our home and gardens, and our health. Simple things that on one hand seem obvious, but on the other hand, when one stops and genuinely reflects on them, wow, that’s a moment if you play it right!

When it’s my turn and I sort through my list, I try to think about the why behind the gratitude. Just as the title suggests, doing that calms me, and it raises my awareness, reminding me of what my day looked like and who or what touched me—I like that.

Now, if I’m honest, when I was in my twenties, would I have ever paused before dinner and “shared gratitude?” Not a chance. For one, I would’ve considered it too fluffy, and second, ... continued in my SubStack. Link in bio. Enjoy!

Sorry, not sorry. Apologies are fine, after the f

Sorry, not sorry.

Apologies are fine, after the fact, but what if we changed the story and subsequent behaviour before it even began?

I received a note from a reader last week sharing an article from The Athletic regarding elite US female soccer player, Carli Lloyd. Two awesome things about that—one, I always appreciate hearing from readers, especially when they have a topic suggestion, and two, it allowed me to revisit a conundrum I’ve struggled with for a long time.

Carli Lloyd, considered one of the most impactful players in the history of the game, retired in 2021, ending her playing career with her hometown club, NJ/NY Gotham FC, in the National Women’s Soccer League. No big deal, right, athletes retire all the time—even the good ones!

However, the article wasn’t about her career or retirement; instead, it highlighted her remarks from a recent induction into the Hall of Fame. During her twenty-minute speech, she did something unusual—something she wasn’t known for as a player: she was vulnerable.

“There was nothing I loved more than winning, but winning comes at a cost, and I paid that price,” confided Lloyd in her post-induction interview. “I knew I didn’t need to stand up here and talk about how much I loved the game or how hard I worked. Most of you already know that about me. What I wanted to share wasn’t from a perspective of a competitor, but as a person, a human being, and what I kept coming back to again and again was one simple question: was it all worth it?”“I operated like an emotionless machine. I was intense, and I truly believed that the only way for me to survive in such a cutthroat environment was to be that way. So, to my teammates, I want to say this: I’m sorry I wasn’t always able to give you all of me.”

Hmmm, perhaps not your typical acceptance speech. And, yes, there were some “thank you’s”—her coaches, teammates, mentors, and family—everyone you would expect to be on the list. However, it was the apology that garnered all the attention.

Continued in my SubStack—link in bio. Enjoy!

Stress as a Superpower: Reframing Pressure for Gro

Stress as a Superpower: Reframing Pressure for Growth.

Okay, so how's that for flipping the script—stress as an opportunity for growth! Could it be true? Check it out...

It’s the rare moment, it seems these days, where stress doesn’t own a good portion of our time. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It turns out that good stress can fuel our days and actually support our health and wellbeing.

In the short term, having to perform under stress can be motivating and help us be at our best. It can feel exciting, too. When we get ourselves up for a new challenge, like a deadline, a race, or a competition, it boosts focus and energy without overwhelming us. I’m sure many of us can recall a time when we’ve had to perform, and it’s felt invigorating not just at the end but also during.

However, most of us can also recall a time when stress felt oppressive and distracting—a friend or family member, for example, who’s sick and struggling, a circumstance where we don’t necessarily have control over the outcome, or financial stress, where we constantly worry about paying bills and living pay cheque to pay cheque.

Regardless of the situation, it can all feel too much at times. That doesn’t make us wrong or bad; it makes us human. It’s our body’s way of letting us know something’s important to us and needs attention. I’ve often said that when my heart no longer goes pitter-patter before a keynote, I’ll stop. Why? That physiological response tells me what I’m about to do matters to me—I take it as a good sign.

But what about when there doesn’t appear to be a reprieve from the discomfort of all-consuming stress—what then? Is there something we can do to manage stress in moments where it’s not short-lived?

Continued in my SubStack—link in bio! Enjoy...

I've waited 20 years for this LOVE to land. And,

I've waited 20 years for this LOVE to land.

And, given the rough start, I trust the timing is now perfect and that this new relationship will only flourish.

It was a coaching conference in Vancouver in 2006 where I first shared the idea that LOVE could be an integral part of building a successful team and healthy culture. It’s funny; I was more nervous about simply getting up in front of the assembled crowd than sharing my unorthodox message. I mean, I was familiar with it—LOVE as a competitive strategy was something I was used to. I had lived it ever since awkwardly stumbling upon this paradigm shift a few years earlier with the help of my wife, Robyn, and her approach to middle-distance running on a very competitive world stage.

When a handful of those gathered responded with dismissive laughter, I tried not to judge. Truthfully, how could I—I had no foot to stand on. My initial push back against Robyn and her hippie-centric LOVE message was abnoxiously herculean. What I knew and believed then not only didn’t jive with what Robyn was all about, I found her views offensive—an affront to my ego’s desperate protection of an old-school, tough-guy approach to competing. My insecurity couldn’t handle a message that invited me to rethink my tried-and-true combative methods. Piss off with your fluff, was my initial repsonse.

So when I spoke again a few years later in 2011 at a national coaching conference in Ottawa, where national team coaches and administrators literally got up and left when I began questioning the recent rebranding of our national sports governing body to “Own the Podium,” (OTP) well, I wasn’t totally surprised. Disappointed, yes, but not surprised. And, okay, maybe calling OTP brash, destructive, and misguided was a little harsh. But once again, I had to remind myself that during my competitive years, I likely would’ve embraced the confidence that owning a podium imbues.

Continued in my SubStack—link in bio. Enjoy!

Is there research that backs up "following your he

Is there research that backs up "following your heart?"

Yup, no longer reserved for the new age feel-gooders dispensing their favourite life advice—apparently, it’s now a mantra that holds water!

In 1985, I had a good gig going at Syracuse University. I was in my sophomore year, taking time away from rowing for knee surgery and rehabilitation. I was part of a solid training group left over from a strong freshman crew. The boathouse, boats, indoor tank, and weight training equipment were all top-notch. I studied advertising design at one of the top programs in the United States. Most of our instructors flew up from New York City each week, sharing the latest trends in the industry—it was impressive. And to top it off, someone else was paying!

The University was like nothing I’d ever seen or experienced. The Carrier Dome (now the JMA Wireless Dome), situated on campus, hosted the popular acts of the day—David Bowie, Madonna, The Police, Genesis, Bruce Springsteen, and yes, Rush, too! The University’s NCAA sports were world-class. And as a bonus, as varsity athletes, we were first in line for beer-hawking jobs at home basketball and football games. Good money and free admission—I’ll take it!

It was a cosmopolitan school—students came from around the world. For a young kid who had grown up in a small, sheltered town in Southern Ontario, I was meeting people I likely wouldn’t have otherwise.

As a bonus, I was a three-hour drive from home. So, I was far enough away to have to grow up and fend for myself, but close enough that mom’s cooking was still accessible. I had chosen well and expected to finish my university education and rowing career exactly where I was. And, why wouldn’t I? Rationally, everything made sense.

Then, that same year, I received an invitation from Al Morrow, the head coach of the men’s rowing program at the University of Victoria. He offered me a flight to the West Coast of Canada to check out what he was up to, building a feeder program for the Canadian National Team. I accepted.

Continued in my SubStack—link in bio. Enjoy!

Overcoming Burnout: Signs, Solutions, and Preventi

Overcoming Burnout: Signs, Solutions, and Prevention.

Simply put, you can't ignore the stats: 2 to 3-fold increase in workplace burnout since 2000.

Yes, I’ve had an intimate relationship with burnout. When I retired from rowing in 1990, it wasn’t because I had exhausted my potential, accomplished everything I wanted to, and was now ready and excited to move on and explore life’s next chapter, far from it. It was because I couldn’t stand the thought of having to train another day. I was done physically, emotionally, and mentally, and not in a good place—angry, resentful, bitter, and lost would better describe my circumstances.

That after years of not being able to get enough of the sport. I couldn’t train enough or spend time enough thinking and dreaming about rowing; it was my life—who I was. And therein lies the problem: no balance, no boundaries, and no perspective.

Looking back now, yes, if given the chance of a do-over, I’d not only do it differently, but I’d be different as well. It wasn’t just the hours of commitment but who I was in that commitment. When we look at the research that points to the reasons people burnout, whether it’s sports, business or life, our mental and emotional well-being is paramount.

For high-performers in sports, burnout manifests as an overtraining syndrome—physical exhaustion paired with mental fog. Motivation dissipates, performance declines, and injuries spike as the body pleads for a break. A Journal of Sports Sciences study found that 10-20% of elite athletes experience burnout, often derailing careers. It’s the double-edged sword of that relentless drive. What I was admired for when I first began rowing became the source of my own undoing.
Continued in my SubStack—link in bio. Enjoy!

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