At the heart of everything I do, there’s one core belief I hold close: When we Set Extraordinary Expectations (SEE), we open the door to outcomes that are far beyond the ordinary. In my experience, when we push beyond the usual limits, we witness remarkable transformations. It’s not just about aiming higher—it’s about redefining what’s possible, especially when faced with challenges.
This belief has empowered my three children—two of whom were born blind—to surpass society’s expectations and embrace extraordinary lives. As a parent, this mindset has been my guide, enabling my children to achieve things that many might have considered impossible. And professionally, it’s led me to paths I hadn’t imagined.
Recently, one of my children demonstrated exactly what it means to Set Extraordinary Expectations, and I’m excited to share his story with you.
Mitch’s Journey: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Meet my son, Mitchell. If you’ve been following our journey, you know that Mitch, a blind senior in college, is thriving in an area that many might not expect—broadcasting. He’s not only the host of several hit radio shows at his college station, but he also does color commentary for football games. His on-air presence is truly extraordinary.
However, behind the scenes, there’s a challenge: the radio equipment isn’t accessible for someone who is blind. For years, Mitch relied on sighted producers to handle the technical aspects of his shows, from loading tracks to managing controls.
But as this school year began, things took an unexpected turn.
Facing a Setback—and Finding a Solution
Mitch’s usual producer wasn’t available during the time slot for his popular country music show. When he called me, his frustration was palpable. “Blindness sucks,” he said, and my heart broke for him. We explored every option—finding another producer, advertising for help—but nothing seemed to work. At one point, I even considered driving to campus to assist him myself (though trust me, nobody needed that!).
Just as the situation seemed hopeless, something amazing happened.
“Mom! We’re Going Live!”
Right when I should’ve been tuning in for Mitch’s signature show intro, I received a text message from him: “Mom! We’re attempting to go live!”
I was stunned. Had he found a new producer? Was there a last-minute scheduling miracle?
I tuned in and immediately heard Mitch’s voice—excited, full of energy, and more vibrant than I’d heard in weeks. As I listened, I could sense that something had changed.
By the end of the show, Mitch thanked his station managers and—surprisingly—his older brother Michael for being his “sound consultant.”
It turns out, Mitch didn’t just find a workaround. He produced the entire show himself.
Learning to Adapt and Thrive
Mitch had reached out to Michael, who helped him make the radio equipment accessible. With additional guidance from the station managers, Mitch was able to run his show independently—and he loved every second of it.
When Mitch called me afterward, he wasn’t just happy. He was proud. Proud of himself for asking for help. Proud of learning new skills. Proud that he didn’t let a seemingly impossible challenge stop him from doing what he loves.
This moment was more than a personal triumph. It was a powerful reminder that when we start falling into “ordinary” narratives of why things can’t work, it’s time to pause, rethink, and forge a new path forward.
Redefining the Ordinary: A Lesson for All of Us
Mitch’s journey is a testament to the power of setting extraordinary expectations. When we refuse to settle for the ordinary and push for more, even in the face of adversity, we open the door to incredible opportunities.
Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or someone facing personal challenges, there’s a lesson here for all of us. Our kids—and we ourselves—are capable of extraordinary things. Sometimes, we just need a little creativity, a bit of help, and a whole lot of faith.
Embrace the Extraordinary
The next time life feels tough and the usual solutions aren’t working, don’t let the “ordinary” win. Push for the extraordinary—and watch the magic unfold.
What extraordinary expectations are you setting for yourself and your family today?
P.S. If you know someone who needs a reminder to embrace the extraordinary, share this with them! We all need a little nudge sometimes.
FAQs
1. How can parents set extraordinary expectations for their children?
Setting extraordinary expectations starts with believing in your child’s potential, regardless of societal limitations. Encourage them to pursue their passions, offer support, and be open to creative solutions.
2. How does Mitch’s story inspire others facing challenges?
Mitch’s story illustrates that with determination and support, even seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. His ability to adapt and succeed instead of baming blindness as a barrier encourages others to push past their limits.
3. What is the importance of asking for help in achieving extraordinary outcomes?
Asking for help is often the first step in achieving extraordinary results. Mitch’s willingness to seek guidance from his brother and the radio team enabled him to produce his show independently.
4. Can this mindset be applied in professional settings?
Absolutely. Setting extraordinary expectations in professional settings can lead to innovation, creative problem-solving, and breakthrough successes, just as it did for Mitch.
5. How do extraordinary expectations differ from aiming high?
Aiming high is about striving for success, but setting extraordinary expectations is about redefining what’s possible, especially in the face of challenges. It is about ditching the “ordianry” stories and biases we have. It involves creativity and a willingness to explore unconventional paths.
