This year, I had the privilege of experiencing the World Championships in Montreal.
The day before the race, I spent some time with Kevin Vermaerke at the Team USA hotel. While I was there, I witnessed Mauro Gianetti pull Brandon aside and deliver an intense message. His words were simple: I believe in you tomorrow. When you sense the moment to go, go. Trust your instincts.
Watching how it all unfolded the next day made that moment even more powerful.
Team USA’s success was more than 10 years in the making. The training, the sacrifices, the experience—it all mattered. Racing close to home, with friends and family cheering them on, added another layer of motivation.
But what stayed with me was that conversation.
When someone who helps guide the greatest rider in the world looks you in the eye and tells you they believe you can win, it carries weight. It can give you that extra bit of confidence to commit when the moment comes.
The same thing happens in everyday life. Sometimes, someone we trust and admire sees a possibility for us that we haven’t quite allowed ourselves to believe in yet. Their confidence helps us take the next step.
If he believes in me, maybe I really can do this.
You still have to do the work. But belief can help you put all that preparation into action.
