Focused: Staying on Track, One Choice at a Time

by Noelle Pikus Pace

In her first book, Olympic silver medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace shares ten vital lessons that have been instrumental to her success—in sports and in life. From overcoming devastating injuries to pursuing her dreams despite feelings of inadequacy and loneliness to maintaining her values in the face of extreme pressure, Noelle tells of heartbreak and triumph in a warm, conversational style as she shares insights to help others focus on the right priorities and find the faith to stay strong. With dozens of full-color photographs, motivating observations, and soul-searching reflections, chapters such as "You Always Have a Choice," "Dare to Stand Alone," and "The World Is Watching" offer a unique perspective for readers of all ages as they strive to stay on track the challenges and opportunities of everyday life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lds, Inspirational, Biography, Memoir, Book Club, Self Help

137 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2014

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Motivational and inspirational.

What a fabulous book. I love when an author takes their life experiences and shares the lessons they learn from them. Even better when the book is entertaining and the experiences shared are written in a way to be easy to relate to even though my experiences are so different from hers.

I read the first chapter to my kids the other night because it was so phenomenal I wanted to share her experiences with them. Each chapter is a little nugget of wisdom that I am grateful to have taken the time to read.

I loved this book and highly recommend it! While it does have some quotes from LDS leaders it was a book that could be enjoyed by all. It is beautifully done with gorgeous pictures to accompany the text!

Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it

Source: Review copy from publisher

Content: clean and uplifting

[Tara Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this three stars because I think Ms. Pace seems like an amazing person, her book is really pretty and her messages are inspirational. However, her book is a disjointed, confusing piece without clear direction or themes. Honestly, it seems like a series of motivational/church talks that she gave over the years that were just thrown together and published after a graphic designer had fun illustrating. For writing quality and cohesiveness, it is a one-star book. For the author's evident strength of character and her stirring messages, it is a five star book. I think the fault lies with the publisher here. They should have brought on a professional writer and taken this piece, fleshed out the stories, built a shape and flow, created strong themes and motifs, and written for a broad audience. This was such an insider "Mormon" book with no explanation of confusing terms and insider jargon. Ms. Pace's appeal as an Olympian with high standards and a love of family was broad. The publisher missed an opportunity to reach that broad audience by making the book more universal and making it also understandable for a non-Mormon, religious or spiritual audience.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no need to put a lot of words into a review of this book. It speaks for itself.

I was excited to read it because I had heard an interview with the author, and it is a great book.

[Traci Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, read by Noelle herself. I went to high school with Noelle, so it was fun to see her in the Olympics some years back, and I loved listening to this book! Amazing to get a behind the curtain glimpse of what the life of an athlete like this is like. What a great role model. She's a wonderful example of setting goals, working hard, keeping things balanced, and living true to her standards.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really good. I love her down to earth attitude and relatable stories. Not relatable in that I'm an olympic athlete but in experiencing loneliness, tough choices, determination & standing up for what you know is right. She's such a fantastic role model. Go after your dreams & stay true to yourself.

Content: None

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew nothing about her sport andI loved learning about it and her dedication to do her best. I loved her upbeat attitude and how even though something is good it can take over your life if you let it and love it. (baseball with her husband)

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All right. I'll admit it. She is identifiable because she lives a few towns over. Or she grew up a few towns over. I have no idea if she's still there. I'd totally stalk her if I had the time. She is extraordinary in that she is a woman athlete who is world class Skeleton. How many people do you know that claims skeleton as their sport? I'm sure I've met a few since Park City is a 40 minute drive, but it's never come up in a conversation, oddly enough. But world class? Olympic gold winner? Exceptionally extraordinary. And yet...

She's also very ordinary. If she lived next door, the difference between her and the rest of us is that she disappears for weeks at a time during the winter. But so does my neighbor. She goes to Singapore to see her family then comes home at the tail end of winter, missing the cold snap, complaining about the heat she had to endure. Cry me a river. But I digress.

Noelle discusses real life challenges, aimed at a teenage audience, I believe, yet uses those extraordinary experiences from her own life to teach a strong and memorable lesson. Regardless of her skill and talent, all her accomplishments, Noelle is just like any other young woman who struggled with insecurities and doubts that run the gamut of what we all suffered through. She wanted to be included in the group yet was rejected over and over again. She nearly quit even though she was one of the best in the country. She shares how she handled it and what she learned.

My personal favorite was on keeping your goals clear, focusing on where we want to go rather than the obstacles. This one reminded me of Peter who saw Jesus walking towards him on water. In his excitement and with great faith, he left the boat and began walking towards Christ. Then Peter got distracted by all of the obstacles keeping him from reaching the Savior and he sunk.

Noelle was clear of her goal when she started a very difficult track. She began strong but, at a very difficult turn, forgot to make the appropriate corrections because she was concentrating on the screaming voice in her head, "Don't hit the roof!" She got distracted and lost sight of her goal. You'll never guess what happened next.

She hit the roof. Of course she did! That's where her sights were suddenly set.

Every chapter has a life lesson with a story from her life. Unfortunately, I did the stupid Mom thing and ranted about the book to 16 year old daughter because I thought it would be excellent for her. Never do that, by the way. Teenagers are wired to do anything BUT what their mother thinks is a good idea. I'll give it a few months then reintroduce it by leaving it out but obscured by a magazine. Then she'll suddenly be interested in it.

I'm learning.

[Tara Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this a few stars because I think Ms. Pace seems like an amazing person, her book is really pretty and her messages are inspirational. However, her book is a disjointed, confusing piece without clear direction or themes. Honestly, it seems like a series of motivational/church talks that she gave over the years that were just thrown together and published after a graphic designer had fun illustrating. For writing quality and cohesiveness, it is a one-star book. For the author's evident strength of character and her stirring messages, it is a five star book. I think the fault lies with the publisher here. They should have brought on a professional writer and taken this piece, fleshed out the stories, built a shape and flow, created strong themes and motifs, and written for a broad audience. This was such an insider "Mormon" book with no explanation of confusing terms and insider jargon. Ms. Pace's appeal as an Olympian with high standards and a love of family was broad. The publisher missed an opportunity to reach that broad audience by making the book more universal and making it also understandable for a non-Mormon, religious or spiritual audience.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part way through this book I was already rating at a 3, then moved up to a 4, then a 5. I love when books get better as you go. I would definitely read parts of this book again. Not only does Noelle work hard and strive to be a good person and great competitor, but she is so open about her shortcomings and how she overcame them. Hardwork, prayer, priorities, planning were all part of her game plan and so relatable to every day life, not just that of an Olympian. I love that she had experiences to stand for what she believed in, and how she shared they weren't that hard because she made choices long before. For my reference - loved the story of running on a 2 foot wide board in the sky and her sharing her experience modeling for an Olympic photo shoot as a size 10. As i write those two i think of more, the grass, who's your competition, praying/reading scriptures.
Amazing woman with down to earth, uplifting, relatable experiences. Really inspires.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm getting the Olympic Fever!!! I am so ready to binge watch all of the Olympics come February. It has been way too long (why can't they be every year??). I loved listening to Noelle's story. I had no idea that she was hit by a bobsled (!) and somehow bounced back to win an Olympic medal some years later. I remember watching her and seeing her celebrate with her cute family! (I also may have gotten teary-eyed listening to the end of this). I loved hearing how she got started in the Skeleton, it's not exactly a common sport. I also loved listening to all the interviews and her workout schedules that she participated in. I found it so interesting!!

I also loved hearing how important her faith was/is in her training and in her life. This book is a winner! It makes me so motivated!!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Watching this years Winter Olympics inspired me to read Noelle's story. Part autobiography and part motivational text, this is a very quick read. Her audience is definitely young girls, though I still found many positive takeaways from Noelle's story. She has a talent not only in the skeleton but in being able to learn lessons from everyday experiences. I loved getting an insight to her work ethic, values, sacrifices, dreams, failures, and successes. I finished this book feeling uplifted with a resolve to do better and be better.

[Aviann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I well remember watching Noelle Pikus-Pace’s final run in the 2014 Olympics and her jump into the stands to hug her family. It was epic. Along the way we all learned a little of her journey to that moment, but this memoir gave so much more. She taught about skeleton, her introduction to the sport, her struggles/accidents/setbacks, her races before the Olympics, her mindset and goals, and her emphasis on the things that mattered most in her life—family, faith, and integrity. Needless to say, she is pretty inspiring and I enjoyed reading her story and hearing her positive perspective.

[McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Very inspirational!

[Cozette R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this woman and what a wonderful example she is!

[Happy Reading Watching]

I remember her and how excited we all were to see her on TV! I am not a sport watcher but you bet I watched the Olympics that year!
Really enjoyed this read. She is an amazing person and what a great example!
♡♡♡

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I can’t wait to read this again with my middle schoolers! It is exactly what a Christian memoir should be, the stories are so memorable and the life lessons are pertinent. Every Christian athlete should read this book. It is an easy fast read that I finished in a day and one worth sharing.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is listed as inspirational, and it is that, but the thing that stood out to me was how down to earth Ms. Pace seems---like the girl next door. It's a quick read and full of Noelle's experiences as she trained for the Olympics which totally kept me turning pages. I knew there was a lot of hard work that went into it, but I hadn't realized how much time away from friends and family it requires. She's gotten to travel a lot and meet a lot of great people, but it sure wasn't easy all the time.

Noelle shares how she was asked to do a photo shoot with some other athletes and how she had to take a stand when they asked her to wear a dress that went against her modesty standards. She talks about how lonely she was one season and how badly she wanted to fit in and didn't, which led to her wanting to quit. She kept going and changed her thinking, which ended up making a huge difference in her personal and professional life. There were so many great stories, all the way from the bobsled accident that led to her not being able to compete when she was sure to win a medal, down to personal things like her miscarriage that made her reevaluate her goals.

I loved how easy this book was to read. It was like a little glimpse into Ms. Pace's life and how she handled things, both badly and well, and what lessons she learned from those experiences. There were awesome little quotes in each chapter that I wish I could have ripped out and put on my fridge (or at least pinned on Pinterest). I enjoyed getting to know more about Ms. Pace's history and backstory (although I really wanted to know how she met her husband. They sound like such a great couple.)

As women, I think we are particularly hard on ourselves in some areas, (like body image and social acceptance) and this book addresses those topics in real and motivational ways. (Not preachy, thank goodness!) So, if you're looking for a great afternoon read that will leave you with a smile on your face and maybe motivated to change a few things about yourself, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it!

Originally reviewed on http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Olympians and learning about them because I think what they do is amazing! I cannot comprehend the hours and hours of practice it takes to work to become the best in the world at one particular thing. I just don't have the discipline and attention span to do that but I love to read about those who do.

What I love about this book is that Noelle is so down to earth. She is honest about her life experiences and willing to share what she has learned from both the good and the bad. I loved her chapter titled, "A Well-Balanced Life." She and her husband became so involved in playing softball that they neglected other things and it wasn't pretty when they realized what it cost them. She also talks about setting goals in different areas of life to work on becoming a well-rounded person.

Throughout the book, she shares her experiences in training for the Olympics, overcoming loneliness, her accident and how she came back from it, retirement and her decision to come out of retirement and try for a medal again. There's so much more, too. Her husband, Janson, is so supportive of her and they make a great team!

I love the layout of this book. There are great quotes and pictures. It's not too long and it was so easy to read one more chapter. This is a great book for teens since Noelle is a great role model for young women. I love the advice she gave as she contemplated helping her daughter through struggles as she gets older and compared it to what the Savior might say to each of us when we want to give up. I would recommend this to everyone, especially those who are looking for inspiration and motivation!

I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I shy away from books that are getting promotion. This was one of them. Also it's about someone who loves sports and I am not someone like that, so much so that I even avoid sport movies like the plague. It's fine they're there and I'm sure people like them and they do much good - just not my thing, you know? So I was avoiding this book, even though I really was captivated by the author's story as I heard it in interviews on the news.

And then a good friend read it and raved about how it was such a good book for these times when so many outside influences want our attention. She talked about goals and how setting them and working toward them is addressed in the book.

Goal setting.
Sports.
Trendy.

All things I avoid.

I was interested but skeptical. So I downloaded a free ebook sample. Then I bought the book.

A few hours later I had finished and was energized with new ideas for viewing myself, my goals, my motivation, integrity, and the purpose of pressing forward.

I appreciated how Noelle discusses so openly her weaknesses and low points as well as the highs. She talks about what she learns from both and how they helped her prepare for the next race or life at home.

She is upbeat, honest, excited, straightforward, and encouraging.

This book has changed my view of goal setting - the how and why - for the better. And that's a very good thing.

Now to meet my goal of going to bed at a decent hour.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never has a book been more timely than Focused by Noelle Pikus- Pace is for this generation. A silver medal US Olympic skeleton racer, Pikus-Pace shares her wisdom with youth as well as her life experiences. In 2006 she was badly injured by a bobsled and had a huge mountain to climb to make it back on the track.Like, all of us, she has faced moral dilemmas, ups and downs, but she remained focused on what matters most. Noelle shares how important it is to step outside our comfort zone and friendship others. She shares her personal struggle with miscarriage and returning to the track after an answer to prayer. She reminds youth to be modest, to be an example and to let your light shine.

I read this book full of quotes, photos and inspirational graphics in one sitting. It is one I will passing on to my daughters and sons. I cried along with her when she finally grasped her Olympic medal dream, with Young Women's medallion also around her neck on the awards podium. Her temple medallion reminds all of us..."You are more precious than rubies."

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

We already know and love this woman from the Olympics

She has won many titles and took the silver medal in the 2014 Winter Olympics

Now she shares her knowledge about
Keeping your Life on Track, Once Choice at a Time

Her book is packed with stories, pictures, memes, and life's lessons.

Just look at these chapter titles:
*You Always Have a Choice
*Can I Sit Here
*Dare to Stand Alone
*A Model of Perfection
*One Foot in Front of the Other
*Useless Runners
*and MORE

Learn about some of her crashes and how she kept going.

Listen to her talk about her family and feel of the love she has for them.

Read about her accident and her comeback.

Share her experiences she has had with her other team members.

Study what she does to keep a balance in her life.

Let her be a role model for you...she is WONDERFUL!

A TRULY PHENOMENAL BOOK!
SO WORTH READING!
IT WILL TOUCH YOUR SOUL!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 stars

Reviewed for www.compassbookratings.com

Focused: Keeping Your Life On Track, One Choice at a Time is an excellent motivational read. Written by Olympic silver medalist Noelle Pikus Pace, the book's tone is incredibly warm and inviting. Made up of a combination of inspirational quotes, poems, and anecdotes, the book is absolutely beautiful, with a stunning layout and vivid pictures. Pikus Pace does more than explain her unique perspective as a wife, mother, student, and elite athlete, but shares numerous analogies and touching life lessons from her experiences. Her stories emphasize the importance of making good choices, working towards goals, maintaining balance, and having a positive body image. With such important themes, Focused would be especially appropriate for teenage girls or young women to read. This is a highly recommended, feel-good read!

For full content analysis, go to www.compassbookratings.com

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Noelle Pikus Pace. I love her tenacity. I love her optimism. I love her faith. Like a fifteen-year-old fan girl, I picked up her book simply because I had enjoyed her story so much during the 2014 Olympics. I practically burst out of my own seat when she jumped in the stands to hug her family after winning her medal. And honestly, I really did enjoy this book. It's just not a great book. It would make a fantastic devotional or EFY talk or be a great set of themes for a girls' camp. I still love her, but I would recommend this book to teenage girls who are trying to figure out who they are (an interest in sports wouldn't hurt either). Happy reading!

ps. I'm starting to love the name Noelle - perhaps as a middle name for a future baby girl.
pps. No, I'm not pregnant.
ppps. Stay focused :)

[Kara Fullmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read. A lot of what we already hear as LDS people in thinking positive, looking forward, and taking it one day at a time. Didnt really have any new or amazing breakthroughs. Was pretty uplifting, but didnt have any real advice on how to accomplish the things she was talking about. Felt pretty superficial to me. The reason im giving it such a high rating is because i feel like someone may get something out of this, and just because i didnt doesnt mean it wasnt a great book. I recognize that she had some great thoughts, it just was not what i was expecting at all for this book.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific book. I listened to the audio version, which author Noelle Pikus Pace reads herself. She shares some of her experiences as a world champion and Olympic skeleton competitor. My children listened to a lot of this book with me. She shared many spiritual insights gained and lessons learned through her incredible experiences. I appreciated what she had to say about modesty, choices, having a positive self-image, integrity, focus, dedication, building a strong foundation, and being a good friend. Great book and a remarkable woman!

[Alex Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is incredible. It should be required reading for all married couples. Janson was and is an awesome father and husband. They set a great example for us to follow. Young women will be impressed with Noelle's impressive stance on modesty. Hearing the story of what happened to Noelle being hit by the bobsled is astounding.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring. She is amazing. There is so much I loved about this book. I especially loved the focus on integrity and becoming our best selves. The moment during the Olympics when Noelle won the Silver medal and jumped into the stands to be with her family is one I will never forget. And I had no idea she had faced so many trials to get there. I'll say it again, she is amazing.

[Chantele Sedgwick]

I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but I really needed this book right now. So inspirational and great messages throughout. It wasn't just about how Noelle became an Olympian and silver medalist. It was how she kept her standards on her journey and overcame self-doubt and the feeling of not fitting in or not being good enough. Great read. Definitely a book I came back to when I'm feeling down.

[Annajune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want my kids to read this, especially my competitive ones. Yes she was an Olympic athlete and recovered from a horrific accident to medal in the Olympics but the things she shares are how you can be make choices in your life to help you stay on the track you want to and how adjustments can and should be made as we go through life.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great lessons to be learned. Wow, what determination and drive. It takes a lot of work and sacrifice to become an Olympian.

I would have liked if the chapters had been in more chronological order so it would have read like an autobiography as well as a motivational book.