“Be realistic.” That’s what we hear all the time, even when no one is actually saying it. But imagine if you knew you were unstoppable. Unconquerable.
Redefining ‘Realistic’ is about the underestimated greatness of human potential and how you can harness this to achieve your goals—whether they are in sport, business, or life. Written by four-time Olympian (and two-time Olympic gold medalist), World Rugby Hall of Famer, and master's graduate of occupational therapy Heather Moyse whose experience of embracing challenges, defying the odds, and proving the naysayers wrong has moulded her unique philosophy and perspective that she brings to her coaching clients and conveys in these pages.
Whether you are just starting to recognize your own abilities, have your life purpose already in place, or are living your passion but still feeling like you need that extra push to reach your full potential—this book is for you! Whether you are feeling a bit lost, facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge, or are undertaking a transition or big life change—this book is for you!
This book will shift your perspective and empower you to start challenging your self-limiting beliefs and start questioning your assumptions about what you currently believe to be impossible, and will unlock the champion mindset needed to seize your potential and discover what you are truly capable of. Because, as Heather says, “We are all capable of way more than we give ourselves credit for.”
It’s time to start seeing the opportunities and the possibilities that exist in your life. Redefining 'Realistic' will help you do just that.
This book is wonderfully inspiring. As I read, I was able to ponder some of the goals I'd like to strive for, the obstacles I felt were getting in the way, and ways to overcome those obstacles by either finding ways around them, or by changing my perspective. It is a book that I would recommend reading, though you'll have to buy your own because I'm going to keep and re-read mine ;)
What Heather Moyse has accomplished is amazing and inspiring, and the way she writes about it inspires the reader to set out in a path to accomplish their own goals.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that so seamlessly blends personal narrative, practical advice, and genuine inspiration. Heather Moyse’s Redefining Realistic is one of those rare books that feels like a conversation with a mentor, someone who knows exactly how to challenge you while also encouraging you. From the very first chapter, Heather’s voice is relatable, honest, and motivating. She shares her experiences as a four-time Olympian, but it’s not just about sports. It’s about mindset, resilience, and the choices we make every day that define what’s possible in our lives.
What struck me most is her approach to the concept of “realistic.” Society constantly tells us to be practical, to know our limits, and to accept them. Heather challenges that in the most empowering way. Through her stories, she demonstrates that what seems “realistic” is often a boundary we set for ourselves, not a fact of life. Her stories of training, competition, and overcoming self-doubt are gripping, but they’re also universal. Whether you’re pursuing a career change, a personal goal, or just trying to live more intentionally, the lessons resonate.
I appreciated how she breaks down the mindset shifts necessary for growth. The book isn’t just inspirational; it’s practical. Each chapter leaves you with a set of takeaways you can apply immediately, whether it’s in the workplace, in relationships, or in personal development. For example, she emphasizes identifying self-limiting beliefs, reframing failure, and celebrating small wins as critical steps toward larger goals. After reading, I found myself rethinking challenges I had previously avoided, realizing that the obstacles were often imagined.
Another aspect I loved was the authenticity. Heather doesn’t portray herself as flawless. She shares failures, doubts, and moments of vulnerability, which makes her advice feel grounded and achievable. You can tell these are not abstract lessons pulled from a textbook, they’re lived experiences distilled into actionable insights. The way she weaves humor and storytelling makes the book extremely readable, even when discussing serious or complex topics.
Overall, this is more than a book; it’s a blueprint for approaching life with courage, purpose, and a champion mindset. It will motivate you, challenge your assumptions, and leave you thinking about what’s possible long after the final page. I’ve already recommended it to friends, family, and colleagues, and I’ll continue to do so. If you’re ready to question your limits, embrace challenges, and unlock your potential, Redefining Realistic is a must-read.
Redefining Realistic is unlike any book I’ve encountered in the personal growth genre. Heather Moyse has crafted a book that is simultaneously motivational, practical, and deeply human. I picked it up expecting to read about her Olympic career, but what I received was so much more: a guide to self-belief, resilience, and realizing that our potential is far greater than we often allow ourselves to believe.
One of the most powerful elements of the book is Heather’s perspective on “realism.” Society teaches us to temper our expectations, to “be practical,” and to avoid dreaming too big. Heather reframes this idea entirely. She argues that realism often limits us more than it protects us. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, challenges she faced in elite sports, and insights from her coaching and occupational therapy work, she teaches readers to question these boundaries and aim higher than they thought possible.
What I found particularly compelling is how applicable her lessons are to everyday life. It’s not just for athletes. Heather shows how the same principles that helped her achieve Olympic gold—discipline, focus, resilience, and goal-setting, can transform careers, personal ambitions, and even relationships. I kept pausing while reading to reflect on my own life: What goals have I avoided because they seemed unrealistic? How often have I underestimated what I could achieve? By the end of the book, I felt equipped to answer these questions and to take actionable steps toward change.
Heather’s writing is engaging and approachable. She writes as if she’s speaking directly to you, sharing both victories and setbacks. I particularly appreciated the vulnerability she shows—her failures, doubts, and moments of uncertainty make her insights feel authentic and relatable. Each chapter is filled with stories, reflections, and exercises designed to push you to consider your own potential. I highlighted almost every chapter because there were lessons and insights I wanted to revisit again and again.
This book is more than just motivation; it’s a guide for action. By the time I finished, I had a notebook full of reflections, goal ideas, and strategies inspired directly by Heather’s insights. I’ve already implemented several small changes that have led to noticeable improvements in productivity and mindset.
In short, Redefining Realistic is a must-read for anyone looking to challenge their assumptions about what’s possible, embrace their potential, and live a life of purpose. Heather Moyse combines inspiration, practicality, and personal authenticity in a way that few authors can. This book didn’t just inspire me, it empowered me to act.
Heather Moyse’s Redefining Realistic is a remarkable book that completely reshaped how I view my own potential. From the start, Heather’s energy and authenticity jump off the page. She doesn’t just tell stories about her Olympic victories, though those alone are inspiring, she shares the mindset and strategies behind those successes in a way that feels practical and applicable to everyday life.
What I loved most is how she challenges the notion of being “realistic.” Too often, we limit ourselves by what we think is possible, but Heather shows through her experiences that what seems realistic is often just a mental barrier. Her stories of perseverance, facing doubt, and pushing past fear are incredibly motivating. I found myself pausing repeatedly to reflect on how these lessons apply to my personal and professional goals.
This book is not only motivational but also actionable. Each chapter contains insights you can immediately implement, from setting higher goals to reframing failure as a learning opportunity. Heather’s writing is approachable, filled with humor and warmth, and her vulnerability makes her lessons feel attainable rather than intimidating.
I’ve read many self-help books, but few resonate the way this one does. Redefining Realistic has inspired me to take concrete steps toward goals I’d been hesitant to pursue. It’s a guide for anyone looking to unlock their potential, whether in career, personal life, or sport. By the end, I felt empowered, motivated, and ready to challenge my own limits. I’ve already recommended it to friends and colleagues, it’s truly a life-changing read.
Redefining Realistic is one of those books that quietly but powerfully shifts the way you think about yourself. I didn’t read it in one sitting because I kept stopping to reflect. Heather Moyse doesn’t shout motivation at you; instead, she walks you through her experiences and lets the lessons sink in naturally. That’s what makes this book so effective.
What stood out most to me was how Heather challenges the idea of limitations. She explains how many of the boundaries we accept as “realistic” are actually assumptions we’ve never questioned. Through her Olympic journey and personal setbacks, she shows how redefining those assumptions can completely change outcomes. It made me reconsider goals I had dismissed years ago simply because they felt out of reach.
The writing is incredibly approachable. Heather feels like a coach sitting across from you, not a distant hero talking down. She’s honest about fear, doubt, and failure, which made her success feel real rather than intimidating. That honesty is what kept me engaged.
This book isn’t only about big dreams; it’s also about daily mindset. Heather explains how small decisions, consistent effort, and belief compound over time. I finished the book feeling more grounded, not overwhelmed. Instead of pressure, I felt clarity.
I would recommend this book to anyone feeling stuck, uncertain, or underestimating themselves. Whether you’re navigating a career change, personal growth, or simply trying to regain motivation, Redefining Realistic offers perspective that stays with you long after you close the book.
Redefining Realistic surprised me in the best way. I expected motivation, but what I found was perspective. Heather Moyse doesn’t just inspire you to dream bigger, she helps you understand why you stopped dreaming in the first place. That distinction makes this book incredibly powerful.
Heather’s storytelling is honest and grounded. She shares her Olympic journey, but never in a way that feels distant or unattainable. Instead, she breaks down the mindset behind her success and shows how those same principles apply to everyday life. I found myself relating to her doubts and internal struggles more than I expected, which made her achievements feel even more meaningful.
One of the strongest themes in the book is self-limiting belief. Heather explains how often we accept boundaries without questioning them, simply because they feel “realistic.” This idea stayed with me long after I finished reading. It made me reflect on how often I’ve talked myself out of opportunities before even trying.
The writing style is engaging and conversational, making the book an easy yet impactful read. It doesn’t feel like a lecture or a checklist. Instead, it feels like guidance from someone who genuinely wants you to succeed.
By the end of the book, I didn’t feel pressured to change everything overnight. I felt encouraged to start thinking differently, and that alone has already made a difference. This is a book I would recommend to anyone feeling stuck, hesitant, or unsure of their next step.
I picked up Redefining Realistic expecting inspiration, but I didn’t expect it to be so deeply practical. Heather Moyse has a way of turning big ideas into relatable moments that make you reflect on your own life almost immediately. This isn’t just a motivational read, it’s a mindset shift.
Heather’s core message about redefining what we consider “realistic” really resonated with me. So many times, we stop ourselves before we even begin, believing certain goals are meant for “other people.” Heather dismantles that thinking with real stories from her Olympic career and life beyond sports. Her experiences show that growth often begins the moment we stop negotiating with our fears.
What I appreciated most was her balance between confidence and humility. She doesn’t pretend the journey is easy or glamorous. She openly discusses uncertainty, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt, which makes her achievements feel earned and her advice believable.
The book flows easily, and each chapter leaves you with something to think about. I found myself reflecting on my career, personal habits, and even how I speak to myself internally. Heather’s words encouraged me to aim higher, but also to be patient with the process.
By the end of the book, I felt motivated without feeling pressured. That’s a rare combination. Redefining Realistic is ideal for anyone who wants encouragement grounded in real experience. It’s thoughtful, empowering, and refreshingly honest.
This book came to me at exactly the right time. Redefining Realistic isn’t about overnight success or unrealistic positivity, it’s about understanding your potential and being brave enough to pursue it. Heather Moyse communicates this message with clarity, warmth, and credibility.
What makes this book special is Heather’s perspective. As an Olympic athlete, she has achieved what many consider impossible, yet she remains relatable. She emphasizes that the mindset required for elite performance is the same mindset that can transform everyday life. That realization alone made this book worth reading.
Heather challenges readers to examine the stories they tell themselves. The idea that we often limit ourselves unconsciously was eye-opening for me. Her examples helped me recognize patterns in my own thinking, especially moments where I had settled for comfort instead of growth.
The writing is engaging and personal. It doesn’t feel scripted or rehearsed. Heather shares lessons with sincerity, making the reader feel encouraged rather than judged. I also appreciated how the book applies to all stages of life. Whether you’re just starting out or reassessing your direction, the lessons remain relevant.
When I finished the book, I felt grounded and motivated, not rushed. It encouraged thoughtful action rather than impulsive change. Redefining Realistic is a book I know I’ll revisit whenever I need perspective or a reminder of what’s possible with commitment and belief.
Heather Moyse’s Redefining Realistic is both inspiring and reassuring. It reminds you that growth doesn’t require perfection, just willingness. From the beginning, Heather invites readers to question what they’ve been taught about limitations and success, and she does so with empathy and authenticity.
I found her storytelling especially compelling. Her Olympic experiences are fascinating, but what makes them powerful is how she connects them to everyday struggles. Whether it’s fear of failure, self-doubt, or feeling stuck, Heather addresses these challenges in a way that feels honest and attainable.
One of the strongest takeaways for me was the importance of mindset. Heather explains how perspective shapes outcomes and how redefining what’s “realistic” can unlock opportunities we didn’t realize existed. This isn’t about reckless dreaming, it’s about informed belief and consistent effort.
The book is easy to read, but the impact is deep. I often paused to reflect on my own habits and choices. Heather doesn’t push readers to change everything at once; instead, she emphasizes awareness, intention, and progress. That approach made the book feel supportive rather than overwhelming.
By the end, I felt encouraged to trust myself more and to pursue goals I had quietly set aside. Redefining Realistic is an excellent read for anyone seeking clarity, motivation, and confidence. It’s thoughtful, empowering, and genuinely uplifting.
This book is a reminder of how powerful mindset truly is. Heather Moyse’s Redefining Realistic challenges the quiet limits we place on ourselves and replaces them with clarity and confidence. It’s motivational without being overwhelming, which I really appreciated.
Heather writes with sincerity and humility. She doesn’t pretend the journey is easy or linear. Instead, she openly discusses uncertainty, setbacks, and moments of doubt, which made the book feel real. Her Olympic achievements give her credibility, but her vulnerability makes her relatable.
What resonated most with me was her focus on redefining what we consider possible. She explains how “being realistic” often becomes an excuse for staying comfortable. That idea alone made me reflect deeply on my own choices and the goals I’ve postponed out of fear.
The lessons in this book extend far beyond sports. Heather connects discipline, resilience, and belief to career growth, personal transitions, and everyday challenges. I found myself highlighting passages and revisiting them because they felt immediately applicable.
When I finished the book, I felt grounded and encouraged rather than rushed or pressured. Redefining Realistic doesn’t promise instant transformation, it offers something more valuable: perspective. It’s a thoughtful, empowering read that stays with you long after the last page.
I didn’t rush through this book because it gave me too much to think about. Redefining Realistic is the kind of read that gently challenges you without judgment. Heather Moyse has a way of encouraging self-reflection that feels natural, not forced.
Her message about potential is both empowering and realistic. She doesn’t suggest that success comes without effort or struggle. Instead, she emphasizes consistency, mindset, and the courage to question assumptions. Her stories, from elite sport to everyday life, illustrate these ideas beautifully.
What impressed me most was how relevant the book felt, regardless of background. You don’t need to be an athlete to connect with it. The lessons apply to anyone navigating uncertainty, growth, or change. I personally found it helpful during a period of career reflection, as it pushed me to reconsider what I truly wanted versus what felt “safe.”
Heather’s writing is warm and conversational. It feels like advice from someone who has been through challenges and genuinely wants to help others grow. There’s no arrogance, only encouragement.
By the time I finished the book, I felt more confident in my ability to take small but meaningful steps forward. Redefining Realistic doesn’t just inspire, it reassures. It reminds you that growth is possible at any stage and that believing in yourself is often the first win.
Heather Moyse’s Redefining Realistic is thoughtful, motivating, and deeply human. Rather than focusing solely on achievement, Heather explores the mindset behind it, which makes the book incredibly impactful. It’s about how we think, not just what we do.
I appreciated how Heather reframes fear and failure. Instead of treating them as obstacles, she explains how they are often indicators of growth. This perspective helped me reconsider challenges I had been avoiding simply because they felt uncomfortable or uncertain.
Her Olympic background adds depth to the book, but it never overshadows the core message. Heather connects elite performance to everyday life in a way that feels practical and achievable. Whether discussing discipline, belief, or perseverance, her insights are grounded in experience rather than theory.
The book flows smoothly and is easy to read, yet the lessons linger. I found myself reflecting on my habits, decisions, and long-term goals without feeling overwhelmed. Heather encourages progress, not perfection, which makes the message both empowering and realistic.
When I finished reading, I felt encouraged to trust myself more and to stop underestimating what I’m capable of. Redefining Realistic is an excellent read for anyone looking to shift perspective, gain confidence, and move forward with intention.
This book felt like a reset for my mindset. Heather Moyse doesn’t tell you what to do, she helps you understand why you’ve been holding back. That distinction makes Redefining Realistic stand out from many motivational books I’ve read.
Heather’s storytelling is engaging and honest. Her Olympic experiences are inspiring, but what makes them powerful is how she connects them to everyday life. Whether it’s career growth, personal confidence, or navigating uncertainty, her lessons apply naturally. I appreciated how she emphasizes effort, consistency, and belief rather than shortcuts.
One of the strongest takeaways for me was how often we confuse comfort with realism. Heather explains that many of our limits are self-imposed, shaped by fear or habit rather than fact. That idea stayed with me long after finishing the book and encouraged me to rethink decisions I had avoided making.
The tone of the book is supportive and encouraging. It doesn’t judge or pressure the reader. Instead, it creates space for reflection and growth. Heather’s vulnerability makes her advice feel sincere and relatable.
After reading, I felt calmer and more focused, not overwhelmed. Redefining Realistic doesn’t push you to rush, it helps you move forward thoughtfully. It’s an excellent read for anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and a healthier relationship with ambition.
I went into this book expecting inspiration, but I walked away with perspective. Redefining Realistic isn’t about motivation for motivation’s sake, it’s about understanding how mindset shapes outcomes. Heather Moyse delivers this message with authenticity and care.
What impressed me most was her ability to make elite-level thinking accessible. She breaks down the mental habits that helped her succeed as an Olympian and shows how those same habits apply to everyday challenges. You don’t need to be an athlete to connect with this book.
Heather’s emphasis on questioning assumptions was especially impactful. She explains how often we accept limits without examining where they came from. That idea encouraged me to reflect on personal goals I had dismissed as unrealistic without ever truly trying.
The writing is fluid and engaging. Heather doesn’t overcomplicate ideas or rely on clichés. Her stories feel genuine, and her lessons feel earned. I found myself nodding along often, recognizing patterns in my own thinking.
When I finished the book, I felt encouraged rather than pressured. Redefining Realistic reminds you that growth doesn’t require perfection, just awareness and effort. It’s a meaningful, empowering read that stays with you long after the final page.
We love a good non-fiction, specifically one centered around motivation, believing in yourself and seeing your endless potential. Not only is she a two-time Olympic GOLD medalist and one of just two Canadians inducted into the Rugby Hall of Fame, Heather Moyse is also one of the most incredible and inspirational female athletes of our generation. Her book, Redefining Realistic, is not only easy-to-read, relatable and hilarious, but each page invites you to think about your mindset, potential, and goals; encouraging you to do anything you can to achieve them. With so much wisdom and inspiration, you'll be flipping the pages faster than her Olympic bobsled sprint!
Some of the stories and themes got a bit repetitive but it was an easy read. Reading about Heather overcome some pretty serious injuries and still come back from them to be an Olympic champion encouraged me to start rowing again after a lingering hip injury. I enjoyed this book.