As a mentor and coach, I am fortunate to be able to IMPACT and transform lives. My purpose to create, motivate and inspire people to greatness means that I have an opportunity to change people's lives for the better. That mission inspires and motivates me every single day.In my roles as a performance coach, trainer, speaker and business owner, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the world's best athletes including NFL MVPs, MLB and NBA All-Stars, Super Bowl champions and Olympic gold medalists. I have worked with business owners and executives worth billions of dollars, and as a Mastermind coach I mentor, coach and work with the all types of leaders in the sports-training, health and fitness industries.One thing I tell everyone I work with is that when you have a deep desire to maximize potential and help people become the best version of themselves, then you have the power to transform lives. That is an incredible gift, and it's one that really fires me up!This book that you are holding in your hands has the power to transform your life as well. These eight authors are going to share their stories with you. They are teachers, business owners, fitness professionals, entrepreneurs and coaches. Although they come from all walks of life, they have one thing in common - they are all real people who made a choice to RISE ABOVE the challenges in their lives and use what they have learned to make a meaningful contribution to the world.In these pages you will read about the heartache, the physical pain and the emotional challenges that each of these authors have faced, and you will learn the steps they have taken to overcome their circumstances. You will discover that even in times of deep sorrow, there is hope. You will learn that there are some universal truths about overcoming the odds - steps that every one of us can take when we are faced with something challenging so that we can get better and live the life we were meant to live. And most of all I think you will see that there is always an opportunity to optimize your full potential, develop your voice and live a full and purposeful life.Each portrait in this book will leave you with something to consider, but one thing I think you will find in all the stories is that it begins with making a choice. That's right -Rise Above: 8 Portraits of Transformationin order to change your life, you must first decide to do it. Mindset matters, and it's something that my athletes, team and clients often hear me say. You've got to get your mind right!Because you are holding this book in your hands right now, you have already made a choice. Thank you for choosing to improve your life! These inspiring stories are full of ideas for you to consider. Let those ideas marinate and give yourself the time and opportunity to discover how you can use these lessons in your own life. I guarantee you will find something in these pages that will help you on your journey to live a life worth telling a story about!Share the book with your family, your colleagues, your teammates and even with strangers. You, too, have the power to transform lives, and a simple gift with an inspiring message may be just what someone needs to make a change.Most of all, I want you to take these lessons and live them every day! When you do, you will find that your life is transformed as well!Now it's time to get reading. Go ahead and open these pages. Allow them to move you, inspire you, motivate and transform you.Dig down deep. Find your dream. Empower yourself. Be strong.And RISE ABOVE so you can go out and live your best life!Much love and much STRENGTH, Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS Owner, Fitness Quest 10 Under Armour Training Team Author, The IMPACT Body Plan and The WOW Boo