087 Secrets to a High Performance Life with Sonya Looney - World Champion Mountain Biker, Entrepreneur and Mother

When Women Fly

Sonya Looney is a professional mountain biker and racing cyclist who has competed in over 20 countries and has over 25 career wins including a World Championship, UCI Wins, and USA National Championships.
With such an impressive resumé, you may be surprised to hear Sonya say that achievements don't lead to happiness, and that the validation she sought as a professional athlete pales in comparison to the community she's found and the relationships she's formed – particularly as a mother.
Sonya is still out competing and winning races, but her mission has shifted from achievement to helping people be better every day – no matter the medium.
In this episode, Sylvia and Sonya discuss her journey to becoming a professional mountain biker, wellness in the context of high-intensity pursuits, seeking validation from the right sources, having the courage to pursue your dreams, and so much more.
Topics Include:
- Balancing motherhood and professional goals
- Focusing on identity rather than outcomes
- Calculating risk as a young mom
- Personal growth and behavior change
- Working with negative thoughts
- Breaking undesirable habit loops
- Prioritizing consistency over perfection
- And other topics…
Sonya Looney is a professional mountain biker and racing cyclist who has raced in over 20 countries and has over 25 career wins and course records in 11 countries including World Championship, UCI Wins and USA National Championships. As one of the largest social influencers in mountain biking in America, Looney is a brand ambassador for 10 brands.
Sonya is also a health and performance coach and travels as a keynote motivational speaker where she talks about success and failure, overcoming fear, and the power of choice. Sonya is also the founder of a lifestyle brand, Moxy & Grit, and hosts the podcast The Sonya Looney Show.
Resources Mentioned:
The Sonya Looney Show podcast: https://www.sonyalooney.com/podcasts/
TEDx Talk: By Bike - Defining Success at 17,769 Feet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYiflJvxTac&t=1s
The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-four-tendencies/intro/
The Craving Mind by Dr. Judson Brewer: https://www.amazon.com/Craving-Mind-Cigarettes-Smartphones-Hooked/dp/0300223242
Unwinding Anxiety by Dr. Judson Brewer: https://www.amazon.com/Unwinding-Anxiety-Science-Shows-Cycles/dp/0593330447/
Connect with Sonya:
Sonya’s Website: https://www.sonyalooney.com/
Sign up for Sonya’s Newsletter: https://www.sonyalooney.com/#subscribe
Instagram: @sonyalooney
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Socials: @whenwomenfly