Hands in the Dirt, Heart in the Mission
Written by Shanon Tysland | Founder, CEO at Experience Momentum
Living the Mission: One Action at a Time
At Experience Momentum, our mission is to connect with, educate, support, and empower our clients, community, and team members to help them redefine what’s possible in life.
But a mission like ours only matters if it’s something you live. Not just when it’s convenient, and not just at work—but in all areas of life, even when it’s hard.
Last Friday, we closed all of our clinics early so our team could volunteer with EarthCorps at a local park in North Seattle. On the surface it looked like a few hours of removing invasive species, ivy & blackberry bramble to be specific, but it was so much more. Our time volunteering was a reminder of how meaningful action can be. During those two short hours: Our team learned about the importance of local ecosystems. We connected with nature (by literally getting our hands dirty) and with one another, by chatting as we bent over our loppers and shovels. Most importantly, our staff supported the local environment, resulting in feeling educated and empowered by the end of the afternoon.
Being at a local park and putting in hard work reminded us: If we want to help people redefine what’s possible and for them to put in hard work, we have to start by doing it ourselves. And sometimes that means stepping away from the day-to-day hustle and doing something that stretches us. Growth rarely happens inside our comfort zones.
This day was about choosing purpose over convenience. It would’ve been easier, and more profitable, to stay open and keep business as usual. But we’re not here just to run a company—we’re here to build a movement. A movement where our everyday actions reflect our values. That includes things like hosting a CSA with Viva Farms to support farmworker-led agriculture, teaming up with Puget Soundkeepers this August to clean up our waterways, and shining a light on organizations that are quietly and powerfully making a difference.
When you’re part of the EM community, you’re part of all of this. Your wellness journey helps fuel purpose-driven partnerships and creates ripple effects beyond the walls of our clinic and the garage doors of the gym.
Living the Mission: Outside of Work
Our mission doesn’t stop at work. As a husband and father of four (ages 4 to 14), I’ve been challenged in many new ways this season—especially with my oldest and her iPhone. Like many parents, I found myself trying to control the situation—laying down rules, trying to be “kind but firm”—but nothing was landing. It wasn’t until I stepped back and owned the part I could control (my approach) that something shifted.
My wife reminded me that teens don’t respond to rules—they respond to relationships. So I led with curiosity, not correction: “I love you, and I’m concerned about how your phone might be affecting our time as a family. What could we put in place so the phone isn’t a distraction?” It wasn’t perfect, but it opened the door to a real conversation. That moment taught me (again) that parenting—like leadership—isn’t about control. It’s about connection, asking better questions, and showing up with consistency and care.
That small shift? It reflected everything we believe at EM: that effort matters more than outcome. That support systems (like the wisdom of your spouse!) matter. And that progress often comes one hard but meaningful conversation at a time.
These themes run throughout Episode 1 of the Redefine What’s Possible Podcast, where I share the origin story of Experience Momentum. It’s a story of uncertainty, grit, community, and purpose—and the five quiet truths that have shaped the way I lead, live, and love today.
Redefine What’s Possible Podcast
Redefine your limits. Expand what’s possible.
Whether you’re navigating your own health journey, a season of personal growth, or a new chapter of parenthood—my hope is that this story reminds you that you’re not alone. That even when the road gets messy, you can still move forward. That small actions rooted in purpose can create big impact. And that wherever you are, you’re already part of something meaningful.
Thanks for being on this journey with us. Together, let’s keep redefining what’s possible.