That's Outside My Boat

Charlie Jones first heard the phrase that's outside my boat when he was broadcasting rowing for NBC Sports during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The rowers never let anything outside their boat bother them. Wind, rain, sun, lane assignments, and broken oars were outside their boat, and therefore, simply did not exist. These Olympians concentrated on what they could control and what would hopefully lead to an Olympic medal is in other words, what was going on inside their boat. After a few days of observing their incredible focus, Charlie began to understand their mindset. Like the rowers, he had complete control of everything that went on inside his boat at these Olympic games is announcing rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. This viewpoint allowed him to relax, do his job with enthusiasm, and to experience his most enjoyable Olympic Games ever. The philosophy of that's outside my boat is now a major force in Jones's life, as well as in the life of his coauthor, Kim Doren. After over a decade in the corporate world, Doren decided to follow her passion and change boats, which has led to the creation of their first three books, You Go Girl!, Be the Ball, and That's Outside My Boat. Jones and Doren have collected anecdotes from people of virtually all walks of life that reinforce the idea that focusing on what you can influence is what's inside your boat, allows you to relax, making for a less stressful, more positive, and ultimately more productive workplace and life.