10 things that will inspire you from espnW: Women + Sports event in Chicago

          • Tory BarronApr 20, 2016, 08:16 PM ET
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              Tory Barron is a Bristol-based writer and editor for ESPN.com. After retiring from playing lacrosse at UConn, the DC native decided to try her hand at writing about people playing sports.
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          The 2016 espnW: Women + Sports event in Chicago was filled with thought-provoking discussions between industry leaders and premiere athletes. Naturally, we left feeling inspired and motivated to make changes in our lives.

          But if you weren't able to make it to Chi-Town for the big day, you aren't entirely doomed. We are counting down the 10 important messages that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to dominate your week -- selected by espnW's Julie Foudy, Sarah Spain and Cari Champion.

          10. You are rich. I am? Yes, you are. Because being "rich" doesn't have anything to do with how many dollars you have in your wallet. It is determined by your human capital (skills and talent) and social capital (resources and network). You don't have to possess money to positively impact others.

          9. Be multi-faceted. Don't sleep on Elena Delle Donne's dodgeball skills. When the WNBA's most valuable player isn't busy putting in work on the basketball court, you can find her dipping, dodging, and ducking alongside her "Sticky Bandits" teammates. Oh, and making custom tables. The underlying message here is that you should always make time to do what makes you happy. Don't limit yourself.

          8. "I'm doing it no matter what." Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller turned Northwestern lacrosse into a perennial powerhouse. Her upstart to dominance reveals how determination with an unyielding spirit gets you everywhere.

          7. Practice until it is second nature. Olympian Maggie Steffens scored seven goals in a 2012 Summer Olympics water polo game and doesn't even remember doing it. Yeah, that's impressive.

          6. Don't seek the validation of others. It is human nature to seek praise and affirmation, but you cannot rely on others to give you self-worth. Olympian fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, said it best: "Don't wait for others' validation or approval, you'll be waiting a lifetime."

          5. Maintain perspective. We might have further to go, but we have come so far. Especially when discussing matters like equal pay, it is important to remember that we have made huge strides. Don't be discouraged because there is a finish line in sight.

          4. Your excuses suck. Military officer Melissa Stockwell lost her leg during active duty in Iraq. She has since won three world championships in triathlon. She is an iron woman. She spoke candidly about acquiring her disability saying, "I think my life started on that day. I have become a better person. I appreciate more. I have done more things with one leg than I ever did with two."

          3. It's one thing to say it, it's another to live it. Motivational speaker Amy Liss was born with severe cerebral palsy. She relies on a wheelchair for mobility and she is the most positive person you could imagine. Liss has adopted the life motto of "live every day with an attitude of gratitude." She doesn't just say it, she lives it.

          2. Have an approach. No matter what endeavors you choose to pursue in life, have an approach. Don't be afraid to seek help, but help yourself first by knowing what questions you want answered. Time is precious and very valuable. In order to find a mentor who can give you key wisdom, you have to take initiative.

          1. We are not the only voice in the room. We are one of many that all believe in this. Learn from each other. Lift each other up.

          See something entertaining on social media that you think deserves to be shared? Let me know on Twitter @Tory_Barron.