The GPS Mindset

In her debut book, bestselling author Kristin Gustafson shares the powerful lessons she learned after life threw her completely off course. Through deeply personal stories and practical strategies, she invites you to discover your own GPS, and use it to chart a new path forward.

Navigating Life's Challenges with Grit, Purpose, & Strength

We all have an idea of where life is supposed to take us.

Then something changes.

A setback. A loss. A diagnosis. A career change. A goal that suddenly feels out of reach.

In The GPS Mindset: Navigating Life’s Challenges with Grit, Purpose, and Strength, Kristin Gustafson shares what happened when the life she had carefully built suddenly went off course.

After competing at the Ironman World Championship, Kristin began experiencing symptoms that eventually led to diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis and Dystonia. The athlete who had spent years pushing her body to its limits was suddenly facing a future she never expected.

She couldn’t control the detour.
But she could learn how to respond to it.

Through that journey, Kristin began relying on three coordinates that became her personal GPS:

Grit. Purpose. Strength.

In The GPS Mindset, Kristin shares the stories, lessons, and practical tools that helped her navigate uncertainty, rethink what strength looks like, reconnect with purpose, and begin moving forward again.

Because when life changes the route, you don’t have to have everything figured out.
You just need to know your next step.

Your next chapter of opportunities is within reach, waiting just beyond the next turn.
Let The GPS Mindset guide you there.

Foreword written by Dr. Cindra Kamphoff

“Kristin’s unique voice will help you see the opportunity instead of the difficulty”

—Dr. Kamphoff, Best-Selling Author of Beyond Grit & Founder of the Mentally Strong Institute

Inside The GPS Mindset, You’ll Learn How To:

Recalibrate when life doesn’t go according to plan

Build grit through the small, consistent actions that keep you moving forward

Reconnect with your purpose when your direction feels unclear

Rethink what strength looks like during difficult seasons

Recognize the stories and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck

Focus on what you can control and take the next step forward

Reviews from Amazon

A life changing book!

The GPS Mindset helped me understand imposter syndrome and showed how the right support can change everything.

Her story is raw, honest, and deeply moving. The GPS metaphor is powerful—reminding us we can always recalculate and move forward. Kristin offers practical, relatable tools for navigating both personal and professional challenges.

This book is clear, grounded, and impactful. I’m grateful for Kristin and can’t recommend The GPS Mindset enough.

Cat Zimmermann

Excellent Book. Inspiring, informative, insightful
Fabulous Book! Written about a personal challenge but also puts into perspective how the skills used – GPS, could apply to any hurdle in life. I’m not much of a reader but I’m getting a lot out of this. Totally worth it!!

Kim

Powerful read!

This book is beautifully written, blending helpful knowledge with Kristin’s personal story. Knowing what she’s endured since her diagnosis, I’m in awe of her strength. From cheering her on at the Ironman World Championships in Kona to the shock of her diagnosis, I was stunned—how could someone so strong face this? My sadness couldn’t compare to what she must have felt. Reading her book is an emotional journey. To know her today is an honor. This book can help anyone going through life. I screenshot many sections and shared them with family—it’s deeply relatable.

J. Kalina

Kristin’s story is raw, honest, and heartbreaking—but also super inspiring

She shows how you can completely turn things around and rebuild your identity, even after the toughest challenges. Her words are empowering, and it’s inspired me to take control of your own life, no matter what gets thrown my way. The book is full of practical tips and advice for building resilience and living a healthy, strong life. I recommend it!

L. Thomeczek

About the Author, Kristin Gustafson

Kristin Gustafson is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, health and wellness expert, and creator of The GPS Mindset™.

After competing at the Ironman World Championship, Kristin’s life took an unexpected detour when she began experiencing health challenges that eventually led to diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis and Dystonia.

The experience changed the way she thought about strength, resilience, identity, and what it means to keep moving forward when the plan changes.

With a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science and a background in health and wellness, behavior change, coaching, and executive leadership, Kristin brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.

Today, she uses The GPS Mindset™ to help people navigate change with Grit, Purpose, and Strength, recognize what they can control, recalibrate when the current route isn’t working, and take the next step forward.

Because life doesn’t always follow the route you planned.
Sometimes you have to recalibrate.