Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway

My biggest fear is failure. Probably pretty common with many people. I take risks all the time. It's scary. But for the most part I let the fear fuel me. You could say I feel the fear and do it anyway.

This next risk I'm about to take is kind of scaring me. It has to do with my latest fitness goal. I'm even scared to share it! Why? Well, what if I fail? What if I tell people what I want to do and I get discouraging comments? What if I say I'm going to do it and then I'm too scared to follow through?

So this is it: I'm going to get my Personal Training certification. *hides face*. See how nutso-crazy that is? Hahaha!

This is not the first time I've taken a "nutso-crazy" risk like this. The last time was when I switched from a career as a Computer Analyst to a career in TV news. I was fearful of what people would say about my decision. But to be honest, I only remember one discouraging comment from someone whose brother was just laid off at a local TV station. Back then, I didn't let that negative comment bother me because most of the reaction I received was positive. In fact, I got positive feedback from the people I least expected to get it from.

So what's the worst that could happen as I embark on this new fitness goal? I could take the PT courses, gain some valuable knowledge that I could use for myself, and stop there. Or I could get out of my comfort zone, take a risk, and venture into this industry. After all, without risk, there's no growth. So when I grow up, I want to share the joys of healthy living by helping others take control of their health. I will feel the fear and do it anyway.

As I put the final touches on this blog entry I spotted a quote on Twitter... just when I needed it: Successful people replace the words "wish", "should", and "try" with I WILL.

So I challenge you to finish this sentence for yourself: I WILL ...

To Compete or Not To Compete

I did it! I competed in my 7th figure show earning a 2nd and 3rd in my height class for Masters and Open respectively. I admit I'm glad it's over. The last few weeks are always the most difficult. And without fail I always say the same thing in those last weeks "I think this will be my last competition". And then when it's all over I start planning the next one. So with two trophies in hand I ask myself once again ... "To Compete or Not to Compete?"



Why would I NOT compete? Well no offence to anyone involved in these competitions (including me) but it's kind of stupid. Why would anyone work their ass off in the gym for months, bring their best body to the stage, and then have someone else decide whether it's good enough to win? Makes no sense when you REALLY think about it. But it is what it is. So I try to go in these shows competing against myself which is difficult sometimes. One reason is because I'm competitive and want to win hardware every time. Don't we all? And guaranteed there is going to be a call by the judges that will leave people scratching their heads in confusion. That happens in EVERY federation. Not one organization is excluded from this. They are ALL guilty. It's a subjective competition.

Why would I compete again? Like I've said many times before, I love the journey ... the training, the clean diet, how my body looks and feels as it gets tighter and stronger. I also love connecting with like-minded people ... that has to be the best part. And of course, I love having that fitness goal to work towards.

So will I compete again? I don't know yet. I get better and better every year so it would be a shame not to. And I had a great time working with Trainer N8. But do I really want to be judged on how I look? I think I get enough of that being on TV every day.

In the meantime as I try to decide, I will focus on improving my fitness level, eating clean (with a little dirty eating from time to time) and having fun living life. Plus I have some other fitness goals that are putting me on a "stage" of sorts ...