Embracing Individuality

                It seems there is an abundance of information, articles, websites etc, about what you SHOULD look like, or how you should eat, or how you should work out. Even how you should act. All of this information, although some of which is produced with good intentions, is generally telling us all that she should strive to be someone else.

It is great to have people who inspire you, or that you may look up to, or admire certain qualities about. These people may be champions in a certain sport or industry, or a physique that you admire. However, striving to be the same as someone else, will only shine a light on that person, because you will never become the same as someone else. Although it is good to appreciate the hard work, dedication, and strengths of that person, if you wake up day after day, expecting to look like Monica Brant, then you will consistently, day after day, wake up disappointed. This leads to frustration, lack of motivation, stress, and lack of confidence. This may lead one to stray from a training program, and make the wrong choices for YOUR body. After all, Monica Brant’s body is not the same as your body. Every body is different!

This is why it is important to listen to your body, and subjectively measure how your body reacts, positively and negatively, to certain foods, as well as training techniques. Having a coach that knows (or is willing to get to know about you), can be a huge advantage to your training regimen. A good coach, knows that a cookie cutter plan will not yield consistent desirable results, and that changes and frequent updates are necessary.

So instead of waking up every day, and attempting to carve a physique that is better than the competition, wake up and focus on your OWN strengths, and improvements. After all, how others look, or how others will appear on stage, is out of our control. This breeds comparison. Comparison leads to insecurity. Insecurity is transparent on stage. Therefore, strive for your PERSONAL BEST. This comes with recognizing and valuing your improvements and accomplishments. Also by appreciating what makes you unique. What makes you stand out amongst a crowd? What makes you great? Discover this, and embrace it!  This way, instead of walking on stage, comparing yourself to all the other beautiful and fit athletes in the world, you can feel confident about how far you have come, all of your accomplishments, and the really great things that make you, YOU! If you are confident in yourself, knowing that you have done the very best that you can do, and that you are in the BEST shape of your life, no regrets, then that will give you the confidence you need to feel the potential to win, and be successful. The world is looking for something different. The world is full of beautiful women who look and act the same. This also goes for males athletes, business people, etc. Find what makes you shine.

Part of this is letting go of the need to be perfect. Imperfections can be beautiful, and nobody is truly perfect. Define perfect?! This also goes for the journey. If the journey to competition is full of self-criticism and doubt, then this is set up for failure. Expect good days and bad days! Instead of dwelling on a stray from the diet for a day, learn when to let it go, then move on, and praise yourself for those extra reps ypu put in and really pushed yourself at the gym that day! Then reward yourself! With a manicure, new shoes, or even a hot bath! After all, competition is a journey, loving it will bring confidence and self-fulfillment instead of stress and insecurities. What really stands out on stage, and in life, is someone who is confident and happy with who they are and realize what makes them great!