Overcoming the Perfectionism Trap

I'm a competitive person. I don't even want to play if there is no chance I might win. It's absolutely a family trait. Monopoly is like asking WWIII to erupt in the family living room.

That way of thinking makes me especially hard on myself. I can genuinely praise others and build them up all day long, but personally, it's easy for me to pick myself apart.

It's why I struggled with self-esteem for so long. It's why, in my earlier years, my self consciousness often came out as a rude and sarcastic at the expense of someone else (I'm still super sarcastic but now it's not pointed at others).

When I first started really pursuing health, and surrounding myself with others who saw the best in people, I slowly began to change my thinking and give myself credit; starting speaking a little nicer to MYSELF.

But can I be real? I still REALLY struggle in this area. And makes me feel like a phony. Because I SO BELIEVE in loving yourself but it's hard for me. Just the other day in conversation I discounted myself and my hard work, honing in on ONE area I struggle to see change.

I forget the muscles in my arms and shoulders that I notice while blow drying my hair and not flexing.

I forget the strength in my legs.

I forget that I can do more push ups now than a month ago. That I'm in a size smaller pants. That my skin is clearer because I'm eating better more regularly. That my kids like working out with me because I'm showing them it's FUN!

I get consumed with that little pouch of mine I can't seem to change.

Well here's a message- to me- and to all my competitive, perfectionist friends out there-

SEE YOURSELF! See your WHOLE self. Not the bad.
But the good.
The strong.
The capable.
The witty.
The kind.
The persevering spirit.

And love it all. <3 

PiYo Update

I will keep this post short and sweet.

I wrapped month one of PiYo last weekend and began the second month. I feel REALLY good. It has been a long time since I saw a program through beginning to end. I think the last time I went the full round of a program was back when I did Insanity Max:30.

One area I am really focusing on during this second month is nutrition. Here is the thing about Beachbody's programs: they WORK! They work really well. They are simple to follow. One of the reasons I was drawn to Beachbody was because it had everything; great workouts, nutritional support through Shakeology and nutrition guides to follow for the specific program, plus accountability from your coach.

When I did my first program, I was religious about it. I followed the program. All of it! Nutrition included. I ate what I was supposed to and did the workouts on the right days and never skipped or, if I did, I made it up with a double or on my rest day.

I was DEDICATED. I didn't want to have wasted my money or my time and it not work out because I wasn't giving it my all.

Month one went well. I never missed a workout. Some days I had a double workout if I was teaching Cize Live. And my nutrition was pretty good but I allowed some cheats, more than I should have and many that weren't necessary.

When I took my 30 day measurements and photos, I was pleased, but I wasn't thrilled. I saw changes. I am down inches. I am tightening up in my legs. And my arms look toned and strong. But that darn midsection, it shows every cheat. It is my trouble area that is stubborn and is only changed when I really become dedicated. Although I am down inches, the visible change is what I desire and I know that I have to become dedicated again to make that happen.

So, month two will be a NO CHEAT month. That means: no Halloween candy, cake at a friend's wedding, pumpkin treats, caramel apples, or any other fall goodie that sneaks up on me. I CAN choose to say no. I can choose to be dedicated to myself and my goals.

Anyone else have a struggle they find hard to overcome? How do you combat it?

Bucket Fillers

When I was a teacher, we talked a lot about the importance of being a bucket filler.  You know--about doing and acting in a way that would positively impact those we came in contact with.  Those actions didn't have to be big but they were so crucial in making our world better.  Giving a smile, a kind word, making eye contact and listening whole-heartedly, giving a compliment.  This was an important part of my role as a teacher.  I wanted to not only teach my kids in subject area but in LIFE!

This past weekend my bucket was so full it was overflowing! If the bucket were real, I would not have been able to carry it around it was so filled in every sense imaginable.  

Let me back up. Last Thursday, after moving into our new home on Monday and madly unpacking home contents and madly packing suitcase contents, I flew to Dallas for leadership training for work.  I knew I was going to be surrounded by amazing people, learning from inspiring leaders, and training with top coaches and instructors.  I was excited.  I was ready.  I was NERVOUS!

You see, I was going to this conference, meeting people from my amazing team, but actually, finally meeting them in person.  Out of the large group that was attending, I had only met three {THREE!!!} in person.  And of those three, I only really knew one.  I had lots of doubts and insecurities.  I mean, yeah we were cool online and I considered them friends but what if we didn't click? What if it wasn't the same in person? Can you relate? Have you ever been in that kind of situation?

I arrived on Thursday, nervous and cautiously excited, to find out that the ONE person I knew wasn't going to be able to make it into Dallas until Friday afternoon! "WHAT?? What now?" is what raced through my mind.  I literally did not have a clue what my afternoon and evening would look like.  But I stepped outside of my comfort zone, messaged a fellow coach I knew was already there and met up with her and some of her coaches. 

I  mean look at the hotel.  It was even intimidating! 

And y'all, that night, I met some of my best friends.  Seriously.  Within minutes, I was laughing harder than I had laughed in awhile.  I was sharing about my life and learning about theirs.  We were open and honest and all my insecurities left and my guard was completely down.  

PiYo Live with Chalene Johnson

Previewing Insanity: Max 30

The amazing thing though, is that same thing continued to happen all weekend long as I met more and more coaches from my team.  They smiled at me.  They listened.  They included.  We shared stories and meals and laughter and LIFE.  We learned together and worked out together and had a party of a time together! 

Dinner with two amazing women!

I am so grateful. What would my life be like if I hadn't gone, had I never taken the step and said YES! to this opportunity?  I can't imagine.  I am such a better person because of it; because of people like Cynthia, Brooke, Anastasia, Kristen, Stacy, and so many more who came into my life in an even bigger way last weekend.  

Do you have that in your life? Bucket fillers? Are you a bucket filler? I always strived to be but am definitely going to be even more intentional about it now!