One day, two summers ago, I received a call from someone at my local American Heart Association office. She was seeking a personal trainer to participate in their BetterU challenge. The local challenge was only in its second year and had lost the previous personal trainer to schedule conflicts. She was given my name as a possible replacement. Would I be interested in donating my time to help?
My heart said yes immediately. A program that was NOT a Biggest Loser style competition but about helping women learn how to live a heart healthy lifestyle? Of course! But my brain held up the red flag. Taking on 10 new clients at once? That’s a lot when you’re a one-woman show. Doing group workouts? I had never taught group fitness before. How would I do that plus provide the individual education they would need to be successful? I thought about it for several days. My fear of failure had almost talked me out of it when I called the office to ask a couple of more questions and request a day or two more to ponder the problem. Her response when I asked for the extra time?
Okay, but we’ve already put your information in the press release.
I could have still declined but my gut was still telling me to take the leap of faith. Here was a perfect opportunity to give back, to fulfill my mission and to challenge myself in new ways. I took a deep breath and said I’ll do it. I was nervous that individual style would get lost in group workouts. I was overwhelmed by the idea of 10 new clients starting at once. But if going to move forward as a trainer and speaker, this was my chance to show what I could do.
So I worked extra hours. I got a little help from my friends. I tried out new techniques and materials. And I loved the challenge! It refreshed me. It helped me grow my coaching skills and refine my core training philosophy. I went ALL IN and it made me not just a better personal trainer but also a better person.
Now in my third year as the BetterU health coach, I am reminded of these lessons again. Not so much for myself, but for this wonderful group of women embarking on this journey I have dubbed #12weeks2health. They are excited but I can tell they are a bit unsure.
What is expected of me?
What if I can’t do it?
What if I can’t keep up?
Do those thoughts sound familiar? Does the fear of failure or change keep you from taking on a new challenges or responsibilities? Does uncertainty stop you before you can even begin? Do you ignore or neglect opportunity when it knocks because you’re afraid of what you might lose if you take it?
I say you never know unless you try. You will never know what will happen if you don’t give it a real chance. And by real chance I mean give it your all. If you “sorta” commit you’re not really committing at all. You’re giving yourself an excuse to fail. You’re giving yourself an out, a reason to say why it didn’t work or wasn’t meant to be. You won’t really know unless you go ALL IN.
Don’t be afraid – take a chance. Do it with us. Go All IN and face your fitness fears! Do you think this year’s BetterU Team is ready to go ALL IN? We’re about to find out. Stay tuned …
