Nobody is given a path outlined in bold writing or guaranteed to be great at anything we set out to do. Growing up, I used to think I was a somewhat talented athlete and spent nearly a decade training for competitive cheer.

Today as a fitness professional and coach, there’s not a chance in hell would I say the same words today looking back at my athletic career.

I struggled mentally with anxiety, mental blocks and social pressures. I had always wanted to be like the talented kids who could learn new skills effortlessly and hated feeling like all eyes were on me as if people were criticizing each turn I would take.

However, I recognize now that what I did have was an instinct of sorts that always drove me to be better than I was, even if it meant I had to work harder than my teammates and practice more hours just to keep up. Thankfully, I also had an outstanding coach that could read between the lines and get me out of my own head when I needed it the most.

I overcame my fears because I knew that I enjoyed the confidence boost when I did overcome my mental obstacles. At the risk of sounding cliche, it quite literally felt like flying.

Each practice I had to make the choice that my love for the sport was more important than how much I was afraid of the risks. Some days felt so easy to tap into my skillsets… while other days it felt incredibly terrifying.

When I eventually retired, I felt like my worst fears all along had been true. As much as my spirit broke when I hung up the big bow for the last time, the positive lessons I learned still resonate with my philosophies as a coach today.

Most importantly, I discovered that both mental and physical strength is not a trait we’re born with. Rather, it is a choice we make every day to be better for ourselves and sometimes for those around us.

My mission when I first started Fuel Fitness was to inspire others to make that choice for themselves through a simple blog. Today, my goal is to coach how to make that choice and guide others to maximize the potential within themselves.