The Ultimate Challenge

I am now into the last 11 days of the third challenge I have participated in. Some might say that one challenge should be enough, but each time I reach a goal I expand on that and push myself further. As ironic as this sounds, each challenge has its own challenges. Over the past three challenges I have had injured ankles, an injured wrist, shin splints, been on crutches, and mental weakness. This challenge is different though. This challenge I not only have myself to guide through the 12 weeks but a bunch of amazing girls too! This time I am a trainer and I have a bunch of amazing individuals with strength beyond what you would believe, working to change themselves and their lifestyles. 

Its a hard balance, mentally preparing yourself and helping others to follow through and reach their goals. At times, while I build up my business, it sometimes means my training and energy is sacrificed, but in the end I think its worth it. Even when I am struggling mentally I have to remember, I have made so much progress to date and struggling is ok, it just means i 100% understand what my clients are going through. 

Over the past year I have changed physically and mentally. My strength comes from knowing where I have been and where I don't want to go back to mentally. I find the biggest struggle is changing my mind set to suit the changes that I have made physically. Despite the progress I make I just can't seem to get my mind to catch up. To remind myself on my side is an image to remind me that "I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then". 

I hope if nothing else, through my journey I can help my clients in changing their lives, being happy with themselves and finding themselves in the process. Because weight loss is just a thing, its the journey that changes you. 

The countdown is on!

Only six days until my weigh in! Time to focus!

Reward Yourself.

Sometimes it can be hard to stay focused. Don't hesitate to recognise those milestones, no matter how small. One thousand small changes will still amount to a large change in the long run. This is some of the purchases I treated myself to at the half way mark to ensure that I stay on track. 

Pause.

One thing that I have learnt throughout my journey is that its ok to sit back and have a day off once in a while and just be alone with your thoughts. Everyone comes across some hurdles and we all deal with it differently. This may mean just sitting back and reading while you have a coffee or just taking time to think. But the most important thing is not to think about the outside world, don't for guilty for what you aren't doing, and just be. In the long run this will mean you come out stronger. 

Inspiration & Support

Throughout the challenge I started my job at the gym. Gaining this position not only helped me to stay focused but also gave me the opportunity to meet some amazing and knowledgeable people who inspired me and supported me throughout the challenge.

Lauren Christie is a Personal Trainer with a passion for training, living a healthy lifestyle and inspiring others to reach their goals. Words cannot explain how much she taught me about training and eating to lose weight in a healthy way. Check out her Facebook page for just a taster of what she has to offer! 

Although this was not where I thought is be this year, I wouldn't change a thing. Not only did i come leaps and bounds within myself, I had the privilege of meeting amazing people like Lauren. This girl kept me focused, taught me what she had to offer, and inspired me to reach my goals. Not only this, she also became one of my very best friends and that's invaluable in its self. 

WISH it. DREAM it. DO it.

The only thing that will stop you from ahciveing your goals is you. The hardest part is getting started, so take the thing you want most, work out how to reach that dream, and do everything it takes to achieve it.  The power is in your hands.