Category you compete in: IFBB Bikini
Date of birth: 11/11/89
Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
Career: Personal Training Manager
Competition history:
2010-1st place NPC Michigan Novice
2010-1st place NPC Natural Michigan
2010-4th place Jr. Nationals
2010-1st place Team Universe (earned Pro card)
2011-10th place IFBB Muscle Contest Pro
2012-18th NY Pro
2013-15th Pittsburgh Pro
2013-16th Po
werhouse Pro
2013-14th Orange County Classic Pro
Next competition: May 4th Pittsburgh Pro
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
You have to be motivated intrinsically in order to achieve. I also believe your confidence has to come from within. As cliché as it sounds, you have to believe in your ability to achieve your goal. Start with small achievable and realistic goals, while also providing solutions to any barriers you may overcome. Confidence and motivation begin when you embody a positive attitude and start visualizing how your life will be different once when you get to that specific goal. Always remember, nobody can want this for you; you have to want it for yourself
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
It starts with the drive. This is your engine that pushes your efforts forward. After the drive, comes the plan. The plan will help you set out a course of action. Last, involves the GRIND and the SACRIFICE. How you handle the grind is what separates you from the rest. These are the moments where you want to throw in the towel, where it becomes stressful, and this is the moment that defines you. Endure the sacrifice and the payoff will be greater.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
I continue to tell myself that my journey is purely based on inspiring and empowering others. I am more than a placement and I am more than a body. I have found my purpose in competing and that is to fulfill my happiness. Life is more than trivial things. I have found purpose in what I do and that is what keeps me motivated. Don’t get me wrong, I have encountered moments of weakness in which I have wanted to throw in the towel myself, but I have come to realize the why of what I do. Competing has taught me a lot about myself, such as commitment and discipline. I also practice positive imagery in which I imagine myself at the end of the goal. Another strategy that has worked well for me is meditation. I meditate each day for 15 minutes before I start my day and at the end of my day. This provides me an opportunity to assess myself and my actions.
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
When I turned pro I was provided feedback about bringing down my legs. This shattered the way I felt about myself, but I came to realize I am a work in progress and instead of being upset, I changed my attitude. I was confident in my ability to accept the feedback and change my style of training as well as my diet. Throughout my competitive career, I have also always had full time load of academics and work, which was difficult to balance while trying to compete. This was an opportunity to really test my time management to make it happen and surely enough it was much easier being busy because it became part of my routine. You have to be confident in your approach and that will ensure your success.
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
Finding balance! It’s always difficult balancing family, friends, and work because competing can become very selfish. You have to be sharp at time management. I always plan my training and prep around a good time. My biggest piece of advice to any competitor is to find the appropriate time to compete. Timing truly is everything.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1) Goal set: You have to start by setting SMART goals. These goals are specific, measurable, attractive, realistic, and timely. Once you are able to do this, you will set be setting an action plan on how to accomplish this goal.
2) Trust yourself: You have to find out who you want to be, NOT what. You are the only one who can fulfill your happiness, so trust yourself and nobody else.
3) Don’t be afraid to fail: Often times we are paralyzed by our own thoughts and this will never allow you to push yourself beyond your limits. Nobody plays to lose, but you have to be ready to accept failure and rise above it. There is always room for improvement…always.
4) Be consistent: Remain consistent in action. You can’t give up after a short period of trying accomplishing your goal.
5) Be passionate: Give your whole heart to whatever your doing it because the process has to be just as enjoyable!
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
ThorneFX Whey Protein Vanilla! This protein is high has no artificial ingredients, is gluten-free, and is made with dairy from cows not treated with hormones. The taste is also great! I’m a firm believer in quality supplementation and encourage not to sacrifice quality for price especially with supplements.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“When you want success as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful” –Eric Thomas
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
I want to recognize my mom. She has been with me throughout this entire journey and full of support. Nothing feels better than having your biggest cheerleader in your corner! I would also like to give a special shout out to Shelby Starnes for coaching me throughout this season. This is the first coach I have had whom I trust and feel most confident with. Shelby has a great deal of knowledge and has helped me learn my body throughout the process. Another huge shout goes out to the team I coach…“TEAM VIXEN,” these ladies all inspire me to put my right foot forward each day. Their win is my win and I’m so proud and honored to be part of their fitness journey!
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