On Thursday evening we hosted our 21st Challenge prize giving ceremony at the studio, and as always, it was an amazing event – all the details and photos will soon be posted – watch this space! We had a long list of awards to work through, so I decided that I was not going to make unnecessary small talk or speeches…
…But something has been on my mind and heart since then, so I thought that today’s Blog would be the perfect opportunity to share my thoughts with all my Challenge members and readers.
I always have the greatest admiration for the way our Challenge members conduct themselves at our events – I experience sportsmanship and applause for every top contestant. What I appreciate the most, is to see how most of our previous winners are always present, cheering on new champions who walk away with the grand prizes. As happy and excited as I am, too, about the personal victories of ALL the winners of our Challenge, today I feel an urgency to dedicate the Blog specifically to those members whose only award was a piece of paper – a certificate confirming that they have conquered the 13 week-Challenge successfully.
I cannot help but wonder – with what kind of feelings did they return home on Thursday after witnessing so many success stories from fellow members? And what about those members who were absent…This year only 14 participants were not able to attend the prize giving ceremony at the studio. Their certificates were sent via e-mail by Mari at exactly 20.00 Thursday evening. Only 2 of the 14 (thank you Berdine and Zenta) have acknowledged that they have received it…Nobody was obliged to respond, of course, but I was hoping they would – especially because I didn’t have the opportunity to look them all in the eyes while presenting it…
Whatever your personal achievements were during these past 13 weeks, it’s important to know that NOTHING has been insignificant. You are significant, even if you have tried and failed numerous times, because you have been willing, again, to put yourself on the line. It doesn’t matter what anyone else has achieved…
In her best-seller, “The mountain is you”, Brianna Wiest writes: “Another person’s progress is an affirmation of what’s possible, not a reason to doubt your own. The people you envy are not your competition, no, they are your mentors.” Isn’t it a beautiful quote?
And, you know what? I actually believe that Wiest’s words ring true when it comes to our studio – yes, I have done a little calculation which is quite surprising: Of all 54 successful participants in our 2022 Winter Challenge, 28 have had the opportunity, or more than one opportunity throughout the years, to receive a grand prize at one of our Challenge ceremonies.
Don’t believe me? Let me refresh your memories – in alphabetical order to make sure I miss no one, are Annebie, Annecke, Benice, Carien, Chané, Gosia, Hannelie, Helen, Ina, Izelde, Juanita, Lady B, Leonie, Liezel, Liezle, Lizelle, Marieta, Marinda, Martie, Maryka, Melinda, Merisha, Michelle O, Michelle JvR, Rethia, Rina, Stacey and Stella.
All 28 of these members have been on the winning end of some kind since 2014, when we hosted our very first Fitness Challenge – that’s more than half of our Challenge participants. Wow! It confirms what I have always believed – that being so close to people who are creating success in their lives (and in this context improving their health and transforming their bodies) is positive, inspiring, motivating, and infectious. Our members have learned from each other’s strategies, mindsets, and tactics, and they have all seen each other as mentors, not competition.
I’m also quite sure that those who have been part of a few Challenges will agree with me when I say: There is no finish line to learning and evolving. There is no point where we’re done growing, and all we will ever do is look down upon others who are behind us. No way. No one is forever at the top.
We are all growing at our own pace, and no matter how awesome or how terrible or how enlightened we fancy ourselves to be today, the future will be sure to give us a different perspective. That’s how life works.
It was the famous American President, Theodore Roosevelt, who once said: “Comparison is the thief of joy…” Whether you have won five times or none, there is really no use in comparing yourself to others. There will always be someone ahead, and there will always be someone behind. To be number one is never final. It is and always will be a momentary, fleeting instant. But to be a growing version of yourself? That, you and I, can be. WE can be that every single day.
We are all facing our battles and challenges in life, and success looks different for everyone. The author Roy Ngansop describes it well: “The tip of the neighbour’s iceberg often looks very nice…”
In the end, there’s one thing that you’re better at than other people – being you. This is the only Challenge you can really win. Your sole purpose is to become a better version of who you were yesterday. In fact, based on James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, if you can become 1% better today, in no time you’ll be 37% better…
It’s all about choices – you can choose to focus on what you don’t have. Or you can stay in your lane, keep your eyes on your own game, benchmark “the past you” against “the present you”, monitor your progress, and immerse yourself with the knowledge of the people who have already reached the success that aligns with your definition of it.
Ask yourself – am I growing? Am I learning? Am I slowly inching closer to my goals? Don’t allow comparison to become the thief of your joy. Don’t compare your progress with somebody else’s, and don’t compare yourself with someone else’s version of happy or thin. Accepting yourself burns the most calories.
A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it. It just blooms. Your breakthrough is coming! Just remember, success will not come tomorrow unless you start today…
Yours in fitness
Mirna
082 779 0507