Some stories are too good not to share… and some lessons come from the most unexpected places – like a smile that lights up a studio.
Last week, during our Summer Challenge assessments, Rita – our oldest and one of our most fabulous members – walked in with exactly that smile. A few months ago she took a nasty fall and fractured her pelvis. The doctor discouraged Rita from going for X-rays, saying that at her age, a broken pelvis would never heal…
Rita insisted, and much to her doctor’s surprise the X-rays showed that her pelvis has healed perfectly. “What’s your secret?”, he asked her…
Now, let’s pause here. When a medical professional wants your “recipe”, you know you are doing something right. And no, Rita didn’t tell him it was turmeric, collagen powder, or prayers whispered into lemon water. Her secret recipe was movement, stubborn positivity, and maybe a little bit of “I refuse to age quietly, thank you very much.”
And just like that, I stumbled into the perfect theme: “Recipes for success…” Because the sentence popped up regularly last week during our InBody assessments for the Summer Challenge! “What’s your plan?” “What’s your strategy?” “What are you going to change?”
Yes, sure! A few ingredients of success are the same for everyone – mindfulness, awareness of your weaknesses, and silencing the negative voices in your head.
But what amazed me after conducting 65 InBody assessments, is that everyone actually finds their own unique approach to applying them. And here lies a huge truth: You cannot copy and paste someone else’s life and expect it to rise like a perfect soufflé. Success is not a one-pot pasta. It’s throwing in a bit of this, reducing that, burning your fingers, and often, starting over.
Some people are slow-cooked, patient, balanced, secretly spicy, and stronger than they look. Others are microwave popcorn: quick results, big noise, done in two minutes – but half the kernels remain raw and uncooked. Then there are the “Pinterest casseroles” – they look perfect on the outside, but inside is chaos and confusion.
And let’s not forget the friends who change diets like outfits. One day they’re keto, then vegan, then fasting, then “I only eat beige things on Wednesdays”. Some people need routine. Some thrive on competition. Some only need prayer. Others need protein. Some need loud music and a cheerleader. Others need quiet solitude. Some need accountability. Others need someone to drag them by the hair.
My point? Your recipe doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else – it just needs to work for you. Your recipe doesn’t have to impress anyone – it just needs to produce results you’re proud of.
Here’s the kicker: the most important ingredient right now in our Challenge is inspired action. All the planning, all the goal-setting, and all the self-knowledge in the world won’t make a difference unless it’s paired with bold, consistent action. That’s what transforms a plan into results, a vision into victory, and effort into extraordinary.
I cannot explain in words how proud I am of every Challenge member who stepped into my office last week. Most of them have been on a well-being journey in our studio for years, and while I am supposed to be the one guiding them, they have taught me so much. I am amazed at how much self-knowledge they all have. They truly understand their strengths and weaknesses, and the positive, committed way in which they are approaching this Summer Challenge is nothing short of inspiring.
It was like seeing 65 different chefs cooking the same dish – each one extraordinary in their own way. Yes, they have all had their ups and downs, but they never hesitate to reassess their approach, and they are all willing to make adjustments. Massimo Bottura, the renowned Italian chef once said that cooking is about emotion… I believe success is like Massimo Bottura’s quote…. “You bring your heart not just your head.”
Together we have all decided on each member’s individual goals. And in the next seven weeks, everyone will have to explore the three aspects of belief Jack Canfield writes about in his book “The Success Principles”: believing that you can be successful, believing that you will be successful, and believing that you deserve to be successful.
Success is a recipe – and each one of us is the chef of our own journey. Whether you are part of our fitness Challenge, or on your own personal journey – it’s time to stop wandering around like a lost crouton. Decide – What’s your first step? What are you adding? What are you removing? Who’s helping you stir?
Whether your goal is losing weight, gaining strength, healing bones, or just proving to yourself that you’re not going quietly into midlife, there are only a few universal ingredients to success – Discipline, integrity, a positive, proactive mindset, working hard, and passion. And there are no shortcuts. If there was a recipe for easy success, everyone would be using it, and then we would have to redefine success.
Maybe your recipe includes early mornings, smaller portions, heavier dumbbells, or a sticky note that says, “Don’t give up – you’ve done harder things.”
Maybe your recipe involves dancing in your kitchen, saying no to drama, or drinking water, like it’s liquid gold.
Maybe your recipe includes walking away from the biscuit tin like it’s a toxic ex.
Maybe your recipe is choosing leggings over excuses, even when the bed is warm.
Maybe your recipe is packing your gym bag the night before, so your morning self has no say.
Maybe your recipe includes saying, “Not today,” to self-doubt and “Why not?” to trying again.
Maybe your recipe is finishing your workout when no one is watching, or starting over when no one claps.
Maybe your recipe starts today.
Success doesn’t come in ready-made packs. It comes in teaspoons, tablespoons, disasters, restarts, and tiny wins. Success is definitely not a one-pot pasta. It’s messy, joyful, unpredictable, and oh-so-personal – and you are the chef.
So, take your ingredients, stir with intention, sprinkle in your uniqueness, and take inspired action. Own it. Taste it. Celebrate it. That’s how extraordinary results are made! And remember – the world doesn’t just need another chef…it needs your masterpiece.
Success isn’t ready-made – and neither are you. Go cook your legend!
Yours in fitness
Mirna
082 779 0507
PS: If you are a Challenge member, please send me the Mussima Bottura quote from the Blog, before Wednesday 20:00