How I overcame my FEAR and became a Group Fitness Instructor
Over twelve years ago, someone believed in me. It was November 2013, me and my family had emigrated from the UK. Big shift, lots of uncertainty and fear of how it would all go - if the kids would settle, if we'd stay.
I had been in Wellington for three months, and went to a group fitness class called Centergy for my mental health. I had no job, two young kids - and was starting a new life knowing no one in NZ but my ex hubby!
Managing fear and uncertainty
My gym instructor asked me if I wanted to train as an instructor. Told me I had the right physique and technique. I was surprised and a little freaked out - my previous role before kids was as a marketing manager for a ftse100 software firm in the UK.
I doubted my abilities - and also my courage to get up on stage in yoga tights (I was used to wearing a suit for work) and teach a group of relative strangers for an hour.
So quite a leap.
Part of me whispered YES, you LOVE this class. And I embraced that part and agreed to train, thinking I’d likely FAIL HORRIBLY and give up.
Taking a leap of faith:
So I pushed past my own doubts, bolstered by my instructor's words of encouragement - and my desire to be earning a little money for myself till I found work.
So I trained hard, passed, and taught terrified I’d screw up for at least the first year. Making the decision to emigrate - and then reinvent my work-self as something completely different taught me that I could move beyond fear, more than once. And grow as a result.
My confidence and tolerance for uncertainty grew:
My confidence in myself grew and my tolerance to be outside my comfort zone! I found that I loved the transfer of energy in the room, seeing people grow their strength, balance and flexibility every week!
Did I fail?
Twelve years on. Yesterday was the last time anyone will teach Centergy in the Lyall Bay gym building on Kingsford Smith Street. Quite nostalgic looking back over the years, thinking of all those who helped me. Taking that leap of faith gave me the confidence to do many other things since then. Starting my coaching business ten years ago was one of them. Facilitating workshops comfortably (another room full of people) is another.
Grateful for managing my fear
I'm so grateful to the instructor who gave me the idea to train, the people who helped me train and helped me believe in myself more.
At 58, I still prioritize my mental and physical health. I teach four times a week, Lyall Bay and Thorndon. I love that the step I took all those years ago helped shape who I am today. Looking forward to a fresh start in the new gym location in Lyall bay on Sunday!
The takeaway on fear and managing uncertainty:
The takeway? If someone asks you to do something you think you’ll fail at, give it a go, there’s no shame in deciding it’s not for you.
But I’d hate you to leave this life full of regrets.
If you're on the edge of making a scary decision and feel uncertain, I can help.
Book yourself in for a free 30 minute chat here to see if I offer what you need.
TIll next time,
Nga mihi nui,
Vicky