If you are thinking of competing or if you already have, you know that the commitment is more than just a fad. This experience will literally change your life.
It may be the most difficult thing you have put yourself through (as most 1st show preps are) but in the end you walk away with a better understanding of your body and your mental limits. The education you obtain around the different components of nutrition, how your body responds to cardio, building and toning muscles, and what it means to lean out in preparation of stepping on stage will always remain with you! This experience is invaluable!
However, there is a whole separate component to being a competitor that so many seem to forget. Once you step on that stage you are doing something that so many people just dream of! You are creating a body that people admire, you are inspiring to others!
You are now not only a competitor, but also a Role Model!
People are going to ask you questions! It is important that you embrace this opportunity, both for your internal growth and for theirs! This is what will allow you to have a more purpose driven life! Help others, educate them and empower them!
Let me give you some insight on what made me write this post. I met a gal who looked to be stage ready, she looked great! I asked her if she just competed or was prepping for a show coming up. She proceeded to tell me about how she competed last year locally, how she prefers to stay lean year round, and then went on to tell me about all of her placing’s.
I listened and congratulated her:) Then after a quite sometime talking about herself, she asked me if I was thinking of competing. Obviously giving me the perception that she felt she was better than me.
Impressive, I think not! Being self absorbed is not attractive regardless of who you are. (She could have taken GOLD at the Olympics and I still would have valued just talking with her versus a bragging session to spike her ego).
So I let her spike it and then took my feelings and applied them to myself and also to write this post.
Use an opportunity like this to get to know the person talking to you! You might just learn something yourself. Or even better, you may walk away helping them change their lives. An wonderful and priceless feeling for you both!
Being a competitor DOES NOT make you better than anyone else, it makes you an inspiration to others.
You are now a Role Model.
Melissa Lorenzo 