How Identity Drives Behavior (and Why I’m Finally Embracing Video Content)

THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE: What Feels Natural

I have been blogging for at least fifteen years and writing for as long as I can remember. I am a writer. It is part of who I am.

Because I am a writer, writing blog posts feels easy and enjoyable. It comes naturally, doesn't feel like a burden, and I enjoy the process. Even if no one ever read my blog posts (thank you for reading!), I would still do it. It helps me process my thoughts and cement my views and opinions on various topics, and if it helps you, too, then it's a win-win.

What Doesn't Come Naturally?

You know what I am not good at? What doesn't come naturally? What feels challenging and cumbersome to me? Making video content.

For nearly as long as I have been blogging, people have said you must get on video to succeed. It's how people get to know, like, and trust you. It's a better way to communicate with your audience, and social sites prioritize video content over blogs.

And maybe they are right. Blogging is different from what it was ten years ago. Many of my blogger friends from ten or even five years ago have abandoned their blogs for other mediums or social media sites. I've stuck with blogging because I generally enjoy writing longer content, and it is beneficial for me to write it as it is (hopefully) for my reader to read it.

I've ignored video and leaned into my strengths, which, on the surface, seemed to be a good thing.

Examining Identity and Behavior

But it got me thinking about identity and how identity shapes our behavior. I am a writer, so I blog. As long as I have blogged, I've said, "I am a better writer than a talker."

It's always worth examining our thoughts and statements to determine if they are true because, as human beings, we tend to rationalize and bend the truth to fit a comfortable narrative.

This comes up with clients all the time because they say things like, "I am not good at sports," "I am not an athlete," or "I am uncoordinated," yet they are training for a half marathon or achieving new PRs in the gym. They are attached to an identity that is no longer serving them. I realized I did it, too.

A Story of Transformation: From "Not an Athlete" to a TRAINER & Coach

Growing up, I was terrible at team sports. I am sure my parents forced me to play in the neighborhood softball league with good intentions to teach me teamwork, sportsmanship, respect for others, dealing with wins and losses, and all that good stuff. But it was a nightmare for me. I hated every second of it. Then there was gym class. Ugh, co-ed swimming in those awful school-issued bathing suits, dodgeball, and whatever other activity that seems to highlight my athletic inability compared to my classmates.

It was decided before I was out of fifth grade. An athlete? That's not me. Those other kids were good at sports. I was better at writing.

But here I am today, that little girl who wasn't as athletic. Now, I am a running coach and personal trainer who helps people improve their athletic abilities. Once I discovered my athletic potential as an adult, I wanted to help others find theirs.

How Lifting Weights Changed My Perspective

I didn't learn my lesson there when I realized I was an athlete. That would be too easy. I started running and identified as a runner. It became who I was. I am a writer and a runner. It's why I started a running blog all those years ago.

But, again, over a decade ago, I decided, for reasons unknown, that I didn't like lifting weights. My sister is a bodybuilder. Yeah, that wasn't for me. I made this decision with little to no experience. I may have joined a Body Pump class or tagged along with a friend to the gym once or twice. It's too hard, too awkward. Am I doing this right? I might get hurt. Running is easy. I will stick to that because it's who I am: A runner.

What a giant mistake! Once I started consistently lifting weights, it changed me: I became more confident and stronger in body and mind. I love lifting weights, pushing my limits, destroying my perceived limitations, and finally reaching the body composition goals I could never achieve by running alone. I am still a runner at heart, my first true fitness love, but if I had to choose running or weight lifting? I would choose the weights. Thank God I don't have to choose!

Rewriting My Story: The Role of Identity

Boy, was I wrong about my identity? Was I telling myself stories that weren't serving me? Again and again, this potentially held me back for years from pursuing my true purpose and passion in life. What would I be now if not a trainer and coach? The way I identified myself discounted what turned out to be my life's purpose and calling. I was wrong about my identity in the worst way.

With this realization, I started questioning all the stories I tell myself. What else could be holding me back? Let's go back to the video.

Embracing Video: A New Skill to Build

I spent the last fifteen years telling myself I was not good at video while consistently practicing and honing my writing skills and neglecting to work on video.

So, while it may be an objective fact that I am not very good at video (yet), is it because I never do it and I need to build the skills? Like the first time I walked into a gym, and it felt weird and awkward? Is it surprising that my writing has improved, but I am still bad at video?

While some skills may come more naturally to some than to others, that doesn't mean I can't learn, practice, and hone those skills to improve my abilities over time. So, I have revised my self-talk to "I am not good at making videos (yet)."

It is not about lying to yourself, "I am an excellent public speaker!" but recognizing the growth potential and working to improve.

The Launch of My YouTube Channel

So, I started a YouTube channel where I film short three-minute videos on various health and fitness topics daily. Are they perfect? Hell no. Are they good? Not really. The message is good, though, so I'd love for you to watch it while I hone my skills. First order of business: get more comfortable in front of the camera! The only way to do that is to get in front of the camera daily.

I took a short five-day free video course from Nausheen on LinkedIn, which has been helpful! I will redo her lessons again while I practice my skills. I've been tossing around the idea of hiring a coach because, as a coach, I can see the value in hiring someone to help you get where you want to be faster than you could on your own.

Why I’m Committing to Video Growth

In the meantime, I can grow these skills with intentional practice and more experience, which will serve me well in whatever I do. I am a runner, a weightlifter, and a writer, and I am working to become a dynamic public speaker.

On that note, when my friend Stella asked me to be the first guest on her "Women Over 60 Embracing Life—Later is Greater" podcast, I jumped at the opportunity to practice my skills while sharing my knowledge and gaining experience under different speaking conditions! Check it out here. Her Podcast officially launches in January 2025, so my appearance is an advanced peek at what is to come. If her message resonates with you, please subscribe. I’m sure you will love her kind demeanor and balanced approach to wellness.

Final Thoughts: Question Your Stories

So, it's worth considering: Are there any stories you tell yourself that may be holding you back from your true potential?

Please check out my YouTube channel here. I share the videos every day on my Lea Genders Fitness Facebook page.

And if you want to support me in my growth mission, I am hosting a LIVE workshop about successfully working towards your health and fitness goals over the holidays while still enjoying everything the holidays have to offer! It will be packed with helpful takeaways on mindset, nutrition, and exercise. I'd love to see you there!

Do you know someone who might benefit from coaching? It helps me when you share with your friends and followers.

Questions? I’d love to help.

Coach Lea

I am a master health coach, personal trainer, and running coach, dedicated to helping YOU get strong, body and mind!

@fortworth_trainer

Explore more blog posts here…

10 Reasons Not to Wait Until January 1st to Start Your Fat Loss Journey

We are about to enter the most wonderful time of the year, but it also comes with stress, busyness, and possibly a side of food anxiety.

When I talk to people about their fitness goals, they often tell me they want to "enjoy" the holidays and will focus on their fat loss goals on January 1. Many feel they don't have the energy, capacity, or time to focus on fat loss during these busy times. But they don't understand that being mindful of health and fitness during the holidays will give them the energy to thrive—despite the added stress of the season!

The big mistake is thinking fat loss requires a crazy new diet, heavy food restrictions, or an extreme exercise program that takes hours each day. Who has time for that during the holidays? No one!

Instead, fat loss can involve mindfulness, making the most of each exercise minute, and still enjoying food. The best time to start your fat loss goals is now.

10 Reasons NOT to Wait Until January 1 to Start or Continue Toward Your Fat Loss Goals

1. Get a Head Start
Starting now gives you a head start on your goals. By January 1, you'll already have progress under your belt, instead of starting from scratch. Ignoring your health and fitness over the next eight to ten weeks could mean starting in a worse place than you are today. If you approach the holidays with mindfulness and confidence, you'll build a strong foundation to reach even higher goals in the new year.

2. Avoid the January Rush
Gyms and fitness programs are packed in January. By starting early, you can avoid the overwhelm and establish your routine before the crowds hit. Research shows that many people start strong with New Year's resolutions, but a significant percentage quit early. Here are some key statistics:

• 80% Fail by February – Around 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by the second week of February (U.S. News & World Report).

• 23% Quit in the First Few Weeks – A Strava study found most people give up their resolutions by January 19, calling it "Quitter's Day."

• Less than 10% Succeed – Only about 9% of people who set resolutions feel successful by the end of the year (University of Scranton).

If you've set New Year's resolutions before and haven’t succeeded (join the club!), let’s try something different this time. There is nothing special about January first; every day is a good day to start or start over. So what are we waiting for?

3. Maintain Consistency
The holidays are busy, but starting now helps build consistent habits. You'll learn to fit fitness and healthy eating into your life—even during hectic times. Success toward your goals is more about skills, abilities, and habits than motivation or discipline.

Think about it: if you wait until things calm down, what happens when life inevitably gets busy again? By starting now, you build the skills to maintain your healthy lifestyle, no matter how crazy life gets.

I like to think of health and fitness as a dial instead of an on/off switch. You can dial it up or down depending on what’s going on in your life. If you flip the fitness switch off whenever life gets busy, you'll never make lasting progress.

4. Less Stress, More Success
Waiting until January adds pressure to succeed quickly. Starting now allows for a slower, more sustainable approach, reducing stress. Instead of viewing the New Year as the only time for a fresh start, see every day as a new opportunity to take action toward your goals.

Adopt a mindset of progress over perfection. Remember, consistently good is better than occasionally perfect. This combats the all-or-nothing thinking that kills progress.

5. Small Wins Build Momentum
Seeing small improvements during the holiday season builds confidence and motivates you to keep going into the new year. Non-scale victories like more energy, feeling stronger, better-fitting clothes, and improved sleep are all signs of progress.

6. Control Holiday Indulgences
Being mindful now allows you to enjoy holiday treats in moderation without guilt or falling off track completely. Break the diet mindset of heavy restrictions, which your brain will rebel against! Instead, practice mindfulness with your eating: slow down, enjoy treats in moderation, watch portion sizes, and fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.

During the season, you will have plenty of opportunities to practice and hone your nutrition skills. Your newly acquired habits will make nutrition feel easy when life slows down in January.

7. Strengthen Your Immune System
Staying active and eating well support your immune system, especially during cold and flu season. When you are healthy, you’ll feel better than ever and can enjoy the season the most.

8. Beat the Holiday Weight Gain
It's common to gain weight over the holidays. Treats are everywhere, and most people struggle to maintain their weight. Starting your fat loss journey now can help prevent holiday weight gain and keep you progressing towards your goals.

9. Boost Your Energy
Exercise and balanced nutrition boost your energy levels, helping you power through holiday errands, events, and responsibilities. If you want to feel more energized, fueling your body properly and staying active makes all the difference.

10. Start Fostering a Healthy Mindset
All-or-nothing thinking—believing that if you can’t do everything perfectly, you might as well not do anything—often sabotages our efforts. If we start this mindset in December, thinking we'll hit the reset button in January, it’s unlikely to magically change. Progress is about consistency, not perfection, so making small, manageable steps now builds the healthy habits you’ll need in the long term. Why wait?

Many people think postponing their health goals will let them 'enjoy' the holidays more, but in reality, prioritizing fitness and well-being can boost your energy, reduce stress, and make the season more enjoyable than ever.

Where to Start?

Are you thinking, “But Lea, where do I start? It’s so confusing! All the information I see online contradicts itself!”

The truth is, it’s pretty simple. It takes work, of course, but the concepts are easy to grasp and apply. It takes some focus, attention, and action on your part.

First, it starts with your mindset (you can't skip this part!). Then, we address nutrition, breaking free from the diet culture many of us grew up with.

Next, we talk about exercise. You may have heard myths like burning as many calories as possible, "no pain, no gain," and if you're not sore, you're not working hard enough. That’s not sustainable for long-term fat loss. We’ll focus on maximizing every exercise minute to get the best results. It’s the boring stuff, done consistently over time, that works.

Finally, we cover lifestyle factors: how does this fit into your life? How do you manage stress? Are you sleeping enough to optimize fat loss? Are you allowing your body time to recover?

If you want to learn more, join me for a FREE workshop to help you navigate the holiday season while staying on track with your fat loss goals—without missing out on the fun! In this workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for enjoying your favorite holiday foods, managing stress, and staying focused on your health. We’ll cover sustainable nutrition tips, mindset shifts for long-term success, and simple ways to keep active during the busiest time of the year. Don’t just survive the holidays—thrive through them! You will enjoy the holidays when you feel your best!

Do you know someone who might benefit? It helps me when you share with your friends and followers.

Questions? I’d love to help.

Coach Lea

I am a master health coach, personal trainer, and running coach, dedicated to helping YOU get strong, body and mind!

@fortworth_trainer

Explore more blog posts here…

Leadership Meets Fitness: Lessons for Thriving in Life and Work

My friend, executive coach Briana Sharp, texted me:

"Do you want to do a LinkedIn Live with me on the intersection of health and career performance?"

Briana and I have been friends for about ten years. I'm always impressed by her business acumen and the fact that she has completed an incredible 117 half-marathons! We first met when Sweat Pink hosted Blogfest conferences for fitness bloggers, which were part of the larger IDEA World Fitness convention. We've both come a long way since then, and I loved her idea of discussing on LinkedIn how success in business and health/fitness overlap.

But my visceral response was, No way. I stepped back from my emotions for a second and texted back:

"Live? That sounds scary, so yes!"

Stepping Outside MY Comfort Zone

The worst reason to say no to an opportunity is because it sounds scary. In the past, I might have even convinced myself I had a legitimate excuse (Oh, I'd love to, but I have plans to reorganize my sock drawer!). Deep down, I would know the truth—I was avoiding discomfort. But we don't grow by staying in our comfort zones. If you never step outside of it, it remains small. If you try new things, you win or learn, expanding your comfort zone.

Going live feels scarier than writing, where I can edit until I approve of every word. In a live situation, I'm left with just my brain and mouth. Who knows what will happen?

But what's the real risk here? I stumble over some words? I don't articulate a thought as clearly as I hoped? A coworker from 20 years ago judges me unfairly (or totally fairly)? LinkedIn rises against me, and I lose every client I've ever had? Okay, not that last one. The point is, the risk wasn't as big as my imagination made it out to be.

Saying Yes and Learning from the Experience

So, I said yes. We did our LinkedIn Live, and guess what? It went fine! None of those fears materialized. I wasn't perfect, but who is? I ended the call feeling energized and alive. The lesson: You don't get better by playing it safe. You improve by doing uncomfortable things; the more you do them, the easier they become.

Fitness Success Builds Business Success

The theme of our session was that the skills, habits, and mindset you develop through fitness provide a solid foundation for business success—and vice versa. Many people think fitness is about motivation and discipline, but it's more about skills and habits. What you do consistently yields the best results.

I often work with highly successful professional women who seek help with their fitness goals. Together, we discover that the strengths they've honed in the workplace—time management, a strong work ethic, overcoming obstacles, and problem-solving—are the exact skills they need to achieve their fitness goals.

During our live session, Briana shared that one of her executive clients improved his time management at work and, as a result, gained more personal time as an unintended benefit.

Building Resilience Through Fitness

Fitness teaches us to intentionally do hard things, which builds resilience. Then, when we face hard things in business or life, we have the confidence to handle them. Whether it's lifting heavier weights in the gym, running a faster 5K, or completing a marathon, these goals help us practice perseverance, fail in a safe environment, and ultimately achieve more than we thought possible.

Improved Confidence in Fitness and Business

One benefit of improved fitness is building confidence, which translates directly to business. Building physical strength or hitting a new personal record boosts your belief in your abilities. As you progress in your fitness journey, you realize your potential, leading to increased confidence. That confidence doesn't just stay in the gym—it spills over into other areas, including your professional life.

When you feel strong and empowered physically, you're more likely to approach business challenges with the same confidence.

The Importance of a Growth Mindset

Mindset is critical to success, whether in fitness or business. Developing a growth mindset in fitness—where setbacks are learning opportunities and consistency is prioritized over perfection—helps you push through obstacles and stay focused on long-term goals. Briana discussed how she coaches that same growth mindset in the workplace.

Through fitness, I've learned that failure isn't the end. It's just part of the process. I've failed plenty of times in the gym or on the race course, but I always come back stronger. The same applies to any challenge in life or business.

Learn more about Briana Sharp at www.getrazorsharp.com

So, What's Your Next Scary Step?

Success in fitness and business aren't as different as they may seem. Both require resilience, a strong mindset, and the development of consistent habits. If you're willing to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the lessons from one area of life, you'll find those lessons carry over to every other aspect.

So, what's your next "scary" step?

On November 5th, I am hosting a free workshop to help you navigate the holiday season while staying on track with your fat loss goals—without missing out on the fun! In this workshop, you'll learn practical strategies for enjoying your favorite holiday foods, managing stress, and exercising while staying focused on your health. We'll cover sustainable nutrition tips, mindset shifts for long-term success, and simple ways to keep active during the busiest time of year. Don't just survive the holidays—thrive through them! Save your spot here!

Hope to see you there!

Do you know someone who might benefit from this blog post? It helps me when you share with your friends and followers.

Questions? I’d love to help.

Coach Lea

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