The past year has been a whirlwind of challenges, growth, and realizations. Recently, I hosted a webinar focused on navigating the holiday season while progressing toward health goals. Many people worry about gaining weight or losing progress over the holidays, so we discussed balanced ways to stay on track.

One topic that resonated with many was the idea that our identities are shaped by the stories we tell ourselves. It made me reflect deeply on the labels we assign ourselves and how they can either empower or limit us.

Breaking Down Limiting Identity Statements

In the webinar, I encouraged attendees to examine the labels they use:

"I’m not a morning person."
"I can’t stick to a diet."
"I’m not good at sports."

These statements can hold us back, often without us realizing it. I noticed that I also had identity statements of my own, ones that I never questioned. For years, I labeled myself an introvert who was “better at writing than talking” and “not good on video.” But recently, I asked myself if these labels were really true—or if they only had to be true if I chose to believe them.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

To challenge these ideas, I decided to push beyond my comfort zone. Over the past month, I posted short videos on YouTube daily, hosted a live webinar, appeared on a podcast, and went live on LinkedIn. It’s safe to say this was all new and daunting territory for me. Who even am I?

Surprisingly, it wasn’t as terrifying as I’d expected. No, I’m not a polished public speaker (yet), and I still have room to improve, but the positive feedback I received helped me realize that I’m not as “bad on video” as I once thought. Each experience nudged me to grow, showing me that the stories I had been telling myself were outdated and limiting.

Why Doing Hard Things Matters

Reflecting on the past year, I’ve continually stepped outside my comfort zone in small but impactful ways. Every time I’ve taken on something challenging, big or small, I’ve become a better coach and a stronger person.

When you push yourself to do hard things, even small ones, you gain confidence and open up new growth opportunities. The key is to stretch yourself just beyond where you’re comfortable, over and over, in safe and manageable ways.

A Year of Growth: Highlights and Lessons

In October 2023, I enrolled in the Precision Nutrition Master Health Coach program, a six-month journey that pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected. Every week, we participated in live sessions where we’d break out into small groups and practice coaching skills. Role-playing in front of my peers felt nerve-wracking; my heart would race every time. However, I showed up week after week, knowing that this safe environment was a valuable space to learn and grow. By the end, after an oral exam to demonstrate my coaching skills, I earned my Level 2 master health coach certification and felt renewed confidence in my coaching abilities.

Once the certification was complete, I had to log 50 coaching sessions to qualify for the national board exam. Due to time constraints, I had to ramp up quickly, completing around ten weekly sessions to meet the requirement within five weeks. Initially, I thought connecting with new people in each session would be intimidating because I’d always seen myself as someone who builds deeper connections over time. But again, it was just another story I was telling myself. I surprised myself with how naturally I connected with new clients, realizing that this “introverted” narrative was less true than I’d imagined.

The exam itself was another significant hurdle. I studied intensively for about 12 weeks, joined a study group with other coaches, and took the exam last week. While I’ll find out my results in December, I know I did my best, and I’m proud of the effort I put in to prepare.

The Physical Challenge: Running 5Ks in Texas Heat

The year wasn’t just about mental and professional challenges; there was also a physical one. I ran a 5K every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. this summer in the Texas heat. Week after week, running fast in that heat became both a physical and mental endurance test. Each race was hard, but the consistency helped me build a level of mental strength that I didn’t know I had.

A Year of Growth and Big Plans for 2025

Reflecting on all these experiences, I see how each challenge helped me grow in unexpected ways. This year has been about embracing my potential and letting go of old, limiting beliefs. From pushing through self-doubt to completing new professional milestones, it’s been a transformative journey.

I’m excited about what’s ahead. I’ve got big plans for 2025, and I can’t wait to see how the next chapter unfolds. So, stay tuned and join me in this journey of growth!

Take ACTION

Growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones and do things that challenge and stretch us. By questioning the stories we tell ourselves and taking on “hard but doable” tasks, we open up opportunities for personal and professional growth. It’s not about perfection or instant mastery; it’s about small, consistent steps that build confidence and resilience over time. Remember: you, too, can do hard things. What will you try first?

6-WEEK HOLIDAY CHALLENGE BEGINS NOV 18th

Don't miss out! The 6-Week Holiday Challenge kicks off on November 18th, so this is your last blog post reminder to join before we begin! I'm keeping the cohort small to ensure that each participant receives personalized attention and support. This is not a one-size-fits-all program—it's tailored to help you succeed, no matter where you're starting from. If you’re ready to take control of your health this holiday season and finish the year strong, now’s the time to sign up. Let’s make this season your healthiest yet—reserve your spot today!