Michelle Obama expertly states that: “There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice”. Everyone has a unique story and as we go through life, we are constantly reinventing ourselves and adding to or revising our story. But how many of us take the time to find the courage to own and share our story to make a positive difference in the world? Sounds frightening, am I right? It certainly can be. No doubt there will always be times when that little voice in the back of your mind tells you that you are not that important, and your story isn’t exciting enough to mean anything or make a difference. Oh, but it does and it will! And that is why I want to take this MO’ment to tell you that yes it takes courage to share your story, but it is absolutely MO’st worth doing.
Courage is the theme of canfitpro’s 30th anniversary and I have read some incredible stories recently that were shared with canfitpro through our courage story campaign. Every story has been different and unique and they have all inspired me greatly. As a result, I am MO’st inspired to help and inspire others by finding the courage to make themselves heard and seen and realize the power that comes from that.
If there is one thing I cannot emphasize enough, it is that you must never underestimate the power of your story. You never know who you will inspire or who needs to hear your words! I first shared my story of how I dreamed up my career in fitness having written in my high school graduation yearbook “anything to do with fitness where I can travel the world, teach and lead people to live fit and healthy lives”. Of course, I had no idea in 1980 that this would be the catalyst to a life-long career in health and fitness where I’ve been able to serve the true purpose with the world and along the way help to re-shape health care. As Gerry Visca (my WHY Coach) once said “to live your greatest life requires a relentless belief in your inner fire (passion). Your passion fuels your purpose and vision and, your vision becomes a compass and a lighthouse during the darker times when those around you attempt to douse your flame”. I did not realize that by telling my story, sharing my dream for a career that did not exist at the time and admitting my weaknesses, fears, and lack of self-confidence, would positively influence others to move forward in their own pursuit and take the necessary steps to live out their dreams and true purpose. It all starts with your story and that story needs only to have a beginning chapter to get you started on your journey. You can read and learn more about my story in Chapter 50 of the book I co-authored THINK Yourself® Successful. By honouring your own unique gift (and story), we inspire others around us to be and do the same.
As part of my purpose to inspire and help raise voices and share stories, I began my podcast – A MO’ment with MO – earlier this year. Let me tell you that took some courage, but I am very grateful I made the decision to take the leap of faith and go in this direction. I am excited about the three inspiring conversations coming up this month and next.
First, at the beginning of June, you can hear the conversation I had with my good friend and fitness industry colleague Darin Dietrich about the power of story. We share the fun backstories and insights about how canfitpro, got started and why and, how it has become the leading fitness organization in Canada that it is today. Next, I am speaking with Beth Yarzab, another fabulous fit pro who I know and work with at canfitpro. We will talk about the Women Who Influence story; how this event started, how it has evolved, and why we have changed up this year’s event to explore what leadership in today’s world is requiring from all leaders and, in particular women in leadership seeking the courage to lead with purpose. Learn MO’re about this year’s 10th annual event HERE. Lastly, be sure to stay tuned for my conversation with the one and only Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas about the confidence to ignite performance and thrive through change.
Each of these three inspiring conversations has valuable nuggets of knowledge to help you learn MO’re about how and why you should be telling and owning your story. Read more below to get a sneak-peek into our conversations with the three ways to unleash the power of your story!
Cultivate your Courage
“Being brave is not being unafraid but feeling the fear and doing it anyway. … When you feel fear, try using it as a signal that something really important is about to happen.” — Gloria Steinem
canfitpro is now in its 30th year. Starting this company three decades ago and helping build it to where it is today has taken a lot of courage. When I was given the challenge of creating canfitpro from the ground up, I didn’t know what I was doing or where to begin. But I am glad I found the courage to get started and continue. This is where I will be forever grateful that my story intersected with the legendary Darin Dietrich. Together with Darin, we introduced BodyLife (the original name of what later became canfitpro) to Canada. Little did we know that this was the beginning of something really important and life changing for both of us. Our efforts are a great example of collaborative leadership; that is seeing how we could work together to navigate a path not yet travelled, re-imagining our businesses, and helping each other succeed.
Our vision and the MO’st important reason for starting canfitpro was to give other fitness professionals and presenters the opportunity to share their passions for fitness and their stories. Collectively we realized our power to MO’ve the industry forward, elevate our industry standards and innovate the industries in both Europe and Canada. Thirty years later canfitpro is still going stronger than ever and we are looking forward to launching into the next decade of our operations. Join both Darin and myself at the event in August and we’ll share more memories and stories of how we have cultivated our courage and navigated this industry over the years: https://www.canfitpro.com/events2023/global/
Connect with Other LeadHERs
“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” – Serena Williams,
Women Who Influence began as a platform for women in the fitness industry to come together to share their stories and encourage other women to pursue next level leadHERship opportunities. This year Women Who Influence is celebrating its 10th anniversary and its story continues to evolve. We will have a full-day event with eight inspiring presenters – many of which are multi-award winning fitness professionals and entrepreneurs. No matter how this event evolves, one thing that will remain the same is the importance that is placed on cultivating connections and a supportive community.
When I think of Women Who Influence, there is one woman whose story is deeply connected to the essence of the event and community. That is the story of the late Sharon Mann who was one of the MO’st kind, humble and courageous women I know. She had a smile that could light up a room and a presence that was unforgettable. The Women Who Influence Sharon Mann Inspiration Award and Scholarship honours Sharon’s story and legacy as an industry icon and recognizes a woman each year who exemplifies what Sharon Mann stood for, believed in, and lived: personal courage, growth mindset, influence, inspiration, and community impact.
Learn more about this year’s Women Who Influence event and get your ticket or buy a table for you and your friends at: https://www.canfitpro.com/womenwhoinfluence/
Ignite Your Confidence to Embrace Change
“It is confidence in our bodies, minds, and spirits that allows us to keep looking for new adventures.” – Oprah Winfrey
Cultivating your courage and finding a connection with your community are two pillars on which rest the confidence to share your story. Confidence is the needle MO’ver to effectively sharing your story. Like any muscle in your body, you have to find ways to strengthen and maintain your confidence, which is especially important during challenging times. We have the power to write our stories, but sometimes there are events and unexpected challenges that are thrown at us and make us have to pivot in ways we did not imagine. During those times of challenge and change, you really need support from a confident mindset, which is what Nathalie Plamondon-Thomas, No.1 Bestselling Author and Confidence Expert, is so good at helping others to learn and master at Women Who Influence.
Confidence is what you need to share your story honestly and authentically and equally important when times and change ask you to reinvent yourself or your business and re-imagine the possibilities. Change is inevitable and we can fight it or embrace it and your confidence is the inner edge that will help you decide and continue writing and living your story to the best of your ability.
What’s Next? What is Calling on Your Courage?
Let this be the sign and the nudge you need to step-in, be seen and have a voice. What is calling on your courage and what do you want the next page or chapter of your story to look like? You need to get out there and what better opportunity than the canfitpro Global Conference and Trade Show August 16 – 20. Come to the event to learn more about how you can build your brand, raise your voice and share your story in a way that matters. In our Opening Ceremonies we will have a fireside chat and keynote address by Kendall who tells his story and the importance of telling your story. Our Closing Ceremonies will provide a platform for you to launch your story. Learn more and register at: https://www.canfitpro.com/events2023/global/
