I hate being a newbie…at anything. This
is probably because I’m slightly controlling and slightly know-it-all. Hey now, you have your own areas for
improvement too! When I’m learning something new it makes me vulnerable and
that is something I despise more than anything else. And that’s exactly how I
found myself last week.
About a month ago, I decided to see
what all this Crossfit workout nonsense was all about. I went to a free intro
class (classic puppy dog close!) and nearly died. Yes, the free intro class
nearly killed me. While I wanted to tell the instructor to go burpee himself, I
decided it was time to get back into a fitness routine because let’s face it,
my ass isn’t going to lift itself to new bikini heights without a little help
and dedication on my part.
So my sweaty journey began. For
starters, here is what I love about the program. I had to take four weeks of “foundations”
before I could take any of the “real” Crossfit classes. Essentially, I had to
train for training. How well are you
preparing yourself to dive into something new? How are you training yourself to
tackle your next big project, your next big step, and your next big success?
The foundations were great. I
learned the exercise moves, worked on my form and technique, increased my lung
capacity (so I wasn’t sucking wind after just a few minutes!), and made a few
fellow newbie friends. And then it was time, time to box-jump myself into the
“real” classes.
Let’s set the scene: Wednesday
evening. 6pm. I walk into the once welcoming gym, now transformed into an
intimidating atmosphere by thirteen all-muscle, no-jiggle, I could do this in
my sleep Crossfitters, none of whom were first timers. UGH! I’m not usually
timid or intimidated, but that night, I was both. I was vulnerable. I was
miserable.
During the warm-up: “Everyone, this
is Stephanie’s first class!” The spotlight shined in my eyes and I shyly
smiled. Double UGH!
Work out time: It’s a swarm of bees!
Everyone is swirling around me, grabbing weights and bars and kettle bells, oh
my! And I’m standing there struck with a chord of loneliness and panic. All of the lighter barbells are taken, all
of the workspaces are taken, all of my confidence – taken.
“Would you like to work in with me?”
I turned to see a small, very-fit, blonde smiling at me. It was definitely not
her first Crossfit rodeo.
“Yes! Thank you.” The panic washed
away and I got to moving my butt like a busy bee to get set up and ready.
Because this was happening, whether I liked it or not. It was go-time!
“Hi, I’m Stephanie.” I reached my
hand out and introduced myself to the girl who had offered to work with me.
“I’m Grace.” She replied.
Let that sink in.
Ironic? Not at
all. Serendipitous? I think so.
My favorite definition of grace: courteous goodwill.
Let these sink in:
• How are you
extending courteous goodwill?
• How are you
making others feel welcome?
• How are you lending
your expertise to a newbie?
• How are you
creating a state of grace?
Thank Grace for
reminding me that everyone starts as a beginner and it is critical that when
you are no longer the newbie, you extend your expertise, your grace, to help
others in their own journey. When you help them climb to your heights, your own
stock will rise in return.
You were once a
beginner. You will once again be a beginner. And all it takes is a little grace to
make a lasting impact.
I’m your Double-Tall,
Non-Fat, No-Whip Sales Barista. How may I help you help yourself?
Stephanie Melish, one of the few,
hand-selected, Gitomer-Certified Speakers is the ONLY Double-Tall, Non-Fat,
No-Whip Sales Barista in the world! Stephanie trains, sells, and speaks to
companies and associations all over the country. To book Stephanie for your
next event, please visit www.GitomerCertified.com
or contact the Michelle at Buy Gitomer via email at michelle@gitomer.com or by
calling 704-333-1112.
