
What Does The Bar Mean To Me?
I’ll never forget all of the pressure, bullying, jealousy and isolation that I experienced on a daily basis, and from a young age. From those closest to me to those I competed against, almost everyone thought I was crazy, or different, or both. Throughout my life, the weight of my dreams were suffocating. At times, I felt like they were impossible to reach. I struggled doing basic things like getting over my language barrier to make it through school, overcoming injuries, dealing with people I trusted turning their backs on me, and smiling at those who I looked up to – who said I wouldn’t make it. I met so much resistance and I realized it was putting up walls in my own mind.
But all this made me stronger. I realized that fear and doubt follow adversity. But this is a good thing. It told me I was becoming resilient, and that I was standing in front of an opportunity. It’s OK to worry about fear or failing. Just don’t let these things paralyze you and prevent you from moving forward. You can only develop resilience through resistance. The weights have taught me that. Life has taught me that.
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My Decision, My Choice
I still remember that day like it was yesterday. It was early in the first year of my PhD program in Physical Therapy at the University of Miami when my advisor and committee called me into a formal meeting. You have to maintain a high level of work to stay in the program and I was right at the line. I remember sitting in that room with all of my male professors.
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No Handouts, Just Hard Work
I believe anyone can be great, even you. All you have to do is find your way. When we’re born, we start out with a unique set of skills and talents. By finding the right combination of these two things, we can reach our potential. To find your sweet spot, you just need to be patient and keep experimenting. After that, it’s time for you to put in the long hours and hard work. The more you are willing to give, the more you will ultimately get.
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Skill, Passion, and Talent: The Trifecta For Success
Do you want to know what it takes to succeed? We all have different formulas, but maybe we can learn a thing or two from world record holder Stefi Cohen. Click the link for Stefi's latest article where she dives deep into "The Trifecta For Success."
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