When I began my journey with Beachbody and the Body Electric Team, I never imagined how it would change my life! My Coach, Jenny, had approached me about being a coach and although I was flattered that she asked, I really didn’t think I possessed the skills and knowledge to be a great Coach. I was way too busy to even think about adding something else to my plate! I didn’t know enough about fitness or nutrition to be leading other people to a better person, or so I thought. Jenny encouraged me to take the leap and told me that Coaching isn’t about being an expert, it’s about caring for others and sharing your own experience.
I am a wife, a mother of 2 wonderful children, and a teacher. My son is active on a traveling soccer team and is currently playing baseball. Three nights a week I am running him to practice alone and trying to keep the other one busy during practices on the nights that I am not running her to American Heritage Girls meetings. After school, there are still some things to follow up on, and who could forget homework, supper, and baths before bed?! Where could I possibly fit Coaching in to my crazy lifestyle?
In the back of my mind, I knew that I had a passion for helping people and living a fit and healthy lifestyle myself. I have always said that being a teacher is a calling. You don’t get into teaching for the money, or for the summer breaks and spring breaks. You do it because of the passion and commitment to helping and caring for others. I have a huge responsibility to change the lives of the children that are placed in my hands each year. What I teach them today will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
It wasn’t long after I began Coaching that I realized how parallel it was to my role as a teacher. Caring about people – check! Teaching people what has worked for me – check! Surrounding myself with other positive people that want to make a difference – check! While I had been trying to convince myself that I couldn’t be a Coach, I slowly began to realize that I was doing it already. I was trying to convince myself that I couldn’t do it, and in fact, I could! Some of the greatest influences in my life were teachers and coaches… And now I’m proud of the fact that I am both.
I’ve now been a Beachbody Coach for 5 months and can honestly say, I am changing lives! When I look back, I realize that fear and self-doubt held me back from taking the initial leap, but from where I am now, the view is amazing. The future of those I’m working with is bright, and so is that of my family’s. I am so thankful and blessed to have been asked to take this opportunity and share my passion with others, and I’m excited for where it’s headed!
Take my word for it. Never doubt yourself. Never assume you’re too busy to do something great. And always believe in people who equally believe in you.
Shawna is an Emerald Coach on the Body Electric Team, a full-time teacher, a wife and mother to two awesome kids, and a true difference maker. Excited to see the places she’ll go!