4 Reasons Why I Decided to Put "Compete in a Physique Competition" on my Bucket List

I competed in my first physique competition last weekend. It was a small competition, but perfect for me as a newbie. I placed in several categories, including first in Ms. Florida Masters Bikini. I trained hard with different trainers for 2 years, and finally did an online contest prep with a company owned by my former classmate who has vast experience in the industry.

So why did I decide to compete? Here are my 4 reasons…

1. Some years ago, a friend told me I should consider it. I declined, but then changed my mind a couple of years later as I was tired of the weight loss cycle and wanted to see if I could focus more on body fat percentage rather than weight.
2.  I started to like the way muscle looked on women of my similar build and wondered what I would look like with more muscle.
3.  I have always had body image issues. This was my way of confronting them head on. At the end of the competition, all of us were able to receive critiques from the judges. The biggest criticisms I received were that my legs needed to be more lean, and that I needed a lot more development in the glutes area. So basically, if I can paraphrase, “you have fat legs and no butt.” The biggest accomplishment here is how I responded internally. Years ago, comments like these would have broken my heart to the core. But this time, I heard their comments and believed they were valid for competing in a bikini category. But I know the before/after progress I made. So I was just excited that I had enough confidence to get on stage in a bikini, and not look too shabby. I was proud of the body I helped to produce. Though I was a nervous wreck, I put my insecurities out there and was proud of how I felt.
4.  Training to compete forced me to stay accountable with my eating. I love sweets…really just cupcakes. But 12 weeks without cupcakes? Whoever heard of such a thing??!!! But I did it. And I never thought I could do it. I thought I was a slave to cupcakes. But every time I thought about my goal, I was deterred from making slip-ups in my diet.

In conclusion, this was not easy and it was not cheap. Everything came with a cost…and I’m not just talking financially. However, the benefits of the process outweighed any costs incurred. My next goal is to put on more muscle. I don’t know that I will be competing any time soon, or even again for that matter, but I will say, I like the way muscle looks on my body. Over the course of two years, I went from close to 170 pounds, to close to 135 pounds when on stage (which, when compared to the other competitors, was still a little heavy). Aside from the weight, I went from close to 30% body fat to around 19% body fat. This was my greatest feat.

The inspirational message I can provide to you from this experience is to always challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. You have no idea of some of the things you are able to accomplish when you step outside of your box and stay consistent with something. We are great at being inspired to do something new, but often don’t have the tenacity or endurance to stay consistent with it. Find a challenge and become passionate about sticking to it. You will learn so much about yourself and realize skills that you have that you were previously unaware of. There are also a vast amount of spiritual lessons learned in the process (especially in my process). In actuality, the key to consistency is spiritual in nature. Because it is a supernatural will to not give up. This is not a strength that comes from you. It is only a strength that can come from your Creator. Embrace that and discover all that you can do through Him. Be blessed!

-Dr. Jenelle Nicole

OVERCOME OBSTACLES TO FULFILLING YOUR PURPOSE...

Did you know that your wellness is strategically tied to your ability to fulfill your God-given purpose? Many people might live physically healthy lives, but feel the void of not meeting their potential in other areas of their life. These areas include the mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Wellness involves all these areas...not just the physical. So today's post is about purpose.

Many people have an idea of their purpose, but do not live it out. Others make excuses. For the longest, I knew my purpose, but was just plain lazy about doing the work. Here are at least 7 reasons why we  don't move into our purpose, along with biblical insight on how to overcome these obstacles...

1.   We are scared of the feeling that comes if we fail within the pursuit.

Overcome: You only start failing when your faith starts failing.  Luke 22:32 says: “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…” Don’t stop believing you have purpose.  Don’t stop believing you will accomplish what God has shown you.  You were created to fulfill a need.

2.   We are intimidated by the responsibility that comes should we succeed. 

Overcome: You don’t have to be intimidated by the responsibility; for if you just continue to be obedient to Him, you will understand that He has already equipped you with what you need to handle the responsibility. II Timothy 3:16-17 says: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The “equipment” is in the Word.

3.  We are plain lazy and dread doing the work to go after what we know we are called to do.

Overcome:  Either you will work for people and things, or things and people will work for you.  Proverbs 12:24 says: “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.” Does your purpose include you being managed by people and things for the rest of your life; or does it include YOU managing people and things?

4.  No one expects us to do it, so we live according to their expectation.

 Overcome: Fulfilling your purpose depends on the power that is in YOU, not someone else's expectation of you. Ephesians 3:20 says: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works IN US…”  Expect more of what is already inside of you.

5.  We believe we will have to sacrifice something that we are not willing to sacrifice at this point in our lives.

Overcome:  You cannot receive the reward of YOUR sacrifice, if you are still holding on to WHAT YOU WILL HAVE TO sacrifice. II Corinthians 9:10 says:  “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” A seed can’t produce until it is sown.  We are not just talking about money here.  In life, we often have to let go of something in order to obtain something better.  It is not a risk, it is a certainty.

6.  We are (say it real spiritual-like) “waiting on God.” (Who is waiting on you.)

Overcome:  In all honesty, I can’t say that God is really, “waiting on you” in the term most preachers use it in.  God moves and progresses with or without you.  He has already done what He is going to do.  So when I say He is “waiting on you,”  it means there is a place for you that He formed for you to especially fit in.  Find it and get in it. Jeremiah 1:5 says: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." Purpose-->Position-->Person

7.  Pure ignorance: We don’t know what we are supposed to be doing. 

Overcome:  Figure out what you are passionate about and make a difference. Genesis 1:28 says: “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply…” Take on tasks that match your passion and set goals that aim for demonstrable results.  But you have to first find out: what am I passionate about doing?

I hope this is helpful. If you are interested in life and wellness coaching to help you move into your purpose by setting goals and having accountability, check out "Wellness Coaching" on my website: drjenellenicole.com. 

Until Next Time...

-Dr. Jenelle Nicole

STOP SAYING YOU DON’T NEED ANYBODY BUT JESUS!

In recent years, after disconnecting with multiple longtime friends, I have been notorious for feeling that I don’t need any additional friends. Friends require work. They require responsibility. And if you plan to be a good friend to them, you can’t do that and have several of them. Or if you do have several of them, you can probably only be a really really good friend to 1 or 2. But never say, “I don’t need friends!” I especially find it anti-biblical when I hear Christians say, “I don’t need anybody but Jesus!” You can’t even fulfill your purpose without being in relationship with others. The entire Bible discusses relationships with God and man. You can’t even fulfill the great commission without being in relationship with others. So stop saying you don’t need anybody but Jesus. You need friends. Or at least you need people you can depend on and vice versa. These might include close friends, or friends who you talk to sporadically or situationally (the gym, church, work, school, etc.).

Friends should be your support system (if they are not, I would question whether or not they are really your friends). And multiple studies repeatedly demonstrate that people who have a social support system tend to have better health outcomes. If you notice, the most effective weight loss programs include a social support system. The most effective exercise programs include a social support system. Healthy lifestyle changes seem to be more effective when you make the decision to do them with someone else. When consulting with clients, one of my many questions is “who are you accountable to?” I like to take the time to explore who your social support system is. Can you do it alone? Yes. But most people are not as effective in reaching their goals alone. Though you see many who follow their own exercise and weight loss programs and say they did it by themselves, the very fact that they shared their journey with you and “fed” off of your support is a big indication that NO, THEY DID NOT DO IT ALONE. We may do many things well alone. But when it comes to our health, we often make more long lasting effective health changes when we have help and support. One of the services I provide in my business is wellness coaching. This is a form of support I provide to help you become more effective in your health and wellness endeavors. For more information, visit my website: drjenellenicole.com.

Until next time…

Dr. Jenelle Nicole