The Fear of Failure

Failure- what a scary word right? When someone tells you that you can fail something, the thought of failing that thing may make you cringe. Sure, there are plenty of things one can fail at. We can fail a test in school, fail a job interview, fail in a relationship, the list goes on. Well, for those of you who don’t know, which is probably many of you; I recently experienced a hard failure in life. I tried to become an officer in the U.S. Navy. This was an experience I was very excited about and I thought I was ready for. For everyone that knows me, they know I workout regularly and that I can do sit ups. However, when I was in training I failed the sit up portion of the strength test by three sit ups. The reason I failed is unknown because I can do above the required number of sit ups at the gym. However, when it came to the test I did not make it in the 2 minute time limit they had. I won’t make excuses, I know that I should have came to OCS more prepared and should have practiced the strength test at home more often than I did.

After I failed the strength test and I heard that they would send me home, I was heartbroken. Nothing hurt more than when the Lt. called us in a room saying, “Come in failures.” The plan I had made for myself for the next four years and possibly longer was gone. I don’t think I have ever felt failure hit me this hard in my life and it hurt a lot. I cried for about a week straight every day thinking about how I had ruined my chance at something great by failing by such a small amount. I beat myself up over it and kept thinking “If only I had tried harder”, or “How could I have let this go?”.

As the days went by, I beat myself up constantly. I was confused, stressed, and sad. I didn’t know what to do next. My career plan was completely gone and didn’t know what I want to do with my life, and I really still don’t. I was lucky to have amazing family and a great support group of friends both inside and outside of OCS. They made me feel like I wasn’t alone in this even though sometimes I wanted to be alone. I spent my days working out nonstop in the gym, pushing myself to make those numbers everyday after I failed. I asked to try to re enter training while I was being processed out and they told me I needed to go home and re-apply.

After being told I definitely had to go home, I finally let it all go. Sometimes we experience failure to make us stronger. I can say I am a much stronger person today then I was when I stepped out of that van to go to OCS. While I was sad when I had initially failed, and still am upset about it; I realize that everything happens for a reason. Maybe I wasn’t meant to take that path in my life yet or at all. Maybe I need time to think it through more and prepare. Maybe there is a different career path that needs my energy. Maybe this whole experience was to teach me failure and how to handle it. At the end of the day, I guess I really don’t know why I went through this. However, I did learn one thing and that is to never fear failure. I highly encourage anybody to go do something that you may possibly fail because that’s what makes it worth doing. Put your energy 100% into whatever you want to achieve and I guarantee you can achieve it; even if it means that you may fail at it once or twice. NEVER let failure bring you down or deter you from doing what you want. Let failure teach you a lesson and take the time to reflect, grow, and become a stronger person.

How to Start a Workout Routine

Hi all,

I am sorry it has been a long time since I have written a post. I have been going through a lot in life and I will be sure to post more about that later. I know I missed the whole #NewYearNewMe stuff and all the New Years resolutions. However, I am hoping that everyone is sticking to their plans and that you all are still wanting to crush your goals that you set at the beginning of the year.

Now I know life gets busy between work, school, kids, dogs, or any other thing that can take up your free time. Hey, let me tell you it is still possible to fit a workout routine into your schedule. I was a full time college student working two jobs and maintaining a pretty good social life and still found an hour out of my day five days per week to hit the gym. Now I know it is easier said than done and I understand that. If an hour is too much time out of your day, try a 30 minute workout. If driving to the gym wastes too much time, try to do a HITT workout in your living room. There are plenty of options depending on your goals and time limits.

First, you need to think of your goals. Do you want to lose weight? Do you want to gain muscle? Do you want to lean out? Do you want an overall healthier lifestyle? These are important questions to ask yourself when you are thinking of how to fit a workout routine in your schedule that fits your goals. Because why would you make time for something that isn’t going to achieve your end goal right? Obviously, if you want to lift weights and gain a good amount of muscle you may need to make some time to go to the gym. However, if you want to lose weight, maintain a healthy lifestyle, or lean out there are plenty of 30 minute HITT workout videos on Youtube that will get the job done. Or, if you want to attend a gym; there are some gyms that have guided fitness classes. And of course some diet changes may also need to be implemented in order to achieve your goals. Your homework is to really consider your goals and how you are going to achieve them. Don’t be afraid to drop some comments below!:) I want to hear your goals and success stories!

The Benefits of Exercise

When it comes to your health, exercise is one of the best things you can do. All it takes is 30-60 mins per day in order to exercise regularly. It is never too late to add physical fitness into your lifestyle. I highly recommend that you seriously consider these benefits and consider adding a workout routine into your daily schedule.

The most obvious benefit of exercising is that it helps to control weight. Of course dieting plays a role in this as well, but exercise can prevent obesity and stay at a healthy weight.

Exercising can help reduce your risk of heart diseases such as high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks as well as lowering your blood pressure and triglyceride levels.

Exercising lowers blood sugar levels and promoted insulin to work, lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. If you currently have these diseases, exercise can help manage them.

Exercise can help you quit smoking, as it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can also help counteract weight gain smokers may experience when they quit.

Exercise releases chemicals and proteins that help your brain to function, leading to sharper thinking, learning, and judgement skills.

Exercise strengthens your bones and muscles and slows the loss of bone density that comes with age.

Exercise reduces the risk of colon, breast, uterine, and lung cancers.

Exercise reduces the risk of falling in old age by keeping your core strong and maintaining balance.

Exercise improves sleep quality.

Overall, exercise increases your life span. The next step is making it a part of your regular routine. Go check out some gyms in your area and see what works best for you. In my opinion, I would choose a gym that has group fitness classes and a support system. Also, keep the option for personal trainers available. You want your gym to feel like a place where you can escape and work on the best version of yourself. I have been close to the people in the gyms I have belonged to. I will post about starting a workout routine separately. But for now, go check out those gyms.