One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, both as a coach and as a dad, is that being scared doesn’t mean you can’t do something. In fact, some of the best moments in life come when you push through fear and just go for it.
Last month Backroads hosted a track event and one of the races was for toddlers. Mateo was signed up for his very first 100m race, and we were both pumped about it.
All week leading up, we talked about having fun, fueling our bodies with good food so we could run fast, and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. We even showed up early to stretch (okay, maybe a little too early, I might have been more excited than Mateo 😅).
When we arrived, Mateo was buzzing with energy, running around the track, smiling, totally confident. But then the moment came to line up for the race. Suddenly, that confidence started to fade. You could see it on his face: nerves, hesitation, maybe even fear.
But here’s the thing, despite being scared, he did it. He ran his little heart out. And with about 50m left, Mason (shoutout to him for the awesome photo) captured this look on Mateo’s face that I’ll never forget: pure determination. It wasn’t about winning or beating anyone else. It was about doing his best and making himself proud.
And honestly? That’s something we can all learn from.
I see this same story play out with so many people who join MVMTS. The texts, the calls, the emails before that first class are filled with excitement:
“I’m ready for this.”
“I want to make a change.”
“I can’t wait to get started.”
But then, just like Mateo at the starting line, fear shows up.
“Can I really do this?”
“What if I fail again?”
“What if I don’t fit in?”
Sometimes that fear is so strong that the first class never happens. But for those who show up anyway, that’s a MASSIVE win.
Because I live in this gym world every day, I sometimes forget how intimidating it can seem from the outside. But here’s the truth: if you pulled aside any one of our members and asked them, they’d tell you there’s nothing to be scared of.
From day one, my number one goal has been to create a welcoming, judgment free space. I don’t care if you’ve never stepped foot in a gym before. We can help.
So, if you’re scared, that’s okay. You’re in good company. Just remember Mateo at that starting line, nerves, fear, hesitation, and then the look of determination when he decided to go for it anyway.
Being scared is normal. Showing up anyway? That’s where the magic happens.
Isaac
Owner
MVMT Strength