New Years, New You!!
Saying Goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022!
The past year has challenged all of us in ways we could have never imagined. From home schooling with new born twins, to working from home, there was never an easy day. There was stress, anxiety, and plenty of hardships but like most challenging things they are worthwhile because right now we have 3 healthy and happy boys we wouldn’t trade for the world, no matter how much craziness they bring!
As we enter 2022, it doesn’t look like much has changed. Currently, schools are closed here in Canada and we’re again doing the balancing act of taking care of our 3 boys 24/7 while also trying to work and live at home. It’s as challenging as it gets but with that said, the one constant in both mine and Brodies lives that has helped us push through these moments with positivity, laughter, energy and confidence is exercise.
It literally makes us better parents, partners, and workers. It sounds crazy because more often than not, it’s the last thing we want to do when we are tired and exhausted. However, over the entire course of 2021 there was not a single workout that I regret doing because every single one made me feel better mentally and physically.
Despite all the hardships, there was also so much good this year. We managed to have more Squadies join and transform their lives, confidence and bodies than ever before. We also launched the brand new LEANSQUAD App that now houses all of my Lean Challenges, recipes, on demand workouts, support and community chat and more! It is a totally game changer and a dream come true!
The LEANSQUAD App has already surpassed my dreams. We have had over 145,000 Lean Workouts complete in it’s short history. That is LEANSANE! I cannot wait to pour every ounce of my energy into continuing to make it even better in 2022!
Now, as we say goodbye to 2021, I am unbelievably proud of how we pushed through as a squad, community and of course Brodie and I as parents. With that said, I KNOW 2022 is going to be an even better year. One filled with achieving more goals and dreams. Thank you to all the Squadies who continue to join us, motivate and challenge us! 2022 is going to be the best and leanest year yet!
Don’t fear failure in 2022!
Back in 2017, when I started LEANSQUAD, it was a difficult time in my life. I had retired from rugby due to concussions, had no income stream, and we were pregnant with Hudson, so we moved back in with my parents. I was scared but deep down, I was more afraid of doing something I didn’t want to do.
I had an option to pursue a job in development (and obviously there is nothing wrong with that, but I knew it wasn’t for me). It was the safe, easy option to take that job.
But instead, despite many people telling me not to, I decided to start my own business and follow my dreams of launching LEANSQUAD. I had no business background, no idea how to create a website, logo, or business plan. People told me social media was too crowded. There was no way I would be successful. However, I figured the only way I was guaranteed to fail is if I didn’t try. It would haunt me for the rest of my life and I would always wonder “what if”.
I’ve learned, time and time again, that if you try, there is no such thing as failure. The beautiful thing about trying is, as difficult as it may be at the time, you learn, and get to adjust and try again.
Many people don’t know this but the most unsuccessful time in my rugby career is when I played paralyzed with fear. I was SO scared of making a mistake after finally achieving my dream of making the English Premiership (one of the best leagues in the world) but I constantly lived in fear of losing my job.
I played terribly and in turn, was dropped. The coach told me I would not play again for his team. That was the point where I realized I no longer had nothing to lose so I trained harder but played free... free of fear and making a mistake. In turn, I got back in the team, started every game and played some of the best rugby of my life with no regrets.
Since that pivotal moment in my rugby career I have tried to live a life with no regrets or fears. Of course there are moments I’m scared, but I don’t let that stop me from pushing through because regardless of the result, I will become better off. I will have overcome the fear, learned, grown, become stronger and the list goes on.
Life is a lot like your workouts in a funny way. The more you give, the more you get back. It doesn’t mean every day is perfect (believe me, I just finished a workout and was nowhere near my best due to extreme lack of sleep from the twins) but it does mean every day changes us a little bit more.
The confidence, happiness, health starts accumulating and that over the long run will allow us to get to places most people think are impossible.
I feel as though I could write an essay with all my “failures” leading up to today but again, I wouldn’t change a single one of them, they’ve made me stronger, more proud and happier because of it!
So in 2022, my number one piece of advice is don’t fear failure, fear not trying! Go for your dreams and you’ll be surprised what you can accomplish if you stick with it!
Looking Forward!
It's a new year, which means we can wipe the slate clean and start fresh! Let go of your past and start focusing all your energy on the here and now. The things we can control, because believe me, no matter how hard you try, you cannot change the past (something again I learned from my rugby days. I would have many sleepless nights worrying about mistakes I made in games despite being able to do nothing about them).
I learned early on that focusing our energy on the past is a huge waste of time. The past is gone, let's shift our energy to the present and focus on how we can make tomorrow and each day better! Let's make the most of the opportunity in front of us! We have complete control over our actions. You can choose to transform and change for the better! Let's say goodbye to 2020 and start looking forward to the new year!
My challenge to you in 2022 is to challenge yourself and don’t worry, I am not asking you to do 1,000 push ups, all I am asking you is to challenge yourself. If that means starting with a walk, one squat or a 30 minute hiit that is what I want. The only way to make progress is to start and we all have to start somewhere.
In 2022, let's take action and build healthy habits and routines. An essential part of my daily routine is making sure I get my body moving. Even if I am feeling a bit slow or sluggish in the morning, if I stay true to myself and get a workout in, it completely changes me physically and mentally. I feel refreshed, energized, and ready to enjoy the rest of my day!
Don't fear failure, fear never getting started!Here's to a new year Squadies!Phil