A work confessional
Hi friends! How’s your Indian Food Wednesday been?? We’re actually having seafood tonight- after 3 days of restaurant Vegas dining, I couldn’t go out another night.
I’m so, so glad you’re enjoying the family posts. I’ll be posting there every day-ish and I’m really excited to have it as part of the blog 🙂 I was a little nervous about putting all of the posts up there- but like with all other personal posts, I didn’t regret it in the least once they were up. How could I? You’ve all been so wonderful (per usual) 🙂
Green juice made a comeback this morning:
The weird part about food lately is that it’s hard for me to prepare it without gagging. If you make it, I’ll eat it, but something about raw veggies, eggs (ewwwww) and actually prepping the food makes me feel icky. Well, I told myself to man up since the Pilot was at work and made myself a green juice. It was perfection- so refreshing. I really want to make a conscious effort to juice more now that summer’s here. My skin always thanks me and it’s such an easy way to get nutrients.
I also packed my own lunch 🙂
Caesar salad –TJs Caesar dressing is made with sheep’s milk romano cheese!- and a hummus sandwich with romaine and sundried tomatoes on brown rice bread
+ organic berries and grapes, kale chips
I didn’t take a picture of b-fast since it was a waffle sandwich wrapped in a paper towel. Klassy bear 🙂
So I have one.. ok, two.. work confessions.
#1: As ya know, I love teaching at the resort. 100 percent a fan. It’s one of the top health resorts in the world and the people I work with are so kind, ridiculously talented and the guests are fantastic. But here’s the deal: the quality of the people I teach with makes me feel like I kinda suck. I feel that I’m a good fitness instructor but these people are legit powerhouses. Since I’m a newbie, they have another instructor (many of whom have been working there for many years) as my assistant and I get SO nervous… and sometimes flub. The Pilot keeps assuring me that I wouldn’t be working there if I didn’t fit in, but it’s definitely intimidating. On the other hand, it’s so motivating- I know it will make me a better instructor.
#2: Even though I wake up two hours before I have to leave for work (so I have time to blog, catch up on things and make b-fast/food), I don’t actually start getting ready until 5 minutes before I need to leave.
Today’s time waster (or time winner? haha)
Rawr!
Animal print nails 😀 Thanks Sally Hansen for your ferosh Salon Effects sets (and thanks to the madre for buying it for me) 🙂
I’m off to make some dinner (and try not to gag) 😉
Hope you have a great night!
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: Have you ever worked in a setting where you felt intimidated or not good enough? Do you have any tips on how I can keep from nervously flubbing? Any other morning dilly daddlers out there? 🙂
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Fake it til you make it! In this case, fake confidence that you feel like you’re rocking it. That + a positive attitude would make anyone silly to judge you! 🙂
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your nails!
And I totally understand the feeling of being a big fish in a small pond and moving to a big pond with really really big fish. I remember Queen Chalene saying that when she moved to California and auditioned to teach at gyms in the area and they LAUGHED at her even though she’d been teaching in MI for years.
Long story short, one of the group ex directors worked with her to improve her classes. That group ex director now works for Chalene (I’m pretty sure it’s Donna Meyer, for those of you who stalk Chalene’s cast of characters from her vids). The success gurus all say that being teachable is the biggest talent to have — I know that you’re gonna be even better than your assistants in NO TIME flat.
wow that makes me feel so much better… since chalene is a goddess basically 🙂
Exactly!!! Love ya girl, so excited for all the fun stuff going on for you! <3
Oh, bless your sweet heart for having such humility. It’s amazing how our visions of ourselves can differ so drastically from how those around us see us. Even if your co-instructors have been at it longer, they see a gorgeous, smart, fit, has-her-sh*it-together young woman come in and probably wonder if they are as relevant as you are, being part of a younger generation and more connected to the community. I often initially *feel* really intimidated in work situations (ummm, hi, who immediately trusts a 25-year-old Barbie doll as their attorney?), but the whole “fake it ’til you make it” thing is worth its weight in word-gold. Put on your confidence face and believe that you not only fit in, but you add value and they need you, or else you wouldn’t be there. They are lucky to have you! And keep it up with your Pilot pep-talks; I rely on those with my hubby to keep me in check. We perfectionists are the biggest critics of ourselves. Believe what he tells you. 🙂
<3 thank you! and yes, it's even worse when you're super type a :)
Um, I feel a little intimidated right now! 😉 After months, no years actually, of reading blogs I finally started one (yesterday!) and am a little intimidated – like, am I doing it right? This is also my first comment on a blog EVER! Whoa! 🙂 Baby steps…
PS. That nail polish is fantastic and I want it.
congrats on your new blog! 🙂
Cait….I’m in the same boat as you! I finally started my own blog last week (after years of reading them), and it can certainly feel intimidating! I think the key that is helping me is to focus on why I wanted to do it (motivation, community, a great outlet, etc.), and it helps me not feel like I want to compare my baby blog to others!
LOVE YOUR NAILS! Those are so cool! I have got to get me some of those!
I love greens–all kinds and in a myriad of preparations–but when I was pregnant the sight of a head of romaine would turn my stomach. Green juice or salads? Forget it! I only wanted beans and cheese 🙂
And I did work where I thought I wasn’t good enough, at a catering company. Some of the employees were so talented at decorating, serving, etc, that I finally just asked them for advice. They were all really helpful, and really glad that I asked. I gained knowledge and gave them a compliment as well. It set the precedent for good relations.
I just started a new job a few months ago doing project management for online advertising campaigns. I had no idea how much their was to know about the internet, servers, code, google analytics, photoshop, iframes, etc. I’m more proficient at the customer relationship part of my job and less comfortable with the techy aspect. Everyone one around me seems sooo good at their jobs, I have many days where I feel overwhelmed. But as the pilot pointed out to you, I’m there because i fit in, i wouldn’t have been hired otherwise! I just keep reminding myself to just do the very best I can everyday and be thankful that I have a challenging, satisfying job!
By the way, I’m amazed by your knowledge and accomplishments in the fitness world, I’m sure you are just as much of a powerhouse as the other instructors!
The resort hired you because they saw something in you. No one goes into a job knowing exactly what to do, they saw potential in you, a spark. Have confidence in your spark, even if you cant see it.
I was hired for a job that I only had a little bit of background in. I didn’t always know what I was doing, so when I lacked confidence in myself I took the confidence my boss saw in me when he hired me. Now I’m successful and been there 5 years.
Don’t be so hard on yourself and you’ll get the hang of it. 🙂
those nails are insane…so cute!
don’t sweat it! we have all been there and in no time you will only laugh at it. 🙂 It just takes time.
Luv the nails!
Congrats on your pregnancy!!! Enjoy those funky nails while you can, I have a 6 week old and although I always had freshly manicured nails, I have only been able to paint them once since she was born! Wouldn’t change it for the world though, being a mom is amazing!
Remember that you have thousands of people reading your blog about fitness because you know what you’re talking about! You’re kind of a big deal!
I totally do the same thing! I get up 2 hrs early then about 10 minutes before I need to leave I start getting ready and then my husky looks at me like, “really mom”? 🙂
Animal nails > Inanimate nails
I LOVE THE NAILS!!!!
And I agree with the pilot. 🙂 Give yourself some credit!!
I felt the same way when I was promoted a few years ago. For the first year, I felt like I was in over my head, but I kept working through the discomfort and applied myself each and every day. Three years into the job and I feel comfortable with the day to day tasks, but there are still projects that I get assigned to that make me feel nervous and inadequate, but I rise to the challenge.
You are plenty qualified to do the job. Keep at it! Your readers think you’re fabulous!!!! Believe in yourself 🙂
Thank you so much for your honesty! Sometimes I feel like I am the only one who struggles with feelings of inadequacy when it come to my job.
p.s. Congratulations to you and the Pilot! How exciting!
I think those nails alone will give you more confidence!!!! Me-ow, I actually squealed when I saw that picture, ha-ha! I think everyone always feels like they aren’t doing well enough when they start a new job. But before you even realize it, you’ll be the instructor helping out a newbie!
I’m sure you’re doing a great job at work! I totally understand how you feel though, I get extremely nervous when certain yoga teachers come to my classes, and afterward feel like they are some of the worst classes I ever taught.
I was the exact same way about preparing food in the beginning of this pregnancy, Something would sound good but if I had to smell it while cooking it, I no longer wanted to eat it. The smell of olive oil especially bothered me.
Yeah, I have to leave in 40 minutes and I’m chillin with my laptop stalking blogs 🙂
I totally feel you on being intimidated by the others – I’m a baby teacher! I’ve been teaching Pilates since January and I work at a studio where, other than me, the teacher with the least experience has been teaching fifteen years. One on hand, I feel SUPER lucky for a thousand reasons – obviously they see potential in me or I wouldn’t be working there/it’s great to have a team of SUCH experienced professionals to learn from/all that good stuff but I still get so nervous, especially when one of them drops in and takes my class! Long story short, my VERY first time teaching, my boss and his wife, both experienced teachers, took my class, and I thought I was going to die from nerves!! But guess what Gina! You’re THE Fitnessista! And even though I don’t know you I KNOW your classes are the bomb!!
PS – my friend, the other day, was trying to come up with a word to describe me now that I am no longer a “fashionista” – and he looks at me and goes, “Fitnessista! That’s it!” and I started cracking up and I had to show him your blog.
hang in there, gina! the pilot is right they would not have hired you if they didn’t see you fit or qualified enough. the obviously saw your potential and wanted you apart of their team. you deserve to be there! LOVE your nails!
I sometimes feel that way at my summer job too. It’s hard when you’re new and you always have another employee breathing down your neck!
But you’ve totally got this Gina. You know your stuff and you’re an awesome instructor! Just plaster on a face of confidence and fake it til you make it. 🙂
Love the bold nail design! I’m sure you’re an AMAZING instructor!
I just got a new job and I’m teaching a class to male PRISON inmates. So yeah, I really feel like I don’t belong. The people who already work there are so seasoned and professional and I feel like this lost little girl. My fiance tells me the same thing the Pilot says to you – “You got hired for a reason.” So even when I DO flub, I try to remind myself that my bosses probably did at one time, too 🙂
Gina, I’m sure you’re an amazing instructor and any club or resort should be SO happy and proud to have you! I agree with the Pilot – you’re there for a reason! I think fake it till you make it (as others have mentioned) is a great piece of advice. Eventually, you sort of convince yourself that you can do it. (Oh, and positive self talk is always good too!)
Love the nails. 🙂
Question–what do you do to some of your pics (like the one at the top) to get it to look like that? Is it a Histomatic app or something? how does it work? I love it and wanna give it a try!
Well, if it helps at all, I have to say that my FAVORITE instructors are the ones that, when they flub (and they all do, on occasion!) laugh it off and make a joke. It makes me feel like they’re real people too, not these fit/toned gods/goddesses of the workout world!
I’d say that if you nervously flub (which everyone does, even the pros who’ve been at it fo’evah!), turn it into something funny, so that if you’re laughing at yourself, it’s less likely that folks would laugh AT you or talk smack behind your back. If they’re anything like me, they’ll appreciate your down-to-earth nature!
Those nails are awesome! Sorry you are dealing with a little work anxiety – like the Pilot said, they wouldn’t have hired you if they didn’t think you were also one of the elite. Think of it this way, by working with such excellent instructors, it will challenge you to excel. You only get better at tennis, if you play someone better than you! Don’t worry – you are definitely one of them! Take care and hope the gagging goes away.
Mo
Oh, yes, I am terrible about not getting ready until the very.last.minute. And in terms of teaching, the Pilot’s right. Remember, you bring a unique style and set of skills to the table that can enrich the other instructors as well. For me, that’s one of the fun things about teaching group fitness-you’re never going it alone and you’re constantly challenged to grow in new ways.
By the way, a huge congrats on your newest family member!!! I look forward to reading all your posts on the new Family page. Hope you have a great day! 🙂
Haha I’ve had those animal print nails before! I got really tired of them after a couple of days though. I love the Salon effects!
Love the nails! I want them!
I have certainly worked in an environment where I felt a little intimidated- like I had gotten in over my head. BUT! you are so right… working in those environments teaches us and push us and helps us to become better. I am sure you are more nervous than you need to be (we are always harder on ourselves) and I am sure you fit right in!
Food prep is tough while preggo and even if something tastes great today it may not as leftovers tomorrow. Cold foods are easier sometimes. Just do your best with the turning tides of pregnancy hormones. In just a few weeks you will probably feel much better and a RIDICULOUS appetite will kick in. You may even lose a little weight during the first trimester – don’t freak, it happens.
You will be fine at the spa. You might even surprise yourself. Good luck!
Oh yes – I feel like I’m in over my head allll the time. In fact, it’s my default mechanism any time I try something new…I question why I got the oppportunity when there are so many others out there who are better/more experience, and I worry myself sick over whether or not I’ll totally suck. I felt that way when I became the manager of my department and I always worried about not being good enough, and I did the same thing when I talked myself into a social media freelance position a few months ago.
I just got licensed to teach Zumba over the weekend, and my gym said I can start teaching as soon as I want, and…you guessed it, I’m doing it again! I’m worried I’ll completely suck, that my students will hate me, that I’ll forget all the steps or be terrible at cueing, or that I’ll be overwhelmed learning all the choreogrpahy…I think my biggest problem is that I need to remember that I am WORTHY, and like the old SNL skit, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and gosh darnit, people like me.” 🙂 Cheesy but true.
Sorry that was long-winded, but I just wanted you to know that I can relate. Hang in there!
Hi Gina!
I love the nails! I wish I had nails to play with but they are a work hazzard since I’m a massage therapist.
Speaking of, I had gone to a continuing ed class a few years ago with an instructor who is very well known in MT circles. After he showed us some new techniques, we practiced on each other. He walked up to me and asked, “How long have you been doing massage?” I freaked out. What was I doing wrong?!?! I told him 10 years (now twelve but whatever). He said, “Usually we see that good posture in students who just come out of massage school. Good for you for keeping up proper body alignment.” WHEW!
So, long way of saying don’t sweat it. 🙂
Have a great day!
fran
The food prepping issue will pass soon I’m sure so just hang in there. So happy for you guys!
Hmm and intimidation at work. I’m sure you were hired into the “rank” you’re at now because you’re well fit for the job and of course awesome! I think you need to be more confident in your ability and you’ll be so successful that one day you’ll look back and wonder “what in the world was I thinking”. Plus, your nails scream confidence! Love it!
Wow, I am LOVING those nails!
I’ll admit it.. I was worried about all the family posts when I first saw them.. I’m already in love with how everything is on the blog and I was scared of the change and that I wouldn’t like it. BUT I am happy to announce that I absolutely fell in love with every single family post. I even had tears in my eyes for most of them. I could not be more happy for you and the Pilot! 🙂
I am veryyyy much a dilly daller in the mornings – I set my alarm almost 2 hours early too even though it realisitcally only takes maybe 45 minutes for me to get ready (I work in an office so I gotta shower and do all those stupid girly things like hair & makeup). At my current position I felt the exact same way when I first started and I did make a few mistakes. However, I made myself just slow down, take a deep breath and remind myself that I CAN do this. I know you are an amazing fitness instructor and will just take some time to get back into your usual groove. 🙂 Good luck!
The nails are so cute. I was debating buying those the other day at CVS but I wish they had more prints.
You’ve inspired me to break out the juicer when I get home from vacation. I have not used mine in way too long.
I love your blog. It’s my favorite. I wish I could have you as my trainer… and anyone that is lucky enough to get trained by you is grateful. I am sure of it.
Hey, I just started reading your blog in the last few weeks, and I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy it! It’s motivating for me to read about people like you who are super dedicated to eating well and an active lifestyle. I know the Air Force lifestyle as well, because my husband and I are serving. I actually separate in a few months, and I’m excited beyond belief! Reading all these posts from other people are helping me feel better about having the confidence to do something I might actually love once I get out, since I don’t enjoy my job right now, even though I don’t really know what that “dream” job is quite yet. Congrats on the baby, and I’m looking foward to reading your blog in the months to come!
I think somewhere along the way, we, as women, are conditioned to think that we don’t quite measure up or that we are faking it professionally. I know that I often feel like I am waiting for someone to catch me or that I am going to make a huge mistake but it hasn’t happened yet. I know my boss feels this way too – as we often talk about it. Two things help – 1. don’t apologize if you don’t know something, flub something etc – guys don’t do it and in most cases, no one even notices! 2. I give myself a pep talk in the mirror before a big interview or presentation etc. – telling myself I am good at what I do, I know what I am doing and they are damn lucky to have me and my expertise at their disposal! I am laughing as I write this but it works! Hang in there – you are most likely a harder judge of yourself than anyone else will ever be.
Love the nails! I am one to always have my nails painted, so nails are something I notice 🙂
I used to team teach Zumba with my boss at the University who just happened to be a master trainer for all of Eastern Canada, and a very well known and popular instructor throughout Nova Scotia. She would normally only teach a song or two and let me teach the rest of the class – with her participating. At first I was freaked out, little old me teaching a master trainer!? It freaked me out, but she obviously thought I was doing a good job or else she wouldn’t have let me do it, and I’m sure it’s the same for you.
Don’t even worry about messing up, just shrug it off and pretend like nothing ever happened. I promise even the best of the best screws up – they just know how to hide it so nobody figures it out 😉
And while I’m sure you are already a super awesome instructor – this will only make you even better. So stop stressin’ and start chillin’. He’s right you know – they wouldn’t have hired you if you weren’t already great!
I felt the same way the first three months of both my pregnancies…I could not cook chicken but I had no problem eating it. Everything gets better in the second trimester…enjoy!
And I used to love sushi but I could not eat it when I was pregnant and now for some reason I don’t crave it at all anymore which is a bummer!
First off, I love the nails, I’ll have to buy some for myself 🙂
Re your work ?? When I’m around “important” people I always remind myself that they have their own insecurities you just don’t know it, once you look at it that way it might make it easier for you to realize they’re not better than you, we’re all equal.
Gina, I love your blog, and the inspiration you provide me! I work in a high-pressure finance job, and I often feel intimidated, especially when my co-workers have so many more years of experience. What helps me is realizing that I landed the job for a reason, and they obviously have the confidence in me to do it! Sometimes, these feelings can help push us to the next level as well! I wish you the best of success in your role. If I was ever out west, I’d be thrilled to take a class of yours 🙂
<3