I think it was two years ago that I wrote about my New Years resolution to become a Certified Personal Trainer. That’s as far as I got with that resolution because I became overwhelmed with all of the school options and the different costs involved. I felt like a failure for not going through with it, but I didn’t want to do it, just to do it.
Earlier this year when I found out my job was no longer stable, I began visiting local gyms to speak with the personal trainers they had on staff, as well as the gym managers. I asked questions about the gyms, how long they’ve been training and most importantly, what certifications they accepted and recommended. Each gym had a list of certifications that they spoke about, complete with pro’s and cons, but one came up at each and every one as the “top notch” to have. That certification was NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) which was also one of the more expensive ones and now it made sense why. I tucked all of that information off into a little corner of my brain labeled “some day” and I moved on.
A few months later, a good friend of ours brought up the topic of me getting my certification and they recommended NASM. When we mentioned the money aspect of it they pointed out that there is a payment option and the wheels in my head began turning again. I wanted to sign-up for the classes but a new issue came up…that issue was fear. I was scared of failing, scared of working in a gym (I mean, I don’t even have a gym membership because of my group fitness phobia) and the thought of starting over in a new field of work just scared the shit out me, so once again, I filed the thought of getting certified under “some day”.
A few months ago, I began working on personal development and I made a dream board. The dream board included all the things I’d like to do during the course of my life, so it included things like places I plan on traveling to, my dream home and personal goals for myself. I believe that making these boards gives you a visual reminder of what you are striving for in life and turns those “dreams” into goals because they are now on paper (or in this case a giant piece of foam board). One of the things I put on there was a NASM certificate. I even added my name and a completion date to that image and then glued it into place, without really thinking about it anymore.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been questioned by multiple people as to why I have not gone for certification yet and I never had a good answer to that question. Yes, there was the money issue, but that excuse was taken away from me with the payment options. Then there was the fear issue, but that’s really not a valid excuse to not do something. I know that amazing things happen when you leave your comfort zone, because I’ve been traveling outside of mine for 4 years already. So what the hell is my problem?
Well, the universe seems to have a plan for me…and I can’t keep ignoring it, even if I’m scared. My family gave me the shove I needed by showing nothing but support and I received an early Christmas present to get me going on the path I’ve been running away from like a coward.
Yup…that’s right! I’m officially enrolled in NASM’s Certified Personal Trainer course. Starting next Monday, I’m officially a student again! While I’m terrified of developing study habits and taking quizzes, I’m so grateful for the support of my family and friends who have seen that I can do this, even though I’m still struggling to believe.
Yesterday, I found myself looking at my dream board closely and I’m shocked at how many things on there I’m close to achieving. I may not be traveling the world or in my dream house, but I will be…it’s just a matter of time!
Do you have a dream board? If so, what kind of things do you have one it?
getfitwithnikki.com 
Good for you! :-)