Female Athletes, Get Uncomfortable to See What’s Possible

11 Feb Female Athletes, Get Uncomfortable to See What’s Possible

Exactly a year ago, I ran my last speed and strength sessions in Maryland.

I dreaded that final speech I would give to my athletes and parents.

It had been ten years of beautiful memories, laughs and smiles, rigorous yet fun sessions, and relationships that were like family.

I dreaded that final speech because it was uncomfortable. I didn’t want to cry and say goodbye. I felt like I was leaving such an amazing thing, and a body of work that impacted many lives.

I mustered up all of the willpower in me not to explode into tears, but the emotions inside my heart were too heavy, so the tears poured out uncontrollably.

After collecting myself and taking a few breaths, I spoke my final words to my athletes.

It was a series of long goodbyes that seemed to never end. Of course, we wanted to continue to give hugs, share memories, and chat in the parking lot. We all dreaded the final moment we all got in our cars, and I was on my way to Florida.

The goodbyes went on and on and on.

It was hard.

And you know, I’ve done some downright uncomfortable things in my lifetime – skydiving, canoeing down the Amazon River, hang gliding, eating maggots in the Amazon, and so much more.

But nothing compared to the goodbyes I gave in Maryland that pierced my heart. On top of that, I was anxious I was making a massive mistake to move, and I’d regret my decision.

Alas, that was the discomfort speaking. It’s supposed to feel that way.

Discomfort has its sneaky way of distracting you with doubt. It tests you. It asks you, ‘do you really want to do this?’ So you hesitate. You second guess. You are afraid to act.

But let me tell you this: anytime you feel discomfort, you should do the darn thing.

If you’re scared to take on a defender with that new move you learned, do it anyway.

If you’re scared to play for a higher level team, do it anyway.

If you’re scared to try a new position, do it anyway.

If you’re scared to run harder in that conditioning drill, do it anyway.

If you’re scared to go against the boys, do it anyway.

If you’re scared to be the loudest and most vocal on the field, do it anyway.

If you’re scared to go in for a tackle, do it anyway.

When you push through discomfort, you find out what you’re made of, what you’re capable of, and what is possible.

Had I stayed in my comfortable bubble in Maryland because I felt safe would’ve been a far greater mistake than not trying.

Don’t get me wrong, I miss my Maryland athletes terribly, but had I stayed in Maryland, I wouldn’t have made a new dent in the world.

Had I stayed in Maryland, I would not have met more amazing athletes in Florida:

I would not have written The Strong Female Athlete book:

I would not have been near my friends:

I would not have experienced living by the beach:

I would not have started my pro bono podcast Girls to Queens to help young girls live purposeful lives:

I would not have lived a life of adventure with a side of sunshine:

I would not have done any of this.

I am forever grateful I took the leap, and Florida now feels like home. I am glad I pushed to see what was on the other side.

I promise you, even if so incredibly terrifying, getting uncomfortable is the best thing you can do to improve your performance and life, and to see the magic that is possible.

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