Shortcuts? An Easy Way Out!

Today my husband and I had some errands to run and needed to pick up a few groceries. Traffic was crazy due to it of course being rush hour, but on top of that it was raining. Pittsburgh traffic during any type of precipitation is CRAZINESS times a million!!

So here were are sitting in traffic and I asked Craig if I should take this exit to go around the back way. He said if you think it will be quicker go ahead. Mind you I am a VERY impatient person when it comes to sitting in traffic. I don't like just sitting still. I have to find a way to keep moving.... WHICH IS NOT A GOOD QUALITY! So after I get off the exit, traffic is at a halt AGAIN.. it was a lose lose situation. So, here I am again, "Craig, should I turn left and go that way?" He of course responds the same thing, if you think it will be quicker. Hmmm, ok let's go, it's all about taking risks. Make the left turn. Traffic/Red Lights. MAN DOWN for sure at this point.

After finally getting moving at a decent speed, I realize... this road takes me no where near where I need to go, and here I am thinking this is a short cut. WRONG STEPH WRONG WRONG WRONG! So, with all this being said... I eventually got back on the route I was after the first time.. only an hour later did I actually show up where I needed to be!




Why am I telling you this crazy story... well here's the thing! Shortcuts in life are not always the shortest routes. They may seem like it because they are obviously called "short cuts" but in regards to the story above, it took me a lot longer to get where I needed to be by taking these short cuts. You may think you're getting close to where you need to be, but something along this "shorter" route is likely to get in the way; therefore, setting you back further to where you were before. It may take you double the amount of time to get to your final destination.

In relation to my health and fitness journey, I tried taking many shortcuts. I tried diet pills, fad diets, and other things that would help me lose weight really fast but only caused me to gain it right back, and double the amount of weight! These shortcuts or quick fixes as some people call it, DO NOT WORK! This health and fitness journey is a long journey. There are hours and hours of dedication, tears, sweat, and a lot of effort put forth to see the end results! I have learned this over the last 21 months. I am totally ok going my own speed since I know there are no shortcuts. I'd rather stay on this route I know which will work than steering off to see if a shortcut will actually benefit me!

Granted, some shortcuts may work for some people, but in the long run what was the actual benefit of taking that shortcut? An easy way out? I don't want the easy way. I want to enjoy this journey and take it all in knowing I put up an amazing fight to get to where I need to be! It will make me feel much more accomplished in the long run!









I am hosting a challenge group on October 27th. Just in time for the holidays to come rolling in. If you are ready to lose the excuses, avoid the shortcuts, and make a change in your life for the better... please email me at tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com or find me on Facebook! www.maketodayyourtomorrow.com


Please also like me on Instagram @maketodayyourtomorrow!

September 27th -- Team Beachbody Super Saturday

As you all may know I am a Team Beachbody coach! This business makes my heart so happy! The motto explains everything ... "Help People Achieve Their Goals to Lead Healthy Fulfilling Lives!"

BOOM. That is what this is all about! Helping people.... That is what we do as a company, and I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of something so big and so rewarding!

Last Saturday, we had this AMAZING event, it's called Super Saturday. It is an event to bring together all the Team Beachbody Coaches in the regions across the nation. During this event you get to hear success stories from the customers as well as the coaches, we get to learn about some general information regarding the future of Beachbody and what I love most about this event is hearing from the top leaders in this company! That's right - we get training from the Top Coaches in Beachbody, the number 1 coach to be exact!! (That's right - the number one coach in Beachbody is from the Pittsburgh area!!) How awesome is that??!?!

When you get to network with hundreds of people who are on this same path as you and are extremely passionate about the same things in life, it is such an amazing atmosphere! I couldn't be more proud to be apart of something much larger than I can even explain! We all have that one thing in common -- it is to #EndTheTrend of obesity!

After our training session, the Pittsburgh area Master Trainer, Kam Niskach, KICKED OUR BEHINDS like no other! We got a live workout with her, a combination of Insanity and PiYo. If you want to SWEAT and get a KICKA$$, intense workout - I want you to attend one of her classes. #KILLER and her energy she brings is absolutely amazing. The adrenaline rush and the high from this workout was so awesome. These workouts really focus on your inner strength and mental drive. You get to push yourself further than you ever thought you could go and that is what I love about Beachbody! Pulls you so far out of your comfort zone that you're more comfortable BEING UNCOMFORTABLE!



These events are not just for learning about the company and working out, they are for networking and bonding with your team members. These girls/guys are a huge support system in this business. They are the ones who are always there pushing you to do better and believing you are capable of achieving great things. This team you see to the right, they are supporters, motivators, comedians, and most importantly an amazing group of people who I am so thankful to call my friends! I may not have known them my entire life, and maybe not even 6 months, but they hold a very special place in my heart. 

If this event is something you would love to be apart of, January 10th --- mark your calendars, please email me at tbbcoschsteph87@gmail.com! I am so excited for the next event and I want you to come along with me!!

For more daily inspiration and motivation, please follow me on Instagram, @maketodayyourtomorrow OR like me on Facebook! Link right over there ------>

Thank you all for your support and reading my blog. Love you all!

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month #PayItForward

Happy October Everyone, we are officially Day 2 into the month! How many people can say this year has absolutely FLOWN by! I feel like just yesterday I was stressing about planning my wedding, and here we are almost five months post wedding!!! Craziness.


This month my team and I are are coming together to #PayItForward. For the entire month of October, we will #drinkpink! If you don't know what that means, let me explain! We are all Team Beachbody Coaches. We help support people towards their health and fitness goals. We also teach our challengers the importance of self worth and living a happier lifestyle!

So what does #drinkpink actually mean?

We drink Shakeology! It is an amazing nutritional shake made with over 70 super foods! It helps reduce cravings, assists with weight loss, increased energy and also helps with your digestive system! It is also clinically proven to help lower cholesterol! Some members of our team will be drinking Strawberry Shakeology and others will simply add ingredients to their current flavor to make the shakes Pink! :) How fun right?

How are we going to be #PayingItForward?

Obviously it makes no sense to just #drinkpink, so we have decided to step it up and support a great cause. For the entire month of October, every challenge pack the team sells (this is a workout program of your choice, as well as Shakeology) we will be donating $10 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure! When we sell a Shakeology HD, we will be donating $5 to the organization.

Why are we even doing this?


We are very passionate about helping the lives of others. We are passionate about helping people get in the best shape of their lives. Change their lives for the better. We want people to see their greatest potential and not be afraid to stand up for what they really want. No matter where you are in life, we want to help you see the amazing things life has to offer if you just believe! We are donating money because we are passionate about helping the communities around us and want to #PayItForward.


What can you do to help?
If you would like to join us for our #DrinkPink Challenge, please email me at tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com! You can join our #ThinkPink Challenge Groups and also get started on living a happier and healthier lifestyle today!

For more inspiration and daily motivation, please link me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/maketodayyourtomorrow) -----> Just click the link, right over there! You can also like me on Instagram! @maketodayyourtomororw!

Road to Financial Freedom

I want to share with you a story. A story about a girl who was so dependent on credit cards to survive while in college, even while working 2-3 jobs.

I was not good with managing my money, I would always buy things I didn't need.. I needed books for school, I 'wanted' new clothes, I 'wanted' to do those cool things with my friends and there I was oblivious to it all until I got my bills each month and realized I was drowning myself in credit card debt! I never had much direction in life on the importance of credit cards, and why they shouldn't be used for everyday life purchases... At this moment in life, I am somewhat grateful for the ignorance because it helped me get a better grip on my finances today.


As I look back at those irresponsible years, I see all the things I could have done better. But here's the thing.. if I would not have made those mistakes, I don't think I would be on this same path I am now. Sometimes you just have to stumble and fall before you can take off full speed running. And that's exactly what I did.

The day that really sticks with me is the day that I couldn't afford to get gas because my account was overdrawn, I had just quit my waitressing job because I was completely miserable, the 10 hour shifts making barely minimum wage in tips (some other issues as well) and feeling completely defeated and no where to turn. How was I ever going to get myself out of this mess. I was scraping up every penny I had to try to make ends meet and with credit cards maxed out, I had hit rock bottom. Borrowing money from people was not something I did, I always managed to find a way to figure things out but at this moment in my life, I was in complete despair. I couldn't even begin to put all the pieces together in my head on how I let myself get to this point. It was embarrassing, point blank.


As the years went on and I started making more money, I decided to make myself a budget worksheet. I would write down all of my bills that I had to pay each month, beginning of the month and middle of the month. I made a "virtual checkbook". I would keep track of all my expenses, and what I would spend my money on. Once you have a visual of how much money you actually WASTE, it is totally eye opening! As I was still working two jobs, I still struggled with money issues of course but I was making my way to the end of that tunnel... if it was the last thing I did!

Fast forward to May of 2014, our wedding month! :) My husband and I had been saving for about a year and a half to pay for our wedding ourselves. We managed to save up the $10,000 to have a gorgeous, intimate beach wedding with our closet friends and families in the beautiful Outer Banks, North Carolina. While we would have loved to have our entire family there, it was financially smarter for us since we were paying for the entire thing ourselves. We couldn't have asked for a more blessed day!! After the wedding was over, we racked up about another $1,500 in credit card debt - but this was in all my fault because there were things I really wanted and yes I was getting in over my head a little.

But here's the thing...it was kind of like a light bulb went off! I was more focused on bettering my life since joining Team Beachbody, and seeing all my friends and fellow coaches talking about how they are paying off their debt and are on their road to financial freedom, I got to thinking, WHY CAN'T I DO THAT?!?! So I did! I made a plan, I started paying more than just the minimum balances on my credit cards, and stopped using them all together! I have not made a single credit card purchase since May of this year, and I am so very excited.

Glad you stuck around this long because here's the best part of this post, since mid-May of 2014... yes, just shy of 5 months, my husband and I have managed to pay off $3,200+ in credit card debt! IT IS GONE FOREVER!! We have been working so hard and making daily, weekly, and monthly sacrifices because we are looking to better our lives. With just two credit cards remaining, I am very excited to say... there is no doubt in my mind that we will beat our goal of wanting to be credit card debt free fairly soon!

Why am I telling you this? Why do you even care? I am sharing this with you because I know what it's like to struggle, I am paying off all this credit card debt and still have thousands of dollars in student loans! But I am on the road to a bright and financially free life... Credit cards are only as evil as you let them be, I am learning from my past mistakes and I am looking forward to a bright future! If you would like to join me on this journey, please reach out to me and let's chat! For more information about my budget worksheet, please feel free to email me at tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com! I would be more than willing to share it with you!

For more inspiration and daily motivation, please follow me on Facebook --> Link right over there, Make Today Your Tomorrow or Follow me on Instagram, @maketodayyourtomorrow!

Suck It Up! You want to see results, DO THE WORK!

Today, I am going to share something with you that I really just want to get off my chest.

Since I was a teenager, I have always been one to compare myself to other people, someone who always got picked on and never really fit in with the “cool kids”. Here’s the thing, those experiences I dealt with growing up have really had a negative impact on me mentally. I am constantly trying to fit in, seeking pity, and basically asking why me? I struggled a lot with self-confidence and feeling like I would never amount to anything in life. I lacked the motivation and support from a family, and never really had someone standing by my side saying “Yes, you can”. It’s been extremely hard for me to be successful in anything because I always gave up. I would always run and hide when things got hard because I was so afraid of putting in the effort it took to be successful. 

Today, I am slowly trying to get over these fears and struggles.. I still struggle a lot and wonder why me on some things, and why do people forget about me.. but here’s the thing. IT IS A PROCESS. Yes, I have failed at things that have left me feeling hopeless and defeated, but beginning back in June of this year, I have really started to stay focused on my goals and know to NEVER GIVE UP even when I have failed.

I am sharing this with you because I have thought of myself as a failure in some aspects. I feel like I fail my team. I have thought of myself as someone who would never amount to anything. I have thought of myself as someone who would never be good enough. But here’s the thing, those thoughts are all in the past. They are all thoughts that I KNOW I AM IN CONTROL OF. Thoughts that I know I can change. I know that I am the ONLY person who will ever be able to consider myself a failure… and you know what… I AM NOT A FAILURE!

So what if I don’t have a lot of friends, I have the people who I know I can trust and who are there to help me every step of the way in any situation life may throw my way. So what if I lacked support and encouragement growing up, I have found that those close friends and newly added family members (marriage) will stand by my side through all the ups and downs. WHO CARES if those people from middle school and high school didn't like you, DO THEY MATTER NOW? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! 

Here I stand 27 years old, I define myself as a very hard working woman. A woman who has been thrown may curve balls but is still able to overcome them. I have gained strength and courage over the last three and a half months and it has helped me realize all the potential I do have to be something amazing. I want to help people find this courage, to find the strength to overcome all those negative experiences ---- that have made them think they will never amount to anything. Believe me when I say, you are worthy. You are amazing. If anyone tells you, you cannot do whatever it is you want to do… IGNORE THEM because who are they to limit your abilities to be something special. 

Beachbody has not helped me make a HUGE PHYSICAL transformation like most people you see, but my goodness… this team, this support, this motivation, the value of this company has CHANGED ME MENTALLY in a way I could never come up with enough words to explain my gratitude. It has helped me realize that I am everything and more than I ever thought I would ever amount to. This mental transformation for me, it is something I am so beyond grateful for. I love what this company stands for, I love the core values, I just love everything this company has to offer. 

I have always cared what others thought, I have always compared myself to where others are. I have begged for pity through many situations in my life.. I am not proud of these things and I don’t want to be that person anymore. The only way you are able to be successful is if you stop making excuses, suck it up and just do the work. No one else is going to tell you how to live your life. You are the ONLY person who matters in this journey. 

It is time to stop begging for acceptance, if people don’t like you.. oh well, GET OVER IT. You won’t be liked by everyone. If you didn't reach that first goal you set, suck it up – work a little bit harder the next time. If you aren't seeing the results you want, are you really putting forth 100%? This post is not directed towards anyone BUT MYSELF. I tend to make myself a victim in quite a few situations, but the time has come and I AM DONE. Success will be mine. I will conqueror all these goals I have set for myself. 

If you are ready to stop making those excuses for yourself as well, please email me at tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com and let’s team up and crush these goals. DO IT BECAUSE YOU KNOW YOU ARE WORTH IT! NO MORE EXCUSES.

Consistency. It Can Make YOU or Break You.

Good evening to all my lovely blog readers! So glad you'e back to read more. It's Friday evening and I'm hanging out at home, just working on my business and trying to figure out ways to be more successful!



I have so many great ideas and my mind just starts flooding with this overwhelming feeling - so I just have to stay focused and committed to these goals and eventually everything will fall into place! :) Tonight, I want to share with you a little thing that I believe can completely make you or break you... so, IMO, essentially it is what will determine whether or not people listen to/follow you or just call your bluff.





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CONSISTENCY!
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Consistency is so important when you're trying to learn something new, beginning a new weight lifting program, following a new diet plan, starting up your own business, or even rewind to your childhood years when you were trying to ride your bicycle without training wheels for the first time.. you didn't give up, you were consistent until you learned how to do it by yourself!

It is so easy to get caught up in everyday life and make excuses as to why you can't complete one of the tasks on your to do list.. or you didn't do your workout, failed with your meal plan, etc. Here's the thing ... if you always make an excuses, you'll stay in that exact same spot. I know that I wouldn't want a personal trainer or nutritionist who just decides to give it there all one day and for the next four days they're sitting at home on their couch watching television, eating bon bons. UM, really? No thanks! I want a someone who will be right there with me at the gym 5-7 days a week.. CONSISTENTLY learning and getting better!

Sometimes life may hurt and knock you down, but this is where the true strength is noticed. This strength is noticed when you are affected by something so terrifying, something so determined to knock you completely down, maybe even kick you around a little -- but you still manage to get back up. Your followers, your subscribers, everyone around you should be the reason you get back up... AND FOR YOURSELF. You just have to dig deep down, realize you are worth doing amazing things, and know to never give up.

Believing in yourself is such a huge factor as well with being consistent. You have to believe that when you fall down you are able to get right back up. If you have a bad week at work, with your business, working out, meal planning, anything -- you have to know that you cannot stay down forever. You're "why" to continue whichever journey you decide to take off on, this "why" must be so strong that you know you can't imagine your life any other way then on this path you're taking. You're attitude will be contagious, and when you're consistent... more people will realize their self worth and that is the greatest reward of of all.



I hope that you all find this information helpful and see why it is so important to stay focused and on track with whatever you are doing. Please feel free to share this with any friends and/or family that may find this helpful!

--Also, please like me on Facebook -------> YEP! Right over there, {www.facebook.com/maketodayyourtomorrow}
or follow me on Instagram, @maketodayyourtomorow!

Tips on Dining Out, The Healthy Way!

How many people absolutely love weekends? The freedom to relax, hang out with friends and family, do all those fun activities, and EAT OUT!?!?! OH NO... all your hard work is instantly ruined because there aren't any healthy items on the menu... and you think, oh that's ok -- I'll just start again Monday!

WRONG WRONG WRONG.

I am here to share with you five tips that I think will be very helpful for you while dining out... AND you won't have to eat just rabbit food! Exploring the different ways to modify your meals is very simple and easy! These are the tips that have helped for me and normally what I do when I go out to eat.

Tip 1: Map out where you will be eating!

Why you ask? -- The reason I make this tip #1 is because it is the most crucial! If you are prepared for where you are going to dinner, you will be able to look at their online menu! Most companies nowadays share their menus on their websites. This will give you a chance to look over the menu, pick and choose what you like and think about ways you will be able to modify it to be much healthier!

Tip 2: Ask for grilled, broiled, or steamed!

Why you ask? -- Obviously, this should be a given. If you are trying to stay on track with your nutrition and fitness.. when you're out to dinner and you find an entree you like but it's breaded... ask if there is an option for it to be grilled or broiled. Breaded meats PACK on the calories... on average a 4oz piece of grilled chicken would be between 100-125 calories. If you were to get a piece of breaded chicken, there could be double if not TRIPLE the amount of calories there!! Also another tip I want to share here, if you have side options .. choose the steamed veggies!! There is no extra added fat, which essentially means no extra calories!

Tip 3: Ditch the POP/Soda!

Why you ask? -- Oh my goodness, where do I even begin here. The amount of sugar, the 16-20 ounce glass you're getting, and oh how many refills did you just have? Pop is a no go, ask for water. Most health and fitness websites mention you are suppose to drink half your weight in ounces! Add some lemon to it and you have yourself a healthy flavorful drink SUGAR FREE!!! This should be a given, just ditch the pop!



Tip 4: Sauce on the side, please!

Why you ask? -- Getting your salad dressing or sauce on the side will help cut back on those calories! If you get your sauce on the side, typically (from when I waitressed) the ramikins are about 2 oz, BUT when the restaurants put the sauce right on the entree, you can never gauge actually how much sauce you will be getting! Dressings (such as ranch) are really high in fat and calories. I usually get my salad dressing or sauce on the side and just dip my food in there but very cautious not to use a lot of it.

Tip 5: Save your cheat meal!

Why you ask? -- Ok, so when you're on your health and fitness journey -- and you'e trying to eat healthy but your friends asked you to go to dinner this weekend. OH NO, WHAT DO I DO... RESTAURANTS ARE PURE EVIL... no no no! Just listen, if you are on point with your eating habits during the week and you know you have an obligation to eat out with friends or family, be cautious throughout the week and save your cheat meal. Maybe you want to have a glass of pop or you would like to have mashed potatoes and gravy with all the fixings. You don't want to deprive yourself, and I'm not telling you you have to do this to lose weight or be healthy... just make healthy choices and you will do great!

I hope these five tips help you better handle eating out situations. I know they can be rough, and when  you're eating out with friends you don't want to be the "difficult" person but sometimes, you have to. Don't let the peer pressure of others affect your decision. It's your body, you have to live in it... not them! I am not saying I am a fitness expert or nutritionist, I am simply offering you my personal opinions and advice! I hope you find them helpful.













For more daily tips, suggestions and daily motivation about health, fitness and life in general, feel free to like my Facebook page *Make Today Your Tomorrow* ------> RIGHT over there... and Follow me on Instagram! :) @maketodayyourtmorrow -- If you like what you see, don't forget to subscribe!!

Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do!

Good Morning followers, newbies, and all my lovely friends! :)

I wanted to share with you today something that means a lot to me because honestly for my entire life, I have never really had anyone pushing me to get to where I am today but that didn't stop me from working towards my goals and dreams. The quote of the day today is going to be "Dreams don't work unless you do!"

This quote really puts everything into perspective.. because it very self-explanatory. You see, you will accomplish nothing until you are willing to work on accomplishing something! How many times have you dreamt about being debt free, losing 10 pounds, owning your own business, landing that dream job, or owning your own home? In order to accomplish these things, you must come up with a plan, stick with it, and eventually things will fall into place! I have worked extremely hard for the last 13 years to accomplish everything I have.

I was fourteen years old beginning my first job. It was a summer program where I would have to "work" about 6 hours Monday through Friday. I mean what kind of 14 year old wants to spend their summers working? THIS GIRL!! I came from a family that did not have a lot of money, I wasn't able to go shopping at the mall or do the fun things all my other friends were doing BUT I wanted to do those things, so I had to work for it. This mindset put me on a path I knew would take me far. I feel that if I would not have started working at such a young age, I may not be where I am today. I was focused, determined, and wanted things I didn't have at the time.

Fast forward to June of 2005, I was graduating high school... I was always told that I was to go to college, but no one in my family did so I was falling into a path where nope, I don't want to go. I didn't want to spend four years in college, it just wasn't what I was looking to do. However, something came over me and I decided to start my college career at a technical school, Bradford School in Pittsburgh. I moved away with a close friend from high school and we started our adventure as college students just 2 weeks after graduating High School!! We were eager to begin this journey. I have to say I am very thankful that I changed my mind and went to college because I became even more focused and determined. I worked about a year and a half after graduating with my Associate's degree then decided I wanted to go back to college for my Bachelor's Degree.. in January 2010, I was officially a full time student again at Robert Morris University!

Why am I telling you all of this... because these are just some of the steps I had to take to get to where I am today... Fast forward to September 2014... I am a college graduate, I landed my first official "salaried position" two weeks BEFORE I was graduating college. It was so awesome to not have to stress about if and when I would find a job because the economy wasn't doing so well during this time. I busted my behind to get to this point in my life.. I would work multiple jobs while in college just to ensure I was able to pay my bills.. Most people would have probably given up at this point. Sacrifices needed to be made... I knew it would suck at first but the outcome would be so much more rewarding than feeling that sense of regret for the rest of my life.

Facts:
I bought my first brand new car. I pay for everything I have. I worked my butt off. I paid for my own wedding, no help from family or friends. I would work multiple jobs. I have my own apartment. I put myself through college, every penny of the way. I cried a lot because of stress. I have paid off 75% of my credit card debt within the last 4 months. I am looking to purchase my first home. I NEVER GAVE UP. I am excited to see what my future holds for me.

My life may have thrown me many curveballs.. sometimes I thought how am I ever going to overcome this, but deep down... you will find that strength. It may take a lot longer sometimes but you have to focus on getting back up rather than staying knocked down. Rise above it all and you will come out on top. Because remember, Dreams Don't Work Unless YOU DO!

Please don't forget to like me on Facebook, subscribe to my blog and follow me on Instagram!
www.facbeook.com/maketodayyourtomorrow

If you are looking for a way to help you reach your dreams and goals, looking for someone to help keep you accountable, email me at tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com or fill out the contact form below! I would love to chat with you about an amazing opportunity!

Leave your excuse at the door.

Hi All! I know it's been a long time, but I've been really putting in some thought of how I wanted to design my blog to be more appealing to my awesome subscribers! I thought by sharing my personal experiences and explaining my view on things would be a great approach. I want to help more people succeed in life, and realize that they may not be the only one going through a type of situation. This blog may provide them with something to turn to, to reassure them they are not in this alone! 

I want to start off by sharing a quote daily.. kind of like the "Quote of the Day!" I will share stories, and personal life experiences on how I have overcome these and how it has gotten me to where I am today. I hope these stories will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone, or speak up and shine through to realize you are in charge of your own happiness.

Here is today's "Quote of the Day!" This one is related to my health and fitness journey! It seriously puts everything into perspective and I find it to be so very true!

Before January 2013, when I officially took full charge on my health and fitness journey, I could probably say I used at least three to four of these excuses every single day... seriously, they get SO OLD! How many times have you asked a friend to go workout with you and you heard these excuses... OVER IT, RIGHT? Well the thing is, when you stop making excuses, YOU START SEEING RESULTS! Every excuse under the sun, I've probably used it.

My biggest excuse EVER that stuck with me for a long period of time, it's in my genes! This was my biggest setback, when I wasn't seeing results, I constantly told myself -- it's because I was meant to look like this, I wasn't meant to be thin/fit. How many people have used this excuse? Here's the thing though... when I put my mind and determination to the test, 20 months later... I am 32 pounds lighter and have shed 20+ inches overall! I am not meant to "look like I did"... I just wasn't putting forth my all. I was eating out all the time, I was a cardio bunny, I didn't like lifting weights because I didn't want to get "big and bulky".. my oh my oh my!

November 12, 2012 - I got engaged. This CHANGED everything. I went to the gym occasionally but never actually got my nutrition in line nor was I following through with my workouts. It wasn't until January 1, 2013 where I put forth my all and knew that 2013 was my year to bring "my sexy back". HAHA! January 1, 2013 I was off from my full time day job, but had to work at a part time job. I went to the gym before my afternoon shift and got in some cardio then off to work I went. I incorporated cardio and very little weight training to my routine for about four months. I was down 16 pounds!!! SWEET! FINALLY SOME PROGRESS.

So I got my exercise in line, but after my birthday - April 17th, I noticed I was not seeing any difference. I tried adding in some body pump while still doing some cardio, but I realized nothing was helping me! Here's the thing, I was still eating out, and doing what I use to do -- and still working out like a wild woman. I plateaued... for EIGHT AND A HALF MONTHS!!!!! 8 1/2 months teetering back and forth in a five pound range was seriously the most frustrating thing in this journey so far... I just couldn't figure out what I needed to adjust.

Here is the thing, they say to see results it's 80% nutrition and 20% exercise.... DING DING DING!!!! NUTRITION!!! This is why I wasn't seeing any inches fall off, I wasn't seeing any changes in the way my clothes fit or anything. I was stuck. January 2014, I was introduced to the wonderful world of Beachbody and Shakeology (the healthiest meal of the day/nutritional shake)! Ever hear of Insanity or P90X? Yep, these are beachbody workout programs... they have proven to give you AMAZING results. Well, I ventured out into the world and tried something new... I was a little nervous because these are at home workouts, and I was definitely a gym rate. But honestly, these at home workouts changed my life! I was able to get in a great 25-30 minute workout from the comfort of my own home! When I started drinking Shakeology and doing T25 (a slightly modified version of Insanity, IMO) I was able to drop 10 pounds and another 6 inches! HOLY MOLY are you serious?! I hadn't seen these types of results in 8 1/2 months going to the gym 5-6 days a week! CRAZINESS. I continued my journey with the beachbody programs and to this day I don't think I could ever turn back. I am forever grateful for beachbody changing my life.

So overall, excuses -- LEAVE THEM AT THE DOOR. Once you are willing to give up your "I'm too tired" or "I had a bad day" excuse... you might actually just start seeing those results!!

If you are interested in learning more about the beachbody workout programs or Shakeology, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the blog. I would love to chat with you about our upcoming Fall Fitness Frenzy Accountability group beginning September 22nd!! There are a limited number of spaces, so don't wait to join! :)


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Motivation. Inspiration. Confidence. The TEAM behind it all.

Team (noun): a group of players forming one side in a competitive game or sport.

Team (verb): come together as a team to achieve a common goal.

A team is consisted of people from different backgrounds, despite their ignorance of each other's lives, coming together on one side... essentially to achieve a common goal. Although in a sport, the team may not always see eye to eye and fail to motivate each other. One member may feel they are better than the other individuals, and only look out for themselves. Hypothetically speaking, this is where the team breaks apart and may not achieve that common goal due to the competitiveness amongst each other for the spotlight.

Team Call!

Which brings me to my sole purpose of this post. I am a member of a health and fitness team. We essentially "Team" (verb) up together to achieve a common goal, like stated above. This team is a a group of people where we are not searching for that spotlight, nor are we trying to steal the "thunder" from anyone. There is no scout at tonight's big game, nor is there a trophy at stake. We are a team searching for the simplicity of bettering our lives. We are a team that enjoys sharing our success with one another. We are a team that motivates, supports, and encourages every other member to do the very best we can every single day. When some days we are feeling completely defeated, we turn to this "team" for advice. This team is my accountability group... my reason behind not giving up. I feel that if I just gave up, I would disappoint them. They are the most selfless, caring, and amazing group of people I get to share this passion of mine with.

Team Fearless and Fit was founded by Mrs. Amie DeSanzo. She strives to be the best she can, pushes herself to a new limit every single day, and stresses living everyday FEARLESS. This team consists of many people from all different backgrounds, but we all have one goal in common... Help people achieve their goals and enjoy a healthy fulfilling life. We are Beachbody Coaches!

Becoming a coach has helped me step completely out of my comfort zone on many different levels. I have began to "develop" myself. In other words, I have been reading books, listening to speeches I found on You Tube and even began attending trainings to help better my knowledge in this health and fitness field and continue to push myself to a new challenge every single day. I have adopted a "Better Everyday" lifestyle. I know that everything I am doing today, is getting me one step closer to my goals.

I am so beyond grateful for my team, and I just want to give them a huge shout out for taking me under their wings and being so patient with me as I take on this journey. You all are the most inspiring, intelligent, and beautiful (inside and out) women I know! Thank you all for supporting and motivating me to be the best person I could ever be. Without you, I'm not sure I would even be typing this post right now! xoxo <3

Quote to live by: Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress. Working together is success! <3

-Henry Ford

Interested in joining our team or learning more about it:

Fill out the contact form below!

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My Dream Board - Goal #2

To continue with my dream board goals, my goal is to become credit card debt free. While I still may have a lot of student loans to pay off, I am determined to get all of the credit card debt gone before the end of the year so I am able to pay larger amounts on my student loans!

During my college years I was working multiple jobs which needed to be very flexible with my schedule for my classes, so I would sometimes work seven days a week. Since I was pretty much making minimum wage at these jobs, it only went so far. I was paying for rent, utilities, car insurance, car payments, food, etc. This amount of money only goes so far... I was desperate so I unfortunately opened up a few credit cards to help pay for books and other supplies, but had gotten in really far over my head. 

After many years of racking up the credit card debt, I was completely sick to my stomach and felt like I was falling into a dark hole I would never get out of. I never had someone preaching to me about the importance of credit cards, and how difficult they would be to pay them all off. I would only pay the minimum balance, and when you look at your statement, and you see the part where it says if you pay just the minimum balance it will take you X amount of years to pay them off, yea I never realized how bad it actually was. And to think how much money I was wasting I felt hopeless.

Finally, I was able to land my first big girls job, which allowed me to have a bit more flexibility with my money and really start focusing on getting my finances in order so I will one day be able to afford a brand new car (which I have bought already), be able to buy a brand new house (which I plan on doing rather soon) and live life comfortably without restrictions.

I set a very strict budget for myself. Although, it may have meant sacrificing certain things like new clothes, new shoes, a new purse, and going out to eat all the time; I knew that I was getting myself back on the right track. Since mid-June of 2014, I have since paid off 4 credit cards. I only have three more to go and I could not be more ecstatic. Yes, you may think this is a lot, and yes it really is, but I know I have made mistakes in my past that I am cleaning up to ensure I am able to live a happier, stress free life where I don't have to constantly worry about being burdened with financial freak outs!!

I will have another post coming up within the week going over ways I have set my budget and how it helped me pay off four credit cards in just two and a half months. Make sure you stop back! :)

Quote to live by: Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.

-Michael Jordan

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The $40 that changed my life.

I remember a day back in late November, I was notified on Instagram about an opportunity to become a Health and Fitness Coach... but I knew NOTHING about what that meant. I began talking to Amie DeSanzo (a 1 Star Diamond Beachbody Coach) and she gave me some information about "coaching" and also the challenge groups she ran. I said no at first because I enjoyed working out in a gym, I was not using the products and I was in the middle of planning a wedding so I just couldn't afford to "waste" the money on the workout program and Shakeology.

Fast forward to January, after really thinking about this for a good two months, and following Amie on Facebook and Instagram, I really thought what she was doing was amazing. She got to work from home, spend a lot of time with her children, work when she wanted and worked out, and stayed extremely active/dedicated to her workouts and meal plans during her third pregnancy. I was TOTALLY ENVIOUS. I always told her "I hope I look like you on my third pregnancy" and she would always comment back, "You Can!" This gave me hope!!

January 28th, the day my life was changed. I agreed to sign up as a Beachbody Coach after researching it more and tossing the idea around with my husband (fiance then). He said I would be wasting my money, but I went ahead with my gut feeling and spent the $39.95, signed up to become a coach and got my New Coach Welcome Kit. I was now able to start helping others reach their health and fitness goals! HOW AWESOME IS THAT! While I was still completely mind boggled about exactly what I was suppose to do, I was excited to get started!

While I was planning a wedding, and the stress of the uncertainty at my day job, I just couldn't handle anything else on my plate, so my Beachbody Business took the back burner since I could just pick up and work it whenever I wanted. I will be honest, I thought about quitting, just giving up because I wasn't seeing any commitment from people and I was just too busy. What really made me change my direction was when all the coaches who were out in Las Vegas for Summit and I got to see all the amazing photos, everyone's excitement and high energy. I then realized, this was my calling. I knew that I wanted to do something big with this company! PEOPLE WERE CROSSING THE STAGE AS MILLIONAIRES, YES MILLIONAIRES helping people live happier, healthier lives!! So after that, I knew I had to start doing one of our vital behaviors, I started investing in myself. I began reading personal development books. The first book I read was Twelve Pillars, then moved on to the Compound Effect by Darren Hardy and now reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson, as well as listening to our team calls, national wake up calls, and taking advice from the top coaches in our industry! MY MIND WAS EXPLODING. I was so excited, was ready to take on the world!!

I knew I was put on this earth to do great things, I knew I wanted to help inspire people and see other people reach their greatest potential. I knew that I wanted to do the things that scared me and succeed. I just knew that this was the best opportunity that could have ever crossed my path. I went in full force, inviting people, talking about how my progress and eventually people were reaching out to me asking for help! I was completely overwhelmed by how many people were actually following my story. Helping others and seeing them become successful makes my heart so incredibly happy!

The thing I love most about this company is the endless possibilities. There is no limit on how many people you can help, there are no limits on how much money you can make, no limits on ANYTHING. And yes, you invest just $40 and I promise you, this opportunity with change your life! I have become much more positive over the last seven and a half months, I have reached my goal weight, and I have created friendships that I know will last a lifetime! What is even more amazing is I know that this is just the beginning to something completely amazing!! All because I took $40 to invest in a happier, healthier lifestyle. What are you doing to make your life worth living?

Quote to Live By:

"If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a month, get married. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else!"

To learn more about this amazing opportunity, email me at pghfitnessgirl@gmail.com
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My Dream Board - Goal #1

How many of you have a dream board? A board that shows all the goals you want to accomplish. You can have goals you want to achieve within the next week, month, or even year! Do your goals include making more money, getting a new job, maybe graduating college, getting in better shape, or start eating healthier? Whatever it is you should write it down on a piece of paper, or if you are a visual kind of person, create a poster and cut out pictures of your goals you want to achieve and hang it somewhere you are able to see it everyday! This will not only give you a constant reminder of what you want to accomplish but it may just help hold you accountable to it as well!

I want to share with you some of my goals, so stick around to hear them all!!

My first goal is to buy my first home. I have been dreaming of this day for forever (well more like since I graduated college). Growing up my parents never owned a house, we have always rented... and as you may read from a previous post is we were constantly moving and we never really had a place to call "home".

I want to be able to purchase my first home, raise a family and start making many life long memories. While we are currently unsure of the area, we know round about what kind of home we are looking for. It's funny having this conversation with my husband because he wants a duplex. He wants an "investment" property for our first home, and I am totally against it. I want to be able to enjoy my home without worrying about someone stomping up and down the stairs, playing the music super loud, and people coming in and out all hours of the evening. I am looking forward to the day we are able to call ourselves "HOMEOWNERS!"

Anyways, this is my first goal I am sharing with you all. What are the types of goals you are looking to reach? Share below! :)

"Don't dream your life, live your dream!"

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Email: pghfitnessgirl@gmail.com

Where do you want to be in 5-10years?

As I am sitting here at my day job today, randomly thinking about previous interviews I landed while trying to get that "dream job", about all the people who interviewed me, they all seemed to ask the same questions, but one in particular stood out to me..

"Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years...?"

My response may blow you away because you think to yourself, why in the world would you tell people that in an interview, but it's the truth, where do I see myself in five to ten years... My response: "I would like to own my own business".. 

The response really makes me think I may not have been the best interviewee because I was obviously saying - "Hey, in 5 to 10 years, sorry I don't want this to be my life long job, so I probably won't be around but hey you should hire me anyways." What I do remember is my old manager, from a job I had about two years ago, saying that my answers to the questions he asked were great. He also mentioned, "I don't want to hear, well I see myself sitting here doing the same thing forever, so it was great to hear you have some sort of direction in your life. I feel you'll make a great asset here in this department!"

My business is something people shake their heads at, give you dirty looks when you tell them what you do, and often times say "are you serious"? Yes as a matter of fact, I am serious... I am a health and fitness coach, I help motivate and inspire people to reach their health and fitness goals. To live a happier, healthier lifestyle, and dream as big as you could possibly imagine. We help people in every area of their lives, such as, finances, health, living with a positive mindset, time management, and the list goes on. The best part about this part-time job is I can set my own hours, I work when I want, and I don't have a boss breathing down my neck to tell me I missed a deadline in this business. While I do have a full-time office job, I am working my beach body business to the best of my ability. I am doing what I am so incredibly passionate about! I am helping others see the greatest potential I see in them.

While my business may not be the biggest and best it can be at this very moment, I know the things I do every single day are getting me one step closer to it being something completely amazing! I have learned a lot over the last few years, and the possibilities of what it can become are endless! I have never really let anyone alter my choices in life, while I have made some dumb decisions, I have always managed to get myself back on track. And of all the qualities that I have, I think this is the best one.

The things I have learned over the last couple years, which I never realized I was doing it until this past weekend is having a sense of "Tunnel Vision." Focusing on my goals, what I need to do to reach them, and blocking out people's opinions. I feel that if I would have stayed in the small town where I went to high school, I never would have been as successful as I am today.

What are your dreams? Are the things you do everyday getting to where you hope to be? If you are unhappy with the way your life is panning out, do something to change it. Only you are in control of your happiness. 

If you would like to know more about the amazing opportunity I have been blessed with, please feel free to comment below. I would love to share this amazing experience with you. It has changed my life for the better!

I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot. Together, we can do great things.

-Mother Teresa

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Email: tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com