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!

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
For more daily motivation and inspiration:
Instagram: @maketodayyourtomorrow
Facebook: Make Today Your Tomorrow

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

Need some daily motivation: 
Facebook: Make Today Your Tomorrow
Instagram: @maketodayyourtomorrow
Email: tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com

Great Things Take Time..

Good Evening Everyone! It's Friday night, and I just got paid.... and I'm sitting at home writing this blog post :) haha. I enjoy this though, I get to share with you all my stories, tips, inspiration, etc. and hopefully inspire one of you out there to want to live life happier, healthier, and without fear. So, if that means sitting at home on a Friday night with my two four legged fur babies (hubby is a DJ so he is at work) typing out this blog post, then hey I am all about it!

So how many people have ever said they don't have enough time? Or they have started working out and eating healthy but they aren't seeing any results? They get frustrated after a week and start going back to their old habits. Did you know it takes 21 days to build a habit... if you stayed focused for just 21 days with eating clean, working out, reading a book, spending more time with your families, or practicing ways to better manage your time, could you imagine what your life would be like if you continued doing just that everyday.... 21 days, THREE WEEKS, and you could build a new (positive) habit. But why can't people last this long... why can't one just dedicate three weeks of their life to make positive changes... it's actually quite simple...... instant gratification.

People want to see things instantaneously. They don't want to wait 2 years to lose 100 pounds... they don't want to want to spend 30 minutes to an hour a day working out... heck, some people don't even want to spend 30 minutes cooking dinner - so they jump in a car and head to the first fast food restaurant they see. People are too impatient, people want things and they want it now.

Here is an example of how I dealt with the time issue and didn't let instant gratification win..

Left Photo: October 2012 - Right Photo: September 2013

During my weight loss journey, I started full force/religiously on January 1, 2013. People always make those "I'm going to lose weight" New Year's Resolution, but this time it was different.. 1) I had a wedding to get in shape for and 2) I really started holding myself accountable. I was in a Biggest Loser contest at work, and the person who was able to lose the largest percentage of body fat would be rewarded with money. WELL WHO DOESN'T ENJOY MONEY... and a little competition. Fast forward 6 weeks from the beginning of that contest, and I came in third place BUT I was the only girl who was able to place in the top five so I was very excited! :) I didn't want my success to end there, so I kept pushing... After 4 months, I was down 16 pounds. I was quite excited for this journey -- and hearing all the positive reinforcements kept me pushing for more... BUT I ended up plateauing and couldn't really figure out why I couldn't lose more weight. I could have easily given up, but I continued working out and trying to eat healthier.

Left Photo: January 2013 - Right Photo: April 2014

It wasn't until the following February that my weight began to come off again -- 8 MONTHS AT A PLATEAU... that was every reason to give up, I wasn't losing any weight -- but I was determined to find a way. In February, I was introduced to Beachbody, Shakeology and gained more knowledge of clean eating. I was able to take charge on my diet, switch up my workout routines and I was able to finally lose the last 8 annoying pounds in 3 short months before my wedding. I was finally down to my goal weight in April of 2014. 16 MONTHS... It took me 16 months, hours upon hours at the gym, many sacrifices to skip spending nights at the bars with friends and sleep because I knew what I wanted.

Left Photo: March 2014 -- June 2014

The society today doesn't want to wait.. they want things INSTANTANEOUSLY... Success doesn't come like that. You cannot go to sleep and wake up the next day and expect to have a million dollars in your bank account, it just doesn't work like that. It takes time, effort and willingness to stay focused towards what you really want. The light at the end of the tunnel may be very faint, but as you continue to repeat your actions every single day, you are bound to get out of that tunnel and see the bright future you have ahead of you. You are bound to do great things if you just give it time.

-Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Follow me for more daily inspiration and motivation:

Instagram - @maketodayyourtomorrow

Facebook - www.facebook.com/maketodayyourtomorrow

Email me - tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com

Love what you do, do what you love.

I'm going to start this post off with a question... how many people have ever said, "my dreams are so much better than reality"

GUILTY AS CHARGED HERE ... I remember when I was so miserable with my life, I never thought I was going to succeed and I'd always live paycheck to paycheck, never thought I would be in a happy relationship and just live a miserable life overall... I always dreamt and imagined of what my life would be like if I was born into a wealthy family, if I never had to work, or what if I was rich and famous and always had people catering to me... well, you know dreams can become your reality one day... all you have to do is put forth time and effort and continue to make positive changes in your life.

For example, I have been reading personal development books for the last two months to help me get into a better position with my self confidence, learn how to be more successful and how to continue bettering my life and relationship with my husband... everyday I try to read at least 10 pages, if not an entire chapter (depending on length and amount of time I have). The changes aren't extremely significant -- but the way I carry myself, the way I respond to different situations and my entire outlook on certain topics have changed because of these positive changes I am making. Although you may think that this isn't a lot -- if you spent just 15-30 minutes EVERY SINGLE DAY reading a book about how to better your life, how to become a better husband or wife, or how to be more confident.. You are bound to pick up these habits. So what if I challenged you to research a personal development book and read it... would you do it?

I have also been trying to pull myself away from the negativity I had in my life. I was sick of someone always saying they hate their lives, I'm too fat/I'll never be that skinny again or I'm just not meant to be happy... I said these things for many, many years and I couldn't ever seem to find the light at the end of the tunnel until I just stopped making excuses for myself.. I learned that I am in charge of my happiness not any other single person in this world. I am in charge of my success, my ability to grow as a person, and my strength to keep going when tough situations arise.

Over the last six months since becoming a health and fitness coach for Beachbody, I have really stepped out of my comfort zone and shared my passion for wanting to be successful, and wanting to help people grow and see the potential that they have inside them. I want to see the good in life and share this passion with others. I want someone to say, because of you I didn't give up or thank you for the motivation and inspiration... these few words mean more to me than anything! This is my passion, my calling. I don't want to be in this just to be in and only look out for myself... I was a selfish person at one point in my life and felt I deserved the world since I had such a hard time growing up.. well guess what -- you don't get life handed to you on a golden platter -- YOU work your tail off and you work really hard for what you want in life and you NEVER EVER give up. 

Please follow me on Instragram: @maketodayyourtomorrow
Facebook - www.facbeook.com/maketodayyourtomorrow
Email me: tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com

To Learn More About Beachbody - www.teambeachbody.com/stephclemmer

One positive thing...

Happy Monday everyone! How was everyone's weekend? I got to do some relaxing and enjoyed spending time with my husband yesterday.. it's nice to just take a step back from your busy life and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

For the last couple weeks, I have been really doing some soul searching and diving into some personal development books and working with my challengers. I have really found something that this general society lacks... something this world needs to see more of, optimism and positive reinforcement! When you scroll through your news feed on Facebook, can you count on just one hand how many negative posts you see? What about the positive posts? Have you even seen ONE today?

My one challenger began following my Facebook Like Page, "Make Today Your Tomorrow" and she said she is grateful that I have this page because her news feed is always flooded with negative posts. She also mentioned that it's nice to see the positive quotes in the morning, it makes such a huge difference for her! --- Honestly, I could not agree more.. over the last few months I have really came to terms with trying to change my outlook on life and remove all the negativity. I have surrounded myself with a group of people who have the same outlook, and continuously help build people up and boost their self confidence, and I tell you, it has helped me tremendously! 

I grew up in a home where fighting was the norm, where negativity is what people thrived on... like there was never any good to happen, and good things didn't happen to us... when I moved away from home for college and stood on my own two feet, I realized that that is so far from the truth. People are in charge of their own destiny, their own happiness, and your life can be however you choose to live it. I admit that changing from a "the world is out to get me" to a "I am charge of my own happiness" mindset, it has been quite a struggle. The books that I have been reading, The Slight Edge, The Compound Effect and Twelve Pillars, to name a few, are really helping me realize that I can in fact be much happier and more successful than I could have ever imagined. It all starts with that one positive thought you see, that one positive quote, or the "pep talk" from one of your friends... that is ALL it takes and you can be on the road to finding your true happiness.

Don't ever let anyone tell you you are not worthy of being successful or happy because they are dead wrong. If people talk negatively about you, it is probably because they are envious of you because you had the courage to make your life better, to take the risk they could never imagine taking.

I hope this post helps anyone who is struggling with trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel, and can seriously put their first step forward in becoming genuinely happy with the life they are living. If you (the one reading this post) ever needs anyone to talk to, please feel free to reach out to me. I have struggled throughout life trying to find myself, and overcoming the negativity in my life and I want you to be able to pull through it all... live happily and enjoy every single day with a smile on your face and not a single regret from this moment forward.

Feel free to follow me on Instagram: @maketodayyourtomorrow, 
Facebook - Stephaine McClintock
or my Facebook Like Page -- Make Today Your Tomorrow!
Looking for fitness motivation: email me at tbbcoachsteph87@gmail.com