Last Saturday I had the opportunity to not only hear Tony Horton, creator of P90X and many other spectacular programs, speak, but I also got to meet him. It was a pretty exciting day and I really enjoyed myself. Tony came out to San Diego for the San Diego Super Saturday event, a quarterly event held for Beachbody coaches. I wasn’t sure how much he would actually speak or be involved, but I was happy when he spent three hours with us!
We learned a lot about Tony and during the Q&A I had to ask him – was P90X scripted or was did it come straight from his brain out his mouth? He confirmed, as I suspected that it was not scripted and was all Tony! Obviously they had to make some edits, but “like a pterodactyl backing out of trouble” was all him.
I don’t have time to go into all the details of his visit, but after the Q&A we had time for photos before the group workout. The workout was 22 Hard Corps inspired and really fun! Ironically, the biggest “ah-ha” moment I had on Saturday was at the VERY end of the workout. A lot of people had left becuase he had gone 45 minutes over time, but I stayed til the end. And it was worth it.
As he does in all his P90X yoga workouts, we ended with “Oms.” Obviously not everyone feels comfortable letting out a giant “Om” in a room full of strangers. If I’m honest, it makes me uncomfortable even doing it in my living room alone or with Mike. Tony was disappointed in our first attempt at letting it out and encouraged (ok demanded) we let it all out. After another half-hearted attempted (thought better than our first), he said “You know why I’m as successful as I am?!? BECAUSE I DON’T CARE!” He clarified – he does care about certain things like family, friends, etc. but he doesn’t care about what PEOPLE THINK. He isn’t afraid. He takes risks. He lets loose. He has a crazy personality and he isn’t afraid to show it – and you know what? He’s right. His success and fame is largely based on the fact that he pushes the envelope and doesn’t think about what people think is “normal.” He does his thing.
So did I let everything I had out for that final Om? No, I actually didn’t. I hate to say it, but I didn’t. I gave it more than I would have without his pep talk, but I still held back. Why?! What was I afraid of? What my teammates and strangers thought of me? It made me think. Am I doing the same thing in other areas of my life? I am generally a confident person, but am I holding back in many areas of my life because of fear?
I’ve set some big goals for myself this year, one of which I shared on this blog – to PR in the marathon. That was a big goal and it means not caring what people think if I fail. The question I’m pondering and that I ask you to think about to: What are you holding back becuase of fear of what people think? What would you try to do if no one would ever know if you failed?
I can so relate to this! I used to be very uncomfortable with OM. Now I OM, chant, cry, and sigh deeply in my yoga classes. I think part of “letting go” is also feeling like you’re in a safe space. I still care what people think of me. That will never fully go away. I’m just less afraid to follow my heart…and now I’m living a less conventional life not working in a corporate job (which you too have already done!) and traveling the world solo. So, I continuously strive to stay true to myself and drown out the noise (other people’s perceptions of me) as much as possible. I’m definitely not perfect, but it’s a work in progress. I’m sure you’ll be shouting OM at the top of your lungs in front of your TV one day!! You’re already nearly there. 🙂
Yes, I think yoga has helped you on that journey of self discovery and acceptance as well.
This message resonated with me for sure. I worry way too much about what people think about me. I am also trying to BQ again this February and hopefully actually get to run it (qualified but not far enough under cut-off time). I think that it is good for us to set big goals and not worry about what people think about it. People ask me why I run marathons, and I love the challenge. Thank you for posting!
You’re welcome! Glad it spoke to you too. as someone who has failed to qualify for boston 3 times now, the goal is less scary. The joy is in the journey – whatever happens on race day for me or you doesn’t define us as runners!
I can totally related to this! I was so afraid to tell people that I was doing the Ironman because I didn’t want them to think I was a failure if I didn’t finish. I also hate posting about times for races because if I don’t hit them I am afraid that people will think I didn’t get it my all. It is really hard because I am not the type that will “just try it” I am going to give it my all and just finishing isn’t ever really an option for me. But then things happen and I am just proud that I got out there! I think that this year is all about me pushing my limits and seeing how far I can go! Great post.
Yes! I love yoga in big part because of its acceptance of everything, and how you don’t need to be at a certain level to do it. At the same time, you can’t help feeling judged or judging others when you’re all together. Along the same lines, I’ve been too embarrassed to really attempt inversions because it’s a weak spot for me…but I signed up for an inversions workshop next week and figure that I just need to put myself out there and learn. Thanks for the comraderie in this!
Yes! I love yoga in big part because of its acceptance of everything, and how you don’t need to be at a certain level to do it. At the same time, you can’t help feeling judged or judging others when you’re all together. Along the same lines, I’ve been too embarrassed to really attempt inversions because it’s a weak spot for me…but I signed up for an inversions workshop next week and figure that I just need to put myself out there and learn. Thanks for the comraderie in this!