I woke up this morning to an email from a 9-week, GIM challenger, that speaks to the very reason I coach and instruct at Goals In Motion in Ames. Following are the words of a successful challenger and new friend:
"So as my 5 week holiday challenge goal I said that I wanted to attend the Christmas party wearing a size 12 dress (I was wearing size 16 when I started my challenge). So I've been kind of putting off dress shopping because in general I hate trying on clothes and realizing they don't fit, don't flatter, etc, etc. Other than buying a couple pairs of used jeans I haven't done any clothes shopping since starting my challenge...until last night....wow...what a difference 7 weeks can make. I still tried on things that didn't fit or didn't flatter, but I was amazed with the number of things that did fit. It used to be that I would try on stuff until I could find one thing that didn't look terrible and that would be what I bought. Having multiple things that fit and look good and having to make a CHOICE is something I haven't had to do in a LONG time. I tried on about 20 dresses last night...some that fit were size 12, some were 14 but some were 10! And I was even more shocked to learn of the dresses that ran S-M-L...I could fit into the mediums almost as often as the larges...this from someone who doesn't have anything in the closet that isn't XL. I think I have it narrowed down to a little black dress at Express (haven't shopped there since 1998) but I couldn't make up my mind. I'm out of practice with this whole shopping thing. Looking forward to doing a lot more of it in the future. :)
Thanks Goals team!"
It is stories like this, of people who've gained new-found confidence and joy in life that make me want to show up to class every day, work hard, eat well and be the best coach that I can be. I hope that challengers realize the part they play in inspiring and motivating those around them. Thank you Challengers!!
