Catie Carey Fitness

Hey fitness friends of the internet. Really trying to get a schedule established for regular blogs. I've been tossing around various ideas and methods. As much as I'm spontaneous, I will be the first to admit structure is my MO. I've realized I can easily let things get in my way if I just blog on my every whim...since these days, my whims don't exactly come with the luxury of time to actually pursue said moment. I'm thinking of making it a point to blog 3 days per week. Each day will have a loose theme to keep me accountable to different topics I want to write about or feature. I have been blessed with a sheer and overwhelming abundance of opportunities within this industry recently...(and all at the same time!) ... and as I work on my career transition, I'm trying to pursue all avenues but also be discerning, responsible and careful with my time. The other day I realized I was falling into the trap of spreading myself too thin and losing sight of my true goals. I spent some time the other night compiling a list of my goals, areas that I struggle, heck areas where I downright tend to FAIL (I was pretty harsh on myself but it was needed). Likewise, I came up with an action plan and refocused myself on short and long term goals for this transition. Honestly, it's all still marinading in my brain so I'm not really ready to chat specifics, but all of that will organically unfold in due time. 

The point of this post stems from one of the overarching concepts for my little personal renaissance...and that is establishing myself as a bit of a brand...to put it plainly. After absorbing what others in fitness are doing well, I realized establishing myself as my own brand is the name of the game, and couldn't be more simple. I have renamed my blog and other social media channels to reflect this. When someone hires, follows, works with, or partners with a fitness professional, often it's that personalized face, personal touch, personality, and connection that will set you apart. Though I'm currently working with and for other companies at this juncture, I do want to stand apart from the crowd a little bit. People seek me out as an instructor, and hopefully one day soon and personal trainer, because something about me speaks to them. Not everyone will connect with me, and that's ok! In fact, I embrace people relieving themselves of the pressure to follow this fitness professional or that fitness professional. Often, several different types of professionals will speak to them. We all bring different experiences, personalities, and skills to the table to help you reach your goals. If I'm someone that you feel you can learn from, connect with, and trust, then I'm doing my job! Likewise, if you don't get those vibes from me, no worries! At the very least, I hope I'm able to offer solid advice and education to steer you to the right professional to help you meet your goals.

I hope to have many long years in this field. Not being entirely sure where this path will lead, I wanted to establish my own little world, aside from other employers, that represent me and that may serve as other platforms for future opportunities. I'm thinking online training with programs of my own design using MY OWN expertise and certifications/education, partnering with other fitness brands ... the list goes on. I don't want to limit myself to representing someone else's brand and someone else's dream...I'm blazing my own path, slowly but surely! 

On that note, one of my biggest action items the past few months is CERTIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS! That being said, you're only as good as your hands on experience, but you need base knowledge to safely build your skills. The next few blogs I do will discuss the whole slew of certifications I've been working on these past few months and my own personal development and continuing education for fitness related knowledge. I'd love to offer my feedback on these different learning opportunities and how I'm putting them to use to continue to build my skills. Likewise, I'd love to solicit your advice on how you took your certification from just an "attaboy, you passed the test" on a piece of paper, to true, hands on skills! 

In sum, I'm actually working on a really exciting little pilot project and I'll be asking for your help soon! Stay tuned!