Learning To Lose with Nicole Desmond
Welcome, fit fam, to another powerful episode of Fit Body Lifestyle! In today’s episode, Jami and Greg sit down with Nicole Desmond, a Fit Body Fusion coach, to dive deep into the transformative journey of "learning to lose" in the world of competitive bodybuilding and beyond. This conversation is all about embracing failure as a stepping stone, finding resilience, and holding onto the joy in the journey.
Key Takeaways
Bodybuilding as a Sport of Failure and Growth: Nicole opens up about how bodybuilding is often a "sport of failure," where progress involves facing setbacks, whether through unmet macros, tough gym sessions, or competition results that don’t always reflect one’s efforts. This constant cycle of "failure and learning" pushes athletes to redefine success beyond trophies and placings.
The Reality of Rising and Falling in Competitions: After placing second in her first-ever competition, Nicole felt the adrenaline of success, fueling her drive to pursue the sport. Yet, a humbling dead-last placement at nationals shortly after served as a reality check. This mix of early highs and lows taught her the importance of resilience and reframing her goals beyond just wins.
Keeping Joy in the Process: A pivotal moment came when Nicole realized she’d started to lose the joy of competing, overwhelmed by the constant push for her pro card. Her coach encouraged her to reconnect with her "why" by listing the pros and cons of competing. Refocusing on the joy of the journey—and sharing it with friends—helped her rekindle her passion, proving that enjoying the process is as crucial as aiming for outcomes.
Perspective and Perseverance Over Pro Cards: Jameen and Greg remind Nicole—and listeners—that true champions aren’t only those with titles but those who persevere. Success is the system she’s built through her persistence, her love for the sport, and the example she sets for her clients. “Winning is easy,” Greg notes, but true grit and championship spirit shine through handling disappointments with grace.
The Long Game of Self-Improvement: For Nicole, competing isn’t just about physical accomplishments; it’s a mental and emotional evolution. The sport has fostered resilience, helped her learn from losses, and strengthened her commitment to her goals, reminding her that her worth as a coach and individual extends far beyond competition results.
