Does This Intimidate You?

 
Intimidated.

This is a big word, isn’t it? We all feel intimidated in one way or another. We are intimidated by big life choices. We are intimidated by parenting. We are intimidated by others. And I know many of you are intimidated by fitness and nutrition.

What does being intimidated look like? It’s being hesitant, a feeling of caution…it’s biting your bottom lip and cringing your shoulders because you’re uncertain and scared.

It's constantly wondering if you have what it takes. It's being uncertain if you're good enough, and if you'll ever be good enough. 

Do you ever feel like this?

You can do it! I have been feeling really intimidated lately. I have confidence in my training knowledge and skills, and I feel solid in my capabilities as a coach. I know fitness, nutrition and program design like the back of my hand. 

But the business and marketing aspect? I feel way over my head, here. This is not my wheelhouse. When you talk to me, I’m just not a slick salesperson or an energetic business woman. That’s not me. I know where I want to go, I know who I want to help and how I want to help them. I am just intimidated by the process.

I mentioned this to a business coach and she replied “You can do it! Just believe in yourself!”

For some reason that irritated me. It’s so hollow. Like I’m going to say, “Well OK, since you say I can do it, I’ll completely shed all of my hesitancy and just go for it!” You and I both know there is so much more to it than that.

It reminds of how often you may have heard “you can do it!” from a fitness trainer. Did it ever make you want to slap her? The whole process can be so intimidating and that stupid phrase doesn’t even scratch the surface. Did hearing those four little words really change your entire outlook, helping you break through the wall of uncertainty and finally get results? Probably not.

Timothy has been my man lately. This was a young man that had a big calling on his life, but he felt small, incapable and terribly timid. I can identify with him so much…doubting the direction of God's leading, hesitant to keep taking steps.

Timothy had a mentor, one that knew exactly what to say. The apostle Paul was like a father figure to him and constantly had to remind him of who he was, how important he was, and how capable he was.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young…” 1 Timothy 4:12

“Do not neglect your gift…” 1 Timothy 4:14

“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called…” 1 Timothy 6:12

“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” 2 Timothy 1:9

“The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…” 2 Timothy 1:7

“Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you…” 2 Timothy 1:14

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of…” 2 Timothy 3:14

“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship…” 2 Timothy 4:5
 
Timothy had to constantly be reminded of who he was and what his purpose was. He was intimidated. He knew what he needed to do, he just needed encouragement to keep at it. And fortunately, Paul didn’t just bend down, look him in the eyes and say, “you can do it!”

Paul did so much more. He reminded him of his identity. Timothy’s identity was in Christ. Jesus called him, adopted him and gave him a purpose for his life. Timothy should never have asked “do I have what it takes?” or “am I good enough?”

He already was good enough.

“The Spirit himself testifies with our Spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Romans 8:17

Um, I don’t know about you, but if I deeply internalize what that means for me and my life, nothing intimidates me anymore. My hesitations and fears begin to shrivel up because I am a daughter of God Himself. A co-heir with Christ! I’m written in the will! That’s a pretty big deal.

I'm pretty sure royalty has what it takes. 

Bringing it back to fitness. So how does all of this relate to you?

I think when we look at pictures of extremely fit women, especially with ripped abs and slender legs, we feel intimidated. When we see workouts that look intensely impressive, especially with all those battle ropes and heavy dumbbells, we feel intimidated. When we see a nutrition protocol that looks clean, fancy and well-planned, we feel intimidated. We shrink in the corner, bite our bottom lip and shy away.

We say, “don’t call on me, please! I'll never be able to do that. I'm not good enough!”

I am calling on you. I’m not going to look in your eyes and say “you can do it!” We’ve already established how annoying that is. I’m going to look in your eyes and remind you of who you are. You are not a timid person without a purpose or a plan on her life.

You are loved, you are called, and you are royalty.

Ripped abs…maybe, but who cares? Heavy dumbbells…sure, if you say so! Disciplined food choices…yeah, let's do it! Don't let anything or anyone intimidate you. You are more than capable.

So as Paul encouraged Timothy, hear this: don’t let anyone look down on you, especially yourself. Fight the good fight, endure hardship and always keep your head. Be strong in His grace, and notice His power, love and self-discipline inside of you. Guard what has been given to you and keep going in what you have learned.

Now doesn’t that sound so much better than “you can do it”?!

Don’t be intimidated, sister. Remember who you are!

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Our identity is so tightly wrapped up into fitness and nutrition. You don't realize it until you begin. You might also be interested in reading these, too: 

Who Are You? Why determining your identity is pivotal in fitness and nutrition. 
Finding the Courage to Start
Momma, You Can Stop Trying to be Perfect

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