A questions for: Joella Hopkins, EōS Fitness - Vice President of Group Fitness

What advice will you give to your younger self?

• You need and deserve to be heard. Your ideas matter and that they are great – so don’t be afraid or intimidated to speak up! Even though it’s important to speak up, it’s even more important to be a good listener. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason! 
• Along the way, you will make so many mistakes, but remember those mistakes are steppingstones to becoming who you were meant to be. Own up to your mistakes – take personal responsibility! There is no shame in failing because really, it’s all about how you bounce back. 
• There will be times you may want to quit and think that you are not making a difference – just remember at those times to stand in your faith that you are making progress and even when it’s tough come to work with a positive attitude and smile on your face. 
• Always do your best. Even when you’re not in the position you exactly want or you don’t respect the people you work with or for, remember that you can set an example to others on work ethic and attitude. You get to choose the attitude you are going to have that day every morning when you wake up!
• Surround yourself with winners – people that you want to be like. Remove the toxic negative people from your life – even if it happens to be friends or family. Life is too short to be bogged down with negativity and nastiness. Remember, if people gossip about others in front of you, they are more than likely gossiping about you when you’re not around.
• Stop worrying and seeking validation from others – set goals, smash them and cheer for your damn self! 
• Be that woman that other women want to be around! Support and celebrate the successes of your fellow sisters. If jealously sneaks in, turn it around to make you work harder and use it as healthy competition to rise to the level of your dreams. 
• No procrastinating! You are never going to be perfect and there will never be a perfect time to start – so just go for it! Don’t listen to your critics – sometimes they just want to be more like you! 
• Lastly, be authentically, non-apologetically you. Never try to be someone else – you will do a much better job in life just being your unique, wonderful self. Stay humble and stay grateful always.