Susan Perry- Fitness Competitor

“We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future.”
― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Few people exemplify this as well as Fitness Competitior and Model Susan Perry. Susan was raised in a harsh Asian culture. From age 5-13 she struggled with deep depression and even suicidal thoughts. She would stand in front of the window in her home in a poor neighborhood welcoming her life to end. A father who instilled a harsh work ethic and a mother who lived vicariously through her daughter, allowing nothing better than perfection. They did not permit breaks. They either had her working, cleaning the home, or studying. Friends took a back seat. Her parents displayed a type of tough love. One that set expectations and rewarded meeting those expectations by raising them. Psychologists now call this negative reinforcement.

At 19, as a single mother without a strong support system she began reaching out to other people. She made it a point to meet people who seemed genuinely happy. When meeting someone she (did and still does) make it an effort to learn all she can about the person. That includes but isn't limited to thier hopes, dreams, aspirations, and especially what motivates them. She also sought motivational speakers like Tony Robbins and Joel Osteen. While listening to Dr. Laura she learned about the family dynamic she always longed for. Here she found that money and material things are not what makes you happy, its having someone to experience life with that genuinely makes you happy. You need to (through self exploration) discover yourself and what you are looking for. 

After a few failed career attempts, she is now a stay at home mom with wonderful kids and the husband who provides the family she always longed for! For her, the weight room is the office. Constantly motivating people through daily workout reminders and motivation tips. She has a firm philosophy that no one can motivate you, you must find the motivation yourself. She finds lifting and cardio as the ultimate release for the depression and doubts that may creep back in.

She advocates mass varety in working out. She does everything from traditional workouts to kettlebells to rowing and especially loves outdoor workouts. Though she works everything, she finds an emphasis (especially when starting out) on core stregnth. According to Susan, "The mind is where most people struggle. Once you change your mind you can change your life forever." This Life Coach urges us to "do something for yourself everyday!"

We should definitely keep our eye on this strong motivator!