Some thoughts and discussions from me.
Silk-en Veggies Au Gratin & Dealing with Self Doubt
Hi guys!
All right. First thing’s first. I’ve got to tell you guys about last night’s dinner. It was veggie-filled and deeeelicious!
Yesterday my schedule was a little all over the place, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for dinner. After browsing the Silk Facebook page that’s showcasing recipes from many of my fellow fitfluential ambassadors, I came across Amanda’s vegetable au gratin. However, if you’re in the mood for some breakfast, beverage, or smoothie options, check out the rest of the recipes featured this week!
Lauren, I’m comin’ after your rhubarb smoothie next!
Anyway, so I got set to making my au gratin. While I didn’t have all the ingredients, I had enough to make it work, and it looked absolutely scrumptious. Sold.
Of course, in Paige-fashion, I made several tweaks to the recipe, the main one being the main ingredient!
Amanda used Silk almond milk for the entire recipe, but I tend to like creamy dishes really rich and creamy, so I used half organic milk, and half with Silk creamer. I’d picked up some at Whole Foods for coffee the other day after my naturopath appointment, and thought it’d go fantastic in this recipe.
Secondly, I changed up the veggies by simply steaming a bag of organic mixed veggies (carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli) for the entire dish.
Lastly – I used real organic cheese, and then added some grilled, seasoned, and diced chicken thigh meat to the mix:
I also knew I wouldn’t get home until after 7:00 last night, so I steamed the veggies, and made the au gratin “sauce” and threw everything in a baking dish earlier in the day.
Then all I had to do when I got home was toss it under the broiler for about 10 minutes.
Easy peasy, and a great meal after my day.
Speaking of my day, let’s talk about that for a bit. Allow me to be a little vulnerable here. Bring the mood a little deeper.
Dealing with (and kicking out!) Self-Doubt
So, when I left Normal, I was on top of my game at work – personal training. I loved every minute of my job, and my schedule was chock full with PT clients. Now that I’m in Colorado, I’m remembering how incredibly tough it was at the beginning to build that clientele. I’ve suddenly found myself back in that situation (a newbie,) and it didn’t take long for the self-doubt to creep in…
Will I ever build up a strong client base here?
Maybe I’m not such a good trainer…
I’ll never be as good as __(fill in the blank)___
What am I doing with my life?!!?!?!
OK, so that last one might be a little dramatic, but when you open the door to self-doubt, sometimes the flood gates open and it just pours in. I had a day yesterday where self-doubt was in full force.
Before I kicked it in the teeth 
When I start to feel like this, I practice some affirmations. I remind myself that I am a damn good trainer. I remember that I did have a strong client base, made mostly of renews. I go back and read I-miss-you emails from those clients. I remember that I still have a strong online client-base. I remind myself that I help get significant results for 99% of those clients.
I remember to have believe in myself,
to have faith in myself, and trust God.
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our thoughts and worries, so much that it makes reality awfully cloudy. If you don’t believe in yourself, you’ll have a heck of a time convincing others to do so. That alone is a reason to back yourself up!
Yep. I got this 
On that note, I’m off to the gym to meet for a (super early) first workout
How do you usually prepare your veggies? I typically add them to stir-fry’s, or I’ll just steam them and eat them with some butter and salt. Nice and simple!
How do you deal with self-doubt?
FitFluential LLC compensated me for this Campaign. All opinions are my own;
I’m absolutely positive you will be overflowing with clients again before you know it! The best way I combat self-doubt is to be as realistic as possible when looking at situations I’m worried about. If I truly do that, I can usually see things aren’t as bad as I anticipate and then I start working on a plan to be proactive against my doubts!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } recently posted…Vegetable Packed Low Calorie Pasta
lately?
here?
lottsa FAKING IT TILL I MAKE IT….or until I convince myself!
Miz recently posted…Blog post titles you’ll never see…
Hang in there Paige! You are brand new to the area still but I’m sure you will have plenty of new clients in no time! I am the queen of self doubt and can tell you first hand that once you start believing you are enough and having faith you are going to be flourishing with clients 🙂
Dinner looks amazing too!
Danielle (@CleanFoodCreativeFitness) recently posted…Own Your Goals
Self doubt is such a messy little thing. I’ve been dealing with it quite a bit lately and a lot of it has stemmed around getting my personal training cert and not feeling “good enough” or like I “know enough” to help people – OF COURSE I DO! I started putting a plan together for my uncle and was questioning myself so I brought out my text book to cross-reference….I was right. I just need a bit more confidence behind my decisions so that I don’t keep doubting them.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted…Thursday Thoughts
That’s right! Good for you, Katie 🙂
Aww you’re a great trainer, Paige! I had the exact same doubts when I up and left my life behind in Australia. It’s a huge shift to make but it makes you a stronger person! I have faith that many good things will happen to you in the near future!
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig recently posted…Bulking FAQs
Yes, yes, and yes! I definitely think I’ll be a stronger trainer out of it. Thanks, Tara 🙂
I don’t post much, but you have one of the best blogs regarding workout ideas etc! Colorado will be lucky to have you:)
Thank you, Tracey. That means so much 🙂
I love this post! From the au gratin to the kicking self-doubt in the butt! We all go through that every so often, and it’s tough to push out of our heads. I can tell you’re an awesome trainer and really know your stuff. I love when you post workouts or stretches or strength moves on here. I always feel like you’re updated on all things fitness-related. You make it look so easy! You’re inspiring, lady! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Lindsay!
You’re awesome Paige! I can totally relate to the whole self doubt thing, particularly when it comes to personal training. I remember those thoughts all too clear when I tried to make a career out of personal training a couple years ago. I didn’t end up sticking with it for various reasons, but yes, it sure is easy to fall into those self doubt traps. Stick with it!!!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…01/17/13: Thursday Thoughts
Thank you, Ashley 🙂
Lately I have self doubt all the time and often say what am I doing with my life!
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted…Chocolate Chip Orange Cookies
In the short time I’ve been reading your blog, I can already tell you’re an awesome trainer. Sometimes self doubt can be necessary because it forces you to reevaluate and try to improve, but in your case, it’s not 😉 Keep rocking on!
maria @ lift love life recently posted…Toffee and Hazelnut Stuffed Pancakes
I think I use veggies the most in stir-frys too!
Self-doubt is a terrible thing and is so quick to make an appearance! When I started my new job, I tried to start on a positive note, telling myself that I was going to go in with a strong mind and self-confidence. So often I can become overwhelmed in new situations but I told myself I was going to make the best of it and learn as much as I could to curb any self doubt that I might have had! I still have those ‘doubting’ days, but, for the most part, I feel like I have more confidence than ever!
You’re a great trainer and those new clients will come and bring their friends along, too! 🙂
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food recently posted…Project #1: The Bouquet
This self-doubt post came at the perfect time for me. Strongly, strongly considering making an entire career change, which is scary but I think it’s something I need to do. Now is not the time for self-doubt, I have to have faith in myself and my abilities!
Meghan @ After the Ivy League recently posted…Cute Shoes, Core Workouts, and Cake
Oh I understand the self-doubt! I like your “kick it in the teeth” mentality! Usually that’s a fab way to handle it & I do it too, kind of “Do it until you believe in yourself”. I’m just getting started training folks & have to remember they came to me because they “trust & respect” me! Good luck with building up clients in CO — you’ve got this!
Katie @ KatieEnPursuit recently posted…Say WHAT?!?…with a side of WIA…Wednesday
Yes they do! I bet you’re a fantastic trainer, Katie 🙂
Self doubt is still something that I have to work on every day. It’s so much easier to let yourself get caught up in and believe that you’re not going to be able to do something, than to have the courage to believe you can. But it can be done!
I eat my veggies raw in salads most of the time, but I also love them in stir fries and soups.
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Considering the love and the clientele you had in Normal, it won’t take you long to build up in Colorado, you’ll see!
I’m big on steaming veggies. Mainly because I’m lazy and it doesn’t take nearly as long as roasting!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Buffalo Wing Burgers.
Thanks, Sam 🙂
Doubt always finds a way back into my brain especially in new situations. Give it time and you’ll be back on top of your game before you know it!
Great recipe! Trying that one for sure!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…Roasted Is Best
Every single day I struggle with this for more reasons than just getting into an industry of young people when I’m…not so young. Honestly, lately, I just want to curl up on the couch and cry. I don’t think that’s really gonna make me feel any stronger though. So, I’ve been moving forward every day. I get up and start the day fresh and focus on the positive. I’m learning to not let the crap build on me. I deal with one day, one minute at a time. If I catch myself getting overwhelmed, I take a minute, take a deep breath and clear my head.
You are so incredibly good at what you do! It’s hard starting over. Keep your chin up and put that smile back on that we all know and love. You’ve got this! I’m sending HUGE hugs to you!
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) recently posted…Quick Pumpkin Protein Pudding and Some Training Plans…
Ohhhh I cannot stand that self-doubt creeper! He’s a bad bad creeper indeed. SO GLAD you were able to pull yourself out of that rat hole…it’s suuuuch an easy one to fall into especially with SO much upheaval and change going on in your life right now. Proud of you for looking for the positive (and there’s lots of it!). xo
Jess recently posted…The simplicity of a workout.
I mostly stir-fry my veg, quickly boil them or have them raw with a salad. I love roasted and barbecued veg in the summer though!
and to deal with self-doubt, I just try and remember James Dean’s quote: “don’t sweat the small stuff, you are who you are meant to be.”
Heather Adamson recently posted…A Little Bit Salad Obsessed
Congrats on recognizing it and dealing it with it properly. Self doubt can linger WAY TOO LONG if you let it. You’ve got this thing! Own it!
Pavement Runner recently posted…Playlist Thursday: Dance, cuz he’s back
Oooh such a quick and simple meal to put together. I definitely need more recipes like that for when I start school up again next week. Oh, and WELCOME TO COLORADO! I’m sure you’ll be able to build up a great clientele in no time at all. We’ll all have to plan another big meetup sometime soonish.
Lena recently posted…Organizing on a Budget
Oh I TOTALLY understand what you’re going through, Paige – I think everyone does when they make a transition and change jobs again, regardless of the field they’re in. That being said, I went through this when I moved from in-home training back to a gym setting almost a year ago; I’d been feeling great about my business, gotten solid feedback from clients, and had enough experience to feel confident. …but I didn’t! I compared myself to the other trainers, didn’t always build myself up, and didn’t train with as much confidence or joy as I usually did…part of being new, I think! Lots of adjustment to your new environment and the culture of the gym. It changed, as time does help things do, but daily affirming yourself, trusting your skills and experience, and resting in God’s timing and his plan help! Way to be proactive in that sense and do that. 🙂
You will get back in the game, get to know your new co-workers, gain that confidence in your new setting…and SO soon you won’t be “new” anymore! All that to say, I know how that initial time feels…we’re hiring more trainers and I always try to keep those nervous feelings in mind to remember how I felt so I can encourage others – and you are a GREAT trainer.
Bonnie recently posted…#pullupseverywhere + a workout
I feel you on all the self- doubt. We ALL go through it. No matter how well adjusted someone seems, there always a bit of self doubt at times. I think you’re AWESOME and should be excited about what’s going to happen in your career and life!
I gotta say- the strawberry rhubarb pie smoothie is THE BOMB. I don’t care if I sound like I’m bragging about MYSELF, but it’s amazing. I need to go through and try all of the recipes, because they are FABULOUS (they just need to replace my photo asap, because they posted the old crappy one!)
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