Jesse Holland, Lifestyle coach, personal trainer, writer and public speaker.
What is the most exciting thing you are working on right now?
I am currently developing the blueprint for my transformational motivation program. My back injury is what amplified my thirst for knowledge and understanding more about body mechanics and proper muscle activations. My ability to grasp, decipher and retain information on my own journey to health came very easily and I was able to pass it on to those around me. I found myself being able to help others in challenging times and that brought me a new-found purpose and joy. This could not have come at a better time for me.
One of my exceptional success stories was working with a client for less than a year and helping him achieve a 130lb weight loss. I then introduced him to his now fiancee, who was also a client at the time. All of these success stories have fueled me to continue to follow my purpose and passion.
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What failure did you learn the most from and what did you learn?
I am not a fan of the word failure, but I have had many great life lessons. The one that I have most recently learned is that it is imperative to have self-awareness throughout your journey. In order to have an impact, I must have a purpose.
During the course of building my coaching career, I was heavily focused on work and for a brief period of time, didn’t give myself time or space for anything else. I was able to achieve many of my goals work-wise, but lost sight of personal relationships that mattered; mainly due to the fact that I didn’t allow myself time to introspect. It’s extremely important to have downtime to think, process, reflect and be self-aware.
When I lose track of even the most basic level of self understanding and self awareness I am failing those I work with, those I care about, and love.
What is your go-to strategy in moments of self doubt?
I lean on those in my small inner circle. It is imperative for me to surround myself with positive and goal oriented people. These are people that will tell me the truth, no matter if I want to hear it or not.
Six years ago, I had a back injury that resulted in surgery, which left me completely immobile, and as a result, it left me feeling very much in a place of doubt in my life. I relied mostly on my family during that time. It was my family that supported my decision to go back to school and finish my degree.
Who or what are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for the woman who came into my life and gave me a different perspective. She is like nobody that I’ve ever met. She pushes me even when I’m doing well — it’s not good enough because she sees that I can be great. She continuously challenges me.
How do you recharge?
I recharge by following a few daily practices that keep my body and mind working in tandem. I journal daily and take a moment of my morning to define what I am grateful for and what my motivation is for the day. I have also become a meditation addict. I meditate at least once daily but, if I can make more time, I will meditate two or three times. I find that keeps my mind clear of cluttering thoughts.
I’m also a fan of listening to podcasts on all sorts of content as this helps feed my appetite for learning.
On Sundays, my only day off, I go to church with my mother and then she cooks me a dozen eggs and bacon. I find myself recharging on the floor or couch reading a book or taking intermittent naps throughout the day. It is so important with the amount of physical stress I put my body under on a daily basis that I get the actual time to disengage and let body and mind recharge together. This day of reflection is how I recharge and set myself up for success for the following week!
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Favorite inspirational quote: “I am going to show you how great I am!!” – Muhammad Ali