Have you ever heard an "expert" tell you that in order to succeed, surround yourself with the best? For example, if you want to make a lot of money, spend time among the circles of people who have an abundant cash flow. Or if you want to excel as an artist, get to know those with top-notch skills who have built a thriving career in the industry. And if you want to be a great cook, hang out with the best of the best and learn what they do. You get the idea.

Well, this philosophy finally clicked for me this summer, and now I really "get" and understand the importance of this. I started taking a cardio kickboxing class a couple months ago, and I really love it. This is huge for me because in the past, I have never really enjoyed physical activity. I've always engaged in it because I should and it's good for me. But even then, I haven't exerted myself too much and never worked myself into a sweat. Basically, I always looked forward to when it's over! So as you can see, I've been a pretty mediocre participant.

Once a week in my kickboxing class, we pair up with a partner where one of us wears boxing gloves and one of us holds up pads for the other one to hit. And then we trade off. This was the first time I had ever hit anything, and it felt amazing! However, up until recently, I paired up with someone who was pretty much like me—strong and in-shape, but not really one to go all-out. We always had fun during our sessions and giggled a bit and talked about our personal lives in between hits and punches. No big deal, no big sweat, and then class was over.

But every week I noticed another woman who really intrigued me. She was incredibly lean, super strong, visibly very fit. As we practiced our punches and jabs and watched our form in the mirror, my eyes were always drawn to this same woman. She was fierce, like a tiger. Beautiful with a blond pony-tail, her face was intense and her eyes laser focused when practicing her moves.

I had a longing to be her partner and see what it would be like, and to find out what I was made of. Even though I was actually slightly afraid because I knew she was probably capable of some pretty powerful punches! So the next time before class as I left home to head for the gym, I planned on partnering up with this woman. I visualized it working out perfectly so that we would be right next to each other and naturally hook up as partners.

And so in class that night just as it was time to pair up, everything unfolded just as I had envisioned. "Lisa" and I smiled at each other and introduced ourselves. She looked even stronger close up! I knew what I was in for. And I was up for the challenge. I was the first one to put on my gloves, and Lisa nodded at me with a "Let's go!"

I hit the pads she held up and I hit them hard. I paid attention to my body to make sure I was using proper form. And I was strong! I felt a combination of pride and shock that I was doing so well. Previously, I had held back because I didn't want to hurt my partner. But this time my partner said I could go harder and I shouldn't worry about her. And so I gave it all I had! Together, we were on fire. I was punching the pads so hard that it sounded like fireworks were exploding in the room.

"Boom!" "Boom!" "Boom!"

To my delight, our instructor came by and commented on how well we were doing together. It felt incredible. And I think I even gave my super-star athlete of a partner a good workout, too. I smiled inside to myself when she said, "I thought you were new to this class…you're so strong!"

When it was over, I felt a bit nauseous. I had never before pushed myself to that level of intensity! But I was so grateful for the experience to unleash a power within me that I didn't know was there.

So what's the point of all this? In the past, I hadn't held myself up to high standards, so I never really knew what I was capable of. I was always just kind of "playing along." But I had this desire to see what I could really do. And when I picked out the best to be in my sphere of influence, it seemed like I blew the roof off. That night was the first time I truly realized what was inside me. Growing up as a girl taught to follow "lady-like" rules, I never dreamed of hitting anything or being aggressive. The physical exertion and the punches I threw were just what I needed to show me my unrestrained limits. We are all capable of so much more than any of the outer edges we might impose on ourselves!

I have always wanted to enjoy physical activity but never found any activities that did it for me. I now faithfully attend my kickboxing class a few times a week and can honestly say that I love it! And not only have I found a workout routine that I enjoy, but I have also found a way to take my game to the next level.

What is it in your own life that you are intrigued to "try out"? Where do you want to push harder or go farther? What is it that you've been holding back on and are now ready to take to the next level? And who do you need to surround yourself with in order to succeed?

Sign-up now for an Ultimate Living Jump-Start to develop a plan to push yourself and surround yourself with the best! See what you're made of!

Michelle Stimpson is a Personal Success Coach who works with her clients to be their best and create outstanding lives…and close the gap between where they are now and where they want to be.

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