Member of the Month – Angi Begg
“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.”
― Andy Rooney
A number of our members are of an age, like me, that we remember Andy Rooney and his sardonic free-form editorial comments from “A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney” at the end of that great television show “60 Minutes.” He would generally complain about some random subject, such as coffee cups left on office desks, or delve not very gently into social commentary. I generally found his comments to be downcast and not very inspiring, so I was surprised when looking for a quote for this month’s theme – growth – to find one from him that truly resonated with me.
It speaks directly to the message I convey – to my kids, friends, executives with whom I still work, athletes whom I coach – that lasting fulfillment in life comes not from realizing extrinsic goals but rather from the growth and development that occurs while striving to attain those goals.
Growth – physical, intellectual, emotional – occurs when we put ourselves to a challenge, reach slightly beyond our capabilities, and push ourselves to adapt and change. It implies improvement, something I think we all desire in ourselves and one another. It’s one of the reasons why I loved competing in triathlons, where for most athletes the goal is to grow and improve on prior performances.
Importantly, growth also relates to mindset. The Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck has spent her illustrious career researching and defining a growth mindset as one that “leads to a desire to learn and therefore a tendency to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as a path to mastery, learn from criticism, and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others. As a result, they reach ever-higher levels of achievement. All this gives them a greater sense of free will.”
That desire to create a greater sense of free will is one of the key reasons why our mission statement is “…to build well-being in our community by helping our clients grow and achieve their physical lifestyle objectives and providing our staff the opportunity to grow as individuals and fitness practitioners.” And why we are consistently looking for ways to serve you better, such as with regular goal reviews, unique program offerings, and always a welcoming environment!
Dogma Athletica May Member of the Month – Angi Begg
Angi Begg – Dogma Athletica May Member of the Month
Do you know someone who is always smiling, offering a positive comment, encouraging people around them, and generally a joy to be around?
Angi Begg is absolutely one of those people so we are happy to have her as our May Member of the Month!
She just returned from a fun family vacation in Hawaii and came over to the gym to sit down with Mist and me for a few minutes to share highlights of the trip, chat and give her perspective of what being part of Dogma Athletica means to her.
Angi, it sounds like you had a great trip to Hawaii. What were some of the highlights?
It was a trip filled with Aloha! We got out and did lots of sightseeing and some snorkeling. But with how hectic everyday life can be, the best part of it was simply relaxing on the beach and enjoying the Aloha spirit of those around us.
Sounds very inviting! How did you feel about coming home?
As much fun as Hawaii was, I was ready to be back home at the end of it. I love the people of the Vail Valley as well as the climate and our sunshine. But mostly it’s the people! They are so friendly, active, approachable, and easy-going. I just couldn’t picture myself living anywhere else.
So what would be a perfect day for you back here at home?
Probably going for a hike, lunch with my family, and then coming in for Katie’s class (Katie teaches our fluX high energy aerobics class every Tuesday / Thursday at 4:30pm). A little bit of outdoor activity, definitely some family time, and some time here (at Dogma Athletica).
Really? We’re honored you would include us in your perfect day!
Honestly! I’ve been coming to Katie’s class for a year and a half and I love it! Katie brings this mind-body-spirit approach that really rounds out the class. It’s mentally challenging as well as physically challenging, when I attend I feel great. Everyone has gotta have some Katie in their life. Plus, the gym has such a welcoming and accepting environment that it’s just a nice place to be around.
So along with Katie, who in your life has inspired you?
(After some thought) My step-dad Rex, whom I have known since I was 6 years old. He has been the rock of my life, showing unconditional love. He is one of the most kind and gentle men but is tough as John Wayne. And from watching him it taught me to toughen up as well!
Is there anything you would like to share with the folks reading this interview?
Moving your body is SO important, and doing it with people who empower and motivate you is huge!
Out of appreciation for Angi and her cheerful attitude, we are happy to give her a Dogma Athletica t-shirt and complimentary month membership!