Tatum Perez, Training By Tatum
Two of my sisters-in-law train with Tatum and always talk about how much they love working with her. After taking these photos, I could see why. She’s easy going and positive, helping people reach their goals without being that drill sergeant stereotype often portrayed on TV. If you or someone you know is looking for a trainer, here is her website: http://www.trainingxtatum.com
The following set of six questions will be answered by each of the subjects.
1) Some people call it a “true calling” or their “life’s work.” In the book The Alchemist, author Paulo Coelho calls it your Personal Legend. What do you consider to be your true calling, or Personal Legend?
Training is my Personal Legend because I truly love what I do and it brings me so much happiness. I think a person can have talent or skills in their work, but not necessarily be happy or content with it. I can never see myself growing tired of helping others find health and happiness through activity.
2) When did you first realize that this was your calling?
I probably knew it my third year into college but at that point I had one more year until graduation and I could’t wrap my head around making the switch from Environmental Management to Exercise Science. Four years after graduation I decided that I would at least get my personal training certification and maybe take it on as a hobby. Around this same time, I found myself moving back to Indiana from Puerto Rico so I didn’t have a chance to pursue it right away.
I knew that Corporate America wasn’t for me. I worked hard but I wasn’t happy. It wasn’t until we had our first baby girl that I knew it was time for a career change. I wasn’t going to miss out on raising our daughter for a job that made me miserable. I had been scared to change career paths for many years but once I became a mother I felt invincible, so I took a chance.
3) People often become completely engrossed, losing track of time or outside concerns while performing tasks related to their calling. This might be referred to as being “in the zone” or “flow.” When do you experience this most often?
My mind is always on work. I am typically thinking about my clients and their workouts. I have to be careful to not let it interfere with my family life. I find myself mostly in the zone when I am writing new workouts, magazine articles and running or lifting weights.
My mind is always racing with ways to keep the workouts fresh, different and fun! I am always thinking of ways to encourage my clients to seek out healthy lifestyle changes. This is more than just working out but also fueling our bodies with whole foods, plenty of sleep and fresh air. It’s living in the moment and being in tune to our bodies.
4) What is the greatest challenge or obstacle you’ve faced in pursuit of your life’s work?
I feel that it’s helping clients with time management. It’s so much more than this but in the end it all comes back to time management. Whether or not my client feels that they can get up to workout, take breaks during their work day to move, cook a healthy dinner or get sufficient sleep, it’s all about prioritization and time management. It’s about feeling that they deserve it and can do it.
5) What has pursuing your Personal Legend taught you?
To take risks, learn from your failures and that as long as you are consistently passionate and enthusiastic you can make anything happen.
6) What piece of advice can you offer to others seeking their true calling?
You will have to take chances and risks and that’s okay. You will never know unless you try.
Are you following your Personal Legend? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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