Everyone’s idea of success is different. However, the journey towards success, regardless of the industry, comes with the same challenges. This results in learning the same lessons – perseverance, self-confidence, creativity and flexibility in approach. 

This week, we spoke to Adesua Jessica Osunde (@jessica_osunde_), to share her journey from fitness fanatic to instructor.

Tell us about your background and the start of your journey

I got my first Job as a sales person at Nike at the age of 16. Working here opened my eyes to all kinds of fitness events available in the community for runners and training enthusiasts. I became the Ambassador for my store in Oxford Street, and got involved in Nike training club events we held in store and across London. My passion grew from this point as I was able to learn from and work with master trainers. This developed my knowledge on fitness training and how fun it can be. 

What was it that made you realise that something had to change?

I worked at Nike for many years, over time taking part in lots of different fitness events. The experience was great, however at this point I felt that I wanted more. Being around all the different types of fitness professionals, shifted my perception of what fitness is. Seeing how enjoyable it can be made me realise that I too wanted to pursue fitness professionally! 

At this point, I realised that I needed a change. I needed to do something that would take me out of my comfort zone and bring my closer to that vision.

What did you decide to do next?

I had a conversation with a colleague who said they were about to enter a bikini fitness competition. This jumped out as the challenge I needed, and I researched ways I could get involved. These types of competitions are assessing the shape and balance of your body, and overall presentation. You may have seen competitors standing in a line, all in bikinis, many with fake tan, in the same pose – this is what I’m talking about. 

You can imagine how much commitment to a strict training regime and diet is required in the buildup to competition day.

In 2015 I took part in an amateur competition which was a huge learning experience. I had a lot to work on and realised just how strong my competition was and what was needed to succeed. I consistently put the work in. Not just physically but mentally too, ensuring I had the mindset to put my body and mind through this. 

The first competition gave me the platform and confidence to compete again in 2018, where I won three trophies! This was an extremely hard and challenging experience that taught me what discipline truly meant.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me is self-belief. Believing you can achieve whatever you put your mind to, no matter how scary it may feel. Positive mental self-talk and perseverance, that is success! With this mindset you will never fail, as you will keep progressing in what it is you wish to accomplish.

What did you do to start to shift your life towards your idea of success?

To make change I implement one small step every day. I write down what incremental change I will make, which will take me a step closer to my end goal. These small changes lead to big changes which take shape over the weeks, months, and years.

Leaving my comfort zone felt scary and lonely yet freeing and empowering. I was very used to asking for reassurance which came from a place of people pleasing. This was at the cost of sacrificing who I truly am.

After the fitness competitions, I continued progressing towards the vision of being a fitness instructor. I began working in gyms as front of house and this led to management roles. I was constantly surrounded by instructors and members that had chosen to prioritise their health and fitness but signing up to the gym. 

During this time, I completed my Group Instructor and Personal Training courses on the side and decided I would start auditioning to teach group classes. 

Auditions in the fitness industry can be daunting. You’re being chosen based on your style of teaching, and are sometimes up against people with years of experience. Being new in the industry I wasn’t always successful, and I didn’t always receive feedback. It’s hard not to take that rejection personally, which I’m sure everyone can relate to. But I still had my end goal in sight, and had a great community around me to support me through these times.

Were there any other challenges you came across? How did you overcome them?

My journey to become a fitness instructor brought many mental challenges – imposter syndrome, overcoming rejection, self-doubt – which I have battled to overcome. 

The key challenge was staying focussed, remaining present and believing I could achieve my goal of teaching full time. It seemed like the perfect time to introduce meditation, gratitude, and affirmations to my daily routine. I started meditating first thing in the morning when thoughts start to flood into my brain and at night when your mind need to settle. I stuck to this as consistently as possible for about a month or two during the pandemic until I created my own natural habit of when I needed it the most. 

As for my gratitude and affirmations, I wrote them out in my diary before I wrote down the days agenda/to-do list. Practicing gratitude really helped me to not let the little setbacks get me down. I had a whole list of things going on and knowing that nothing could take that away from me was very powerful. 

These additions to my day were really effective and helped keep me motivated and on track. 

Where are you now?

I am now teaching spin and high intensity fitness classes full time, and I LOVE IT. In this role, I am constantly learning and striving to be the best instructor I can be. I try to make the most of my community but regularly pick the brains of elite instructors and coaches and using them as role models for the career I want to build. 

My mindset for each class is to stay present and focus on creating a great outcome for my class. 

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with those aspiring to their own idea of success?

The key piece of advice I would give anyone trying to achieve is to believe in your passion and have fun no matter what. 

We hope you enjoyed Jess’ story. If you have a success story that you would like to share with us please do reach out to us on Instagram.

More success stories will be shared every month with Change The Narrative.