So, it has come to that time when we look ahead to the following year, set new goals and write down our resolutions. However, I think it is equally as valuable to reflect on the previous 12 months, the experiences you had, the memories you made and the lessons you learned. 2015 was by far the best (and busiest) year of my life and I want to take a moment to share my highlights:
Career
2015 was the year of my career change. I moved from the health industry (specifically speech therapy) into the fitness industry. This was a huge decision for me, and a terrifying one. In February I took the plunge, signed up for a PT course and moved to London. I originally planned to be there for 6 weeks just to see the course out. I never left and here I am 10 months later well and truly settled into the London life. I now work as a personal trainer (among many other things) in West London and I couldn’t love my job any more.
2015 was also the year that I launched this blog. It was a long time coming and it has become my favourite little project that I pour my heart and soul into. It has opened so many doors for me and I can now say that blogging is part of my career, something that I never imagined would happen!
Finally, 2015 was the year that I became signed to a modelling agency – yet again, something that I hadn’t even considered! I travelled the world shooting campaigns and adverts for the likes of X Box and Adidas, and walked in LFW for the incredible Charli Cohen. Crazy. Times.
My People
In 2015 I think that I found my people. In the past I have had issues with friends. Throughout school and university I have even through various bullying and social exclusion experiences. So I am extremely happy to say that I finally have true friends who are good eggs, really good eggs. I trust them unconditionally. They support me, empower me and bring out my best bits. I am so grateful for them every single day.
In terms of relationships, I have always been an advocate of being single and learning to love yourself. My career has been my life this year and for a long time I didn’t believe that I had time for a man. However… recently I have met a pretty special guy. He makes me so happy. He is genuine, kind, caring and considerate. I think he’s a keeper.
Opportunities
For me, 2015 was the year of opportunities. Opportunities that I never imagined that I would ever ever get! One of the main ones has been travel – I have been lucky enough to travel extensively for both work and play. Nothing makes me happier than going on an adventure, and to travel as part of my job is an absolute dream.
2015 was the year that #girlgains was born – a company that I am extremely passionate about and one that I think will make positive and lasting changes to the female fitness industry. It was also the year that I started hosting events. My first was a small brunch with 12 guests, which I was so nervous about! Since then I have hosted a whole series of events of varying size and structure. My most memorable was my supper club at Grace Belgravia, simply because my mum came along.
Finally, not once did I ever think that I would be featured in the press… but in 2015 I was in an editorial spread as one of Women’s Health’s top fitness bloggers. I was also featured on Sky News and in Forbes, Elle and the Daily Mail among other publications. WHAT!?
Family
Lets get a bit personal. When I originally decided to change career and move into fitness, you could say that my parents weren’t best pleased. They never told me to not do it, but they definitely questioned me. My mum was the hardest to convince as she felt that I was wasting my degree and academic achievements by changing field. This year I have made it my mission to prove to my parents that I have made the right decision, and I have worked my socks off to do so. As the year has unfolded, my parents have become more and more supportive of my career and I can finally say that I think that they are proud of me and what I do. Their support is what makes the late nights, early mornings (and minor meltdowns) all worth it.
Living My Dream
Towards the end of 2015 I was presented with two of the most exciting opportunities of my life.
The first is my clothing collection. When I was asked to create this it was what I what I like to call a “pinch me” moment. The process has been long and comprehensive, but exciting and enjoyable. I can’t even believe I am talking about my own clothing collection! You can read more about it here.
The second opportunity… I just can’t fathom. In November I shot an editorial spread and the cover of a national magazine. The fact that I just said that still boggles my brain. I can’t believe it. I have no idea why they chose me or why I am getting this opportunity… but I am going to enjoy every single moment of it! The magazine comes out on January 3rd so grab one on the day!! I predict that I will shed tears of joy and buy 20 copies, and probably frame 5 of them!
All in all…
… 2015 has been fan-bloody-tastic! The whole experience has been a whirlwind. When I first moved into the fitness industry, I never imagined that my career would develop in the way it has. I am very aware that my job is reliant on social media. It is fickle, it is risky and it could fall through. That is why I am grabbing every opportunity with both hands and savouring every single moment.
As well as being a year of professional growth, there has been a lot of personal growth taking place in the past 12 months. In 2015 I have come to truly accept myself – the good, the bad and the ugly. As a result, I have become the most confident and the most happy I have ever been. I hope that in 2016 I continue to develop as a person and as a professional, and that I get to share these moments with those I care about the most – including you guys. Here’s to a new year full of new opportunities!
Zanna xx
