In my Facebook group, Health Coach Nation, I post videos and tips for health coaches who want to feel more confident sharing their message online. Therefore, it only felt natural to make a video talking about confidence tips from my FAVORITE high performer. Can you guess who it is? Madonna!
Join the free Facebook group to see the full video and mastermind with other health coaches, or read the recap below.
Here are 10 inspiring lessons we can all learn from the “Queen of Pop.”
#1: Be a full person.
Recently on her Instagram, Madonna posted a video reading an excerpt from We Should All Be Feminists, a book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
“Be a full person. Motherhood is a glorious gift, but do not define yourself solely by motherhood. Be a full person. Your child will benefit from that… Never apologize for working and doing a job you love, because doing what you love is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and your child. You don’t have to love your job; but you can love what your job does for you – the confidence, the freedom, and self-fulfillment and all that comes from doing and earning.”
Even if you’re not a mother, you could substitute the motherhood references in the quote above with whatever you attach your self-worth to… your bank account, your productivity, your beauty, etc. This statement reminds us to build a fulfilling life without feeling guilty about it. It’s not selfish to follow your calling. When you feel aligned with your values and dreams, the world benefits from what you create. You DESERVE freedom, confidence, and all that comes from following your purpose.
#2: Discipline is freedom.
At age 60, Madonna is still starting businesses, making music, dancing in amazing costumes, and keeping up with her 6 children. What’s her secret? Discipline.
She is known for her no B.S. attitude, working out, eating healthy, and working hard. All we see in the media are her inspiring successes– but behind the scenes, there’s a lot of non-glamourous preparation that requires daily discipline.
Discipline gives her the freedom to do what she loves — performing and pushing boundaries.
What would be possible for you with more practice in discipline?
#3: Push your limits.
I’ve watched every Madonna tour and documentary… There’s one common theme. In every show, she incorporates a new challenging skill. Here are a few examples of how she’s pushed her limits on stage…
- Kicking off the Re-Invention Tour in a difficult yoga pose
- Double-dutch jump roping during the Sticky & Sweet Tour
- Tight rope walking during the MDNA Tour
As you are building your health coaching business, find ways to keep things exciting. Set goals that are challenging enough to make you feel on fire to take daily steps.
There’s so much more, but the the bottom line is that she’s not afraid to push her limits.
#4: Rebrand yourself when your old story isn’t serving you anymore.
Madonna is the queen of reinventing herself. If she’s no longer inspired by her current style or music, she’s quick to pivot.
We could all use a little rebranding every once in a while! Many of us fiercely hold onto stories that keep us stuck.
“I could never be a full-time health coach.”
“I’m not fit enough, smart enough, confident enough, etc.”
“I always start strong when building new habits, but then I give up.”
Any of these stories sound familiar? If you want to improve your life, create “rebrand statements” that replace the stubborn thought patterns that aren’t serving you. Give yourself a new “tagline.”
For instance, if you always tell yourself, “Now is not a good time to start my health coaching business because I’m too busy,” you will NEVER start. Instead, change your story to something like, “I choose give myself the gift of consistent, small steps towards building my own health coaching business.”
One of my favorite new rebrand statements: “I am giving myself and my clients the experience of sustained high effort.” Because often times, we don’t know how much we’re capable of and give up too soon. We don’t realize how good we can feel without giving ourselves the gift of consistency.
Don’t be afraid to rebrand yourself. Need help with this? Set up a free assessment call with me.
#5: Exude confidence.
Madonna doesn’t try to be confident; she just is confident. Confidence is built over time by doing embarrassing and challenging things.
Next time negative thoughts keep you from promoting your health coaching or boldly owning your message online, ask, “What would Madonna do?” 😉
We all have fearful thoughts. The only difference is that some people let them take control, and others don’t.
YOU have unique gifts to bring to the world. With practice, we can generate confidence through our actions and quiet our self-limiting beliefs.
#6: Put your best foot forward. Always.
Madonna over delivers. Her tours are extravagant in every way possible… the dancers, costumes, lights, themes, etc.
As health coaches, it’s important that we don’t fear “giving too much away.” Bring your best to your online trainings, your lead magnets, and your coaching.
If you love what you do and you have high standards for yourself, then over-delivering is to be expected.
Do it for yourself. Do it for your own joy and fulfillment.
Your clients and audience will match your energy.
#7: Capitalize on your strengths.
Madonna may not be the most amazing powerhouse female vocalist, but she compensates with dancing, branding, and putting on a full production. She leverages her strengths.
Think about what strengths make you unique and how you could incorporate them into your coaching programs. Your personality traits that you want to hide (because they make you different) might actually be the keys to your success.
#8: Never defend your limits.
When Madonna wants to do something, she does it. She doesn’t accept ageism, sexism, or other excuses. Instead of saying…
“I’m too old for this.”
“I have 6 kids, I don’t have time to work on my business.”
She’s says…
“Watch me.”
Start looking for all the reasons why YOU CAN have the life you want. Seek solutions and resources that will allow you to defy limits.
#9: Take risks before you feel 100% ready.
Madonna dropped out of college in Michigan and moved to NY to pursue dance. This is one of many risks she has taken during her lifetime. Any goal worthwhile will require some discomfort.
Practicing goal-oriented actions when it’s uncomfortable is what’s required if you ever want it to feel easy. Like Dr. Jade Teta says, “Easy is earned.”
Of course, there will be slip ups and mistakes. There will be times when you ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” But what’s worse: Making mistakes while you build your dream life over time, or staying within your comfort zone and living a life unaligned with your dreams?
Brainstorm a few ways you could cultivate the accountability and support that would encourage you to take more risks.
#10: Look for daily inspiration and “fuel” to keep going.
Madonna has a of haters. Many people get upset by what she wears “at her age,” how she sings, what she says, etc. Instead of allowing these comments drain her energy, she carries on.
As Marie Forleo says, “Eat rejection for breakfast.” Obstacles and haters are a GIVEN any time you are trying to achieve something big. You might as well use them as signs that you’re getting closer to success.
Hope you enjoyed these 10 lessons from my favorite high-performer, Madonna.