When I agreed to participate in the Armer Foundation’s Ahwatukee Dancing with the Stars event (you can see the video on our Facebook page: here), I
didn’t realize just how much this experience would teach me—not just about dancing, but about life, growth, and pushing past limits. Here are four key lessons I took away from this incredible journey.
Lesson 1: Don’t Let Fear Dictate Your Future
I’ve heard it said that successful people make the uncomfortable comfortable. To me, that’s another way of saying: don’t let fear dictate your future.
I’m not a fan of crowds, let alone being the center of attention in front of one. It’s one of the reasons Lifestyle Performance Training doesn’t offer group training. I know I’m not the only one uncomfortable in that environment. But stepping onto the dance floor meant confronting that fear head-on. I still remember my first dance lesson—I could feel the heat radiating from my face because it was flushed with embarrassment, feeling every eye in the room on me as I fumbled through the basics. It was deeply uncomfortable.
But with each lesson, my confidence grew. The discomfort faded as familiarity took its place. The truth is, fear loses its power when you face it. Growth happens when you challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, even if it means shaking off the nerves and taking that first step.
Lesson 2: Repetition Brings Improvement
Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, “There are no shortcuts—everything is reps, reps, reps.” This truth is universal, whether you’re learning to dance, lifting weights, or mastering any new skill.
Preparing for the competition required breaking the routine down into manageable parts and repeating them—over and over again. As one element improved, it highlighted areas that still needed work. Once I nailed the footwork, it was time to focus on my arms. Once I got the arm movements, it was time to work on timing. Each layer is built on the last.
The confidence people saw in me during the performance wasn’t natural; it was earned through repetition, guided by my instructor Maysen’s coaching. If you don’t feel confident doing something yet, it likely means you haven’t done it enough. New skills take time and consistent effort to master—whether it’s dancing, learning proper exercise form, or turning meal prep into a weekly habit.
Lesson 3: You’ll Never Know What You’re Capable of Without a Challenge
Even when we’re doing all the “right” things—exercising, eating well, getting enough sleep—it’s easy to get stuck in a comfortable routine. And while comfort is nice, it can sometimes lead to feeling stuck or even burnt out because there’s no new goal or challenge driving us forward.
This competition was a reminder of how energizing it can be to try something new. I’ve experienced similar revelations on family hikes, realizing I could push myself harder in my cardio workouts than I thought I could handle. And I found it again while preparing for this event. I discovered coordination and rhythm I didn’t know I had, and I realized just how fun dancing could be.
If you’re feeling stagnant, it might be time to shake things up. A new challenge can reignite your sense of accomplishment and remind you just how much you’re capable of.
Lesson 4: Don’t Let Doubters Define Your Outcomes
Whenever you set a big goal, there will always be people who doubt you. Sometimes, it’s peers, friends, or even family. Other times, it’s your own inner voice.
When I told people I was participating in this event, some doubted my ability to succeed. They saw me as someone stiff and rigid, not a natural fit for dancing. Their skepticism could have shaken me, but I chose to focus on what I could control: my effort and my mindset.
With Maysen’s guidance, I leaned into my strengths. My athletic background and familiarity with speed ladder drills translated surprisingly well to the footwork and movements required for our routine, and my strength meant we could do more advanced lifts. By focusing on what I could do rather than what I couldn’t, I was able to build confidence and prove the doubters wrong—including myself.
The key takeaway? Don’t let negativity—from others or within yourself—hold you back. Focus on your strengths, put in the work, and let the results speak for themselves.
Key Takeaways on Confidence Growth and Resilience From Dancing
Participating in Ahwatukee Dancing with the Stars wasn’t just about learning to dance. It was about growth, resilience, and discovering new aspects of myself. These lessons extend far beyond the dance floor—they apply to every aspect of life.
So, what challenge will you take on next? Whether it’s in fitness, work, or a personal goal, remember: fear fades with familiarity, repetition builds confidence, challenges reveal your potential, and doubters don’t define your outcomes. You’re capable of more than you think. All it takes is the courage to start.