We were lucky to catch up with Christine Conti recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christine, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Take the Risk! Embrace your “Split-Second Courage!”

We have all been there.
You want to speak up for yourself or against someone or something that you disagree with, but you don’t. How many times have you seen a parent mistreat their child in public? How many fights have you witnessed? How many times have you stood on the sidelines in your own life rather than stepping up? Why didn’t you take “that trip” you always wanted to go on? Why didn’t you ask that person out? Why didn’t you ask for that promotion? What were you afraid of? Why didn’t you “be the change”?
Why didn’t you act?
What if I….
I wish I would have….
Imagine if I….
I wonder what my life would be like if I….
If you are reading this, you are somehow intrigued by the phrase “Split Second Courage.” You may be asking yourself whether you have this capability, and if so, whether/how you have displayed it in your life. You may even be trying to create your own definition of “Split-Second Courage” as it relates to your personal relationship with risk-taking and courage.

In actuality, “Split-Second Courage” is a type of knee-jerk reaction based on a complicated juxtaposition of events, experiences, and emotions. All of these come together and lead you to create a line in the sand—in other words, you quit.
What your line in the sand ends up looking like depends on your own decision. It can be a positive decision that empowers you to overcome a challenge and do something extraordinary. Or, it can be a negating decision to opt out of life entirely, although I hope this is never an option you think about.

In either case, you quit making excuses, listening to your fears, or letting the bully take advantage of you. You take a risk. Yet … which one brings about something better for you and the others around you? Which one shows you more “yes you can” in the long run?

You see, when I was thirty and diagnosed with a life-altering disease, I took a risk. Instead of seeing myself as weak, sick or broken, I decided to embrace my fate and be an advocate for others who feel that life ends after being handed a diagnosis. That couldn’t be farther from the truth!

It takes more courage to risk quitting your fears than it does to let your fear quit you. By working on your “Split-Second Courage,” you grant yourself the ability to step outside your comfort zone and take more calculated risks. Trying more things and acting on opportunities more often can enable you to live a truly fulfilling and successful life. Think about it this way: professional athletes continually practice their sport. Medical professionals spend years in school, and artists devote their lives to perfecting their work. In the same way, honing Split-Second Courage takes days, months, years, decades, and even a lifetime.

The most important thing to realize is that you have had this capability inside you all along. In that knowledge, you will at last be able to set both it and yourself free.

Now what steps are you going take today to grow your Split-Second Courage and live the life you truly deserve.
Go ahead. I dare you!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

“Perhaps the biggest misconception we have of courageous people is that we think they’re never afraid. We tend to see them as superhumans with extraordinary powers, and we marvel at their ability to take risks and overcome seemingly impossible odds.

One could easily get that same impression of Christine Conti, and for good reason. We watch her crush Boston Marathons, tackle triathlons, and run insane 100-mile races. The fact that she does all of this with a severe autoimmune disease only adds to her legendary status.

But Christine will be the first one to tell you that she, too, feels fear. She experiences self-doubt just like the rest of us. Thus, in most ways, she’s no different than you and I. The difference, however, is that Christine is able to conquer that fear, and she does so using split-second courage.” -Bryan Price, PhD

As a former investment banker, English teacher, and coach, Christine was able to evolve her lifelong passion for exercise and movement into a full-time career. After her life-altering diagnosis and decade experience with chemotherapy treatments, she decided to use herself as an experiment of one. Researching under the top doctors, exercise scientists, nutritionists, naturopaths and more, Christine since wrote a best-selling book detailing her journey to overcome fear and embrace life with her “yes, you can” attitude. She is a chronic disease wellness coach as well as a consultant and keynote speaker for companies, schools, and private institutions as well as a internationally recognized podcast host and medical fitness educator. Her brand, CONTI, promotes the ability to “Learn, Build, Thrive” in any situation.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

“If you are going through Hell, keep going.” —Winston Churchill

It was 7AM.
The much-anticipated sunrise illuminated the mountain trail, dissolving all the shadowy threats that had lurked throughout the night. Twenty-five hours earlier, I had descended this steep mountainside cliff to embark on the journey of a lifetime. After enduring a grueling night of cold, pouring rain and mind-altering darkness while holding tightly to an indefatigable spirit, I knew it was time to face my destiny. Mile ninety-nine consisted of a steep climb up a muddy, treacherous mountainside that seemed to touch the heavens. I was exhausted. I had nothing left in the tank, but I was prepared.

“Remember what you have been through, Christine,” I repeated out loud. “Remember that this is all mental … this is all about mindset. You have survived much worse than this in your life … this is just a little hill. One foot in front of the other.”
Right.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right
… almost there.
Let. It. In.
Feel all the feels.
Embrace the pain.

Allow those dark thoughts of quitting and begin to embrace weaknesses. Maybe you are not deserving.
Enter that “dark place” where you are never enough, and your insecurities are holding you back from achieving your dreams. Take a good look around this terrible place. Now that you are there, take a deep breath. Go ahead.
Start counting backwards from 10.

“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…”

Right.
Left.
Right.
Left.
Right….

While it only takes a split second to make a decision, without courage and calculated risk, you won’t make it—and without determination, you won’t keep making it until you’ve achieved the goal.

Building both courage and determination can take a lifetime. It took me almost forty years to discover my true identity and understand my purpose in life. If it were not for the seemingly insurmountable obstacles placed in my way, I would have never learned the secrets that helped me grow my courage to act and attack my goals in life.

Always remember that:
1. Courage is something that can be learned.
2. Everyone possesses the power to grow a more courageous mindset.
3. You deserve to live a meaningful life.
4. You deserve to be happy.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

“SHOW UP” -CC

The best way to keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty is to “SHOW UP!” In fact, this little saying is what my best friend, Dr. Mindy, say to each other every time we speak. While this may sound like a simple piece of advice, it is way more powerful than you could ever imagine.

First, you must show up for yourself and take care of your physical health. Be mindful of your diet, exercise, sleep, and hydration. “Without you, you got nothing!”

Second, you must show up for yourself mentally! How would you rate your mindset and stress levels? What are your personal relationships like with your family and friends? Are you taking time to be present and mindful or is your mind always full?

Show up at your brick and mortar on a regular basis or regularly check in with your employees and clients via phone, text, email or social media! Be seen! Be genuinely interested in the lives of those around you. Share personal stories. Dare to be vulnerable and open with others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ask questions even if you are the boss! Show up to help those around you rise to their potential by encouraging them, supporting them, and asking them how you can help them best serve clients.

When you develop a reputation for “Showing up” in your business, you will forever have loyal employees and a stream of empowered clients who will continue to sing your praises and provide you with referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.contifit.com
• Instagram: @Christine_M_Conti
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContiFit/
• Linkedin: Christine Conti
• Twitter: @contifitness
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christineconti1
• Other: Podcast: www.TwoFitCrazies.com

Image Credits
Lifetime Impressions Photography: www.lifetimeimpressionsphotography.com