Have you ever heard just the right words at just the right time you needed to hear them? Words that hit you smack dab on the forehead and cause your heart to pound?
Yeah. That was my experience with this amazing MasterClass.
I binge-watched all eleven lessons while running on the treadmill and oh my gosh. Things. Hit. Hard. So hard that I’m sharing this review here, since that blog is more fitness-based and not just my author website.
I’m not an affiliate for MasterClass: all opinions are my own.
Class Description:
Level up in life!
From litigator to ultra-marathoner to bestselling author to head instructor and VP at Peloton, Robin Arzón keeps proving it’s never too late to level up in your life. Now, she’s ready to teach you how building your mental strength can help you see what’s possible for yourself – and see it through. Learn how to identify your dreams and apply the principles of endurance, power, and strength to help you reach your goals.
Source: MasterClass.com
What You’ll Learn:
- Know your worth
- Find your purpose
- Hustle and Grit
- Discover your greatness
What You’ll Get
- 11 video lessons, 01:13.97 hours
- Exclusive learning materials
- 100% guaranteed
My rating: 9.5/10
The .5 is because I’d love a few more lessons!
On with my thoughts…
Exclusive learning materials
The printable handbook isn’t just a recap of what’s shared in the lessons, something I appreciate. Written in the third person, there are extra insights as well as some recipes, all of which I will try! Especially the 17-ingredient smoothie … which sounds like a lot of work but if it gives me more energy, I’m in!
Is it worth the standalone $90.00 cost?
This is always a tricky question for me. I absolutely do think the $180.00 cost for an all-access pass is absolutely worth the cost, especially for writers and creators. And regardless of what topics brought you to MasterClass … whether it’s business, music, acting, or what have you, Robin’s Class is a MUST SEE.
I mean, she doesn’t have the nickname The Queen for anything.
But is the class worth the standalone for me? It’s short compared to other classes, so maybe not for some folks, but considering my state of mind when I took it … yes. Absolutely yes.
Let’s unpack.
My Rambling Review
Depression hit me like a ton of bricks the Monday prior to me taking this class, leading me to a week of roller-coaster emotions, worry, and anxiety. I’ve also been ingesting WAY too much media and news lately, in my nonstop efforts to better prepare myself for political confrontations with a family member.
I’m sick of politics, y’all. I’m sick of Covid, I’m sick of misinformation, the senseless deaths of so many, I’m sick of it all.
So yeah. Come Saturday, I needed a major pick-me-up, so I laced up, hopped on the treadmill, set the pace at a comfortable 6mph, and hit play. And you know what? It was just what I needed at the exact moment I needed it.
I’ve been a major Robin Arzón fan since starting with the Peloton App back in late December 2020, and she said some things that so shook me to my core that I had to stop running and take notes. Quotes like:
“Imagine anxiety as a flashlight pointing you toward whatever it is you need to accomplish.”
This concept of fear and anxiety being a reminder of your potential and unrealized dreams and not an enemy, necessarily, was first introduced to me by Sarah Blondin’s amazing meditations.
I mean, think about it.
I have no fears or anxiety about losing races or improving my running personal records. Why? Because it’s not my goal or something I desire. I’m not passionate about split times, heart rates, or improved PR’s. (Unless proof of time for a Disney race is involved, of course.)
For those who are, cool! That’s awesome! It’s not for me, so PR failures aren’t something I fear or be anxious over. When it comes to writing, however, something I am passionate about and desire deeply … I am constantly battling fear, total anxiety. So I appreciated her suggestions!
Because what if fear isn’t the enemy? What if fear is just an inner driving force that is reminding you of your potential, of what you can accomplish in life? And what if you made friends with your fear?
What if you appreciated that fear?
Yeah. That’s a big topic that’s going to require a different post to fully unpack since this concept has been blowing my mind later.
About consistency…
“I always tell folks, if you say you don’t have time to workout, replace it with “it doesn’t matter,” and see how that feels. If it truly doesn’t matter, you’ll feel free. If it does matter and you’re actually leading with excuses, your spirit will know.”
Oh, boy. That’s gold, y’all. Especially when I’ve been making plenty of time to watch political videos that only make me feel even more stressed instead of writing.
Why Not You?
Her tenth lesson hit the hardest … so hard, I had to slow to a walk on the treadmill in order to fully digest her insight.
When she spoke about asking herself, “Why not me” after seeing other folks out here living full lives and inspiring others, shivers went up my spine. That’s what my goal was with Joyful Miles over five years ago … to inspire, educate, and motivate others with my words and actions. It’s something I still want to do. But after taking a necessary break and step back, for the past year, I’ve lost my confidence and part of me thinks … it’s too late, it’s gone.
And writing.
“We have to be willing to allow ourselves to succeed. Sometimes success actually feels just as uncomfortable as the work it took to get there.
Oh. My. God. This is ME, 100%.
Once again, these thoughts need a deeper dive in a separate blog post, but here’s the quick version:
When my first novel, Beauty Shop for Rent, was published by Harcourt, I couldn’t allow myself to celebrate it fully due to one harsh review. Promoting it was awkward and painful and whenever my husband would tell others about it because he was proud of me, I’d avert my eyes and blush.
Same with my second novel, Just Flirt. And whenever sweet folks would approach me at runDisney races, saying how much Joyful Miles’ content had helped them, I often felt undeserving.
Why? Why couldn’t I enjoy my success and feel proud of my accomplishments? Why does ambition … and HUSTLE, one of Robin’s favorite terms … bring feelings of guilt?
Why not me, for God’s sake?
After all, two major publishers bought my novels. My first novel won awards and sold out after just one month. Reviews, for the most part, have been great. And people wouldn’t lie about enjoying Joyful Miles content. They wouldn’t take the time to thank me if they didn’t mean it.
Yeah. Like I said early … this MasterClass hit hard. So hard that I bought a custom wrap with the words WHY NOT ME from Momentum Jewelry.
(It’s a little hard to read, so I’m getting a new one during the next sale.)
And yes, I’m rambling with this review. But that’s a sign of a great class … when it brings out deep thoughts and introspection into your past. When it causes you to open your eyes to the present and feel excited about your future.
When you feel a shift inside that asks … Why Not Me?
And why not you?
Thanks for reading and if you’ve taken this course by Robin Arzon or any other MasterClass, please share your thoughts in the comments!