The Benefits Of Embracing Change

By Ilyse Baker August 5, 2014

I don’t know about you but when I was a little girl (like most little girls) I planned out exactly what I wanted my life to be like. I would always dance around the house screaming, “My name will be in lights one day and I will dance and choreograph for all the big stars! Then, I will get married, be VERY successful, and have a family.” Isn’t that what every girl dreams about: her career, man of her dreams, white picket fence, and family? Come on…you know that I am almost 100% right!

Sometimes “your plan” doesn’t always turn out to be what you thought it would be or it does. Take me for example, I never thought that I would be a Dance and Fitness Expert and you know what? I couldn’t be happier that I am and that I am beyond blessed how far I have come and where I am going.

I started dancing at age 3 and to this day (we won’t talk about my age now) I am still dancing! When I moved to Los Angeles 10 years ago, my plan was to be a back up dancer for Artists like Beyonce, Madonna, Missy Elliot, Britney Spears, etc. Then I wanted to be on TV shows like Glee and Old Navy Commercials and Films. My list was endless. I just wanted my talent to be recognized and would have no problem with fame! Being the motivated and unstoppable girl that I am, I hustled, I networked, I auditioned, I trained, etc. I did whatever I needed to do to get closer to my childhood plan. My determination, passion, training, and work ethic got me a lot. I soon found myself working with Celebrities like LeAnn Rimes, Rihanna, Christina Milian, etc. It was incredible however I still wanted more! I remember telling my sister that I booked this amazing show and her response was, “Why are you not more excited? This is outstanding news!” I responded, “I am happy however I want more!” She then said, “Oh gosh, I can’t wait to see what your reaction will be like when NYC Broadway calls you.” I then said, “Well Broadway would be an opportunity of a lifetime, however yes, I will want more after that too!” That’s just my work ethic called: Ilyse plans to climb her ladder to the moon and back again.

So as years went on living in LA, I started finding myself at auditions for fitness DVDs and fitness shows. I started booking a lot of work in the fitness industry working as back up talent. I was also teaching dance at the time and noticed that a lot of the dance fitness classes were missing something: ME! My career started shifting more into the Health and Fitness Industry and I loved it! I was blessed to meet and work with some amazing people who are now my best friends and mentors. Talk about climbing the ladder…these individuals are top of the top and I got to work with them.

At this point, I realized that my childhood plan was shifting a bit however my gut said, “GO WITH IT!” This was just another step up on my ladder. That was exactly what I did and WOW…I couldn’t be happier! I do what I love and love what I do EVERY single day of the week.

Life can do funny things to us sometimes and usually when you surround yourself with the right energy it always works out in a great way! Always trust your gut and stay positive. Keep your ears, eyes, and mind WIDE OPEN as you never know what you will hear, who you will see/meet, and what you can create. I say, “It is endless what ‘we’ all can do and achieve!” Go for it all and #YoullThankMELater! It is ok if your childhood plan doesn’t work out the way you planned…remember that everything happens for a reason!

Now it is your turn…would you like to share your childhood plan? Did it turn out how you thought it would? Please feel free to comment below and share with your friends.

Xoxo,
ILYSE

*This post was originally published on Ilyse’s website, IlyseBaker. For more from Ilyse visit www.ilysebaker.com.

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