What if We Were to Like Ourselves a Little Less? | Shaheda Govani | TEDxOshkosh

Summary

This motivational speech explores the power of embracing imperfections, vulnerability, and failure. The speaker shares their journey as a natural bikini bodybuilder and dentist, revealing how both fields have taught them to thrive in discomfort. From overcoming self-doubt in competitions to confronting the vulnerability of dental work, they highlight the importance of growth through challenges. The message encourages stepping out of comfort zones and finding strength in failures, showing that true success lies in personal growth and the courage to continue despite setbacks. It's a call to embrace life's discomforts and use them as catalysts for transformation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Embrace vulnerability: The speaker emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with discomfort, acknowledging imperfections, and learning from failure.
• 😀 Persistence is key: Despite not winning the bodybuilding competition, the speaker remains proud of their hard work, highlighting the value of the journey over the outcome.
• 😀 The importance of passion: The speaker reveals that bodybuilding is not just a hobby but a deep passion that requires dedication and sacrifice.
• 😀 Personal growth through failure: The speaker reflects on how failure teaches important life lessons, encouraging others to embrace and learn from their own shortcomings.
• 😀 Bodybuilding and dentistry share similarities: Both require attention to detail, patience, and an ability to work through uncomfortable situations.
• 😀 Resilience through hardship: The speaker draws inspiration from their family's struggles, using those experiences to fuel their perseverance and success.
• 😀 Strength comes from vulnerability: The speaker admires individuals in bodybuilding and dentistry who continue to show up despite their physical or emotional challenges.
• 😀 Self-reflection is essential: The speaker regularly asks themselves questions like, 'Did I do my best today?' to ensure they are growing personally and professionally.
• 😀 Embrace the grind: The speaker finds fulfillment in pushing through difficult tasks and enjoys the process of self-improvement, not just the end result.
• 😀 Challenge yourself daily: The speaker encourages others to take on something uncomfortable each day, whether it’s a difficult task or trying something new, to grow mentally and emotionally.

Q & A

What motivated you to pursue bodybuilding, despite the challenges and discomfort?

The motivation came from a desire to embrace uncomfortable spaces and imperfections. I love competing and pushing myself beyond my limits, even if it meant facing failure. Bodybuilding is not about seeking perfection, but about growth through hard work and resilience.

How did you feel when you didn't win the bodybuilding competition you had worked so hard for?

Initially, I felt frustrated and disheartened. I questioned whether all the effort was worth it. However, over time, I realized that not winning actually provided valuable lessons. It allowed me to reflect on my journey and reinforced my love for the sport despite not achieving the desired result.

What is the significance of embracing vulnerability and imperfection in your journey?

Embracing vulnerability and imperfection is crucial for personal growth. It’s through our challenges and failures that we truly learn about ourselves. By accepting these moments, we open the door to emotional, mental, and physical development, even when we don’t meet external expectations.

Can you explain the connection between bodybuilding and your career in dentistry?

Both bodybuilding and dentistry require an immense amount of attention to detail, discipline, and patience. In bodybuilding, it's about achieving symmetry and muscle composition, while in dentistry, it’s about precision in procedures and ensuring patient comfort. Both fields also involve working with people in vulnerable and uncomfortable situations, making them similar in how they challenge and push individuals.

How did your background influence your approach to bodybuilding and life?

Growing up in a family that faced financial and emotional challenges shaped my resilience. My father was a refugee, and my mother raised me with immense strength despite hardships. These experiences taught me to embrace struggle, outwork obstacles, and pursue goals with determination and a strong sense of self-worth.

What role did your family play in your journey toward becoming a professional bodybuilder?

My family’s support and their resilience played a pivotal role in my journey. My mother’s strength and my father’s sacrifices instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance. They were a constant source of motivation as I worked toward my bodybuilding goals, even during tough times.

What lessons did you learn from your failures in the bodybuilding competition?

I learned that failure doesn’t define my worth or my passion for the sport. Instead, it’s an opportunity to reassess, reflect, and grow. I also realized that success is not just about trophies or accolades; it’s about the journey, the dedication, and the lessons learned along the way.

How do you deal with the discomfort of not winning or achieving perfection in your goals?

I’ve learned to sit with discomfort and not let it dictate my self-worth. It’s important to acknowledge that not every goal will be achieved on the first try, but the process itself is what shapes me. Embracing the icky, uncomfortable moments has allowed me to grow, both in bodybuilding and in life.

What does it mean to truly ‘like yourself’ during moments of failure or vulnerability?

Liking yourself during times of failure means accepting your imperfections and knowing that you are still worthy, regardless of the outcomes. It’s about being kind to yourself, learning from mistakes, and continuing to pursue growth, even when things don’t go as planned.

How can embracing small, uncomfortable moments lead to profound personal growth?

Small, uncomfortable moments build resilience and emotional strength. Over time, each challenge helps you grow mentally, emotionally, and physically. Whether it’s trying something new, stepping out of your comfort zone, or embracing vulnerability, these incremental experiences lead to a much deeper transformation.