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Spotlight On IFBB Bikini Pro: Francesca Lauren

Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: September 24th 
Hometown: Portland OR

Career: 43761-francesca-lauren-41 finalOwner/Marketing & Relations Director for Bikini Bella Competition Suits Client Relations Manager at Fifth Avenue Lounge
Show Prep & Presence Coach


Competition history:

2013
14th MuscleContest.com Pro Bikini
6th Europa Show of Champions Pro Bikini
11th Powerhouse Pro Classic Pro Bikini
11th New York Pro Classic Pro Bikini
16th Orange County Muscle Classic Pro Bikini

2014
8th Legends Pro Bikini Classic
7th Shredder Built Pro Bikini Classic
18th Emerald Cup Figure Pro
2nd Europa Games Phoenix Pro Bikini

Next competition:10593129 777620035629830 6221614804889355860 n

I am hoping to compete in the 2015 Arnold aside from that I am still waiting on the show schedule to post so I can start planning out what show’s I will be competing in 2015. Since I have started this journey I have had my eye on competing in the Olympia so my focus is to qualify for that.


In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
My coach has a quote written on the wall in his gym “Doubt is the enemy of achievement” in which I wholeheartedly agree with. In my opinion, motivation and confidence is key to accomplishing any goal. When you are confident in your abilities and possess a passion and drive in achieving your goals, obstacles encountered are viewed as mere challenges rather than road blocks. You find joy in the experience and the journey regardless of how short or long it is not because you have to but because you are blessed that you get to!


In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
Of course natural ability is a needed and hard work is a corner stone for anyone to reach the top, but I personally think it takes more than those two elements. That third element is perseverance. You can expect to get knocked down a few times on your way up but those who will push forward and keep climbing tend to be the most successful.


What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?43761-francesca-lauren-31 final
When I set out to compete from the beginning I had my eyes set on ultimately competing at the Olympia but I knew I had a long road ahead of me that is certainly going to take time and hard work. To help me stay on track as work my way there I set smart goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic & Timely. I apply smart goals throughout a variety of aspects in my daily life & from show to show. I personally feel being prepared; having a plan and prioritizing my time and resources help me feel confident with where I am at or what I need to do when working towards a goal. Each step is one step is one step closer, no matter how big or small, to what I have set out to accomplish.


Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
I was a Training and Development Specialist for 5 years with a cable company where I facilitated classes on a variety of subjects. Working in that industry it is well known that the only constant you can expect at that company is the fact that things are going to change, and they certainly did frequently. It can be nerve racking facilitating a large classes not knowing when a curve ball will get thrown you way. From my experience over the years I have learned that my success in that position didn’t come from knowing all the answers but in being confident by remaining flexible and adapting to circumstances.


What do you find 43761-francesca-lauren-73 finalthe most challenging about competing?
For me the most challenging aspects of competing is maintaining a good balance between everyday life and show prep. I am a working mother of 2 boys and things can become more stressful around the last couple of weeks before show time. It is important to me that I keep my family as the #1 priority as well as make time for training and prep. There are sacrifices that you will have to make so it’s essential to be well aware of what those sacrifices are and know where and when you need to draw the line. I want to set a good example for my kids in that I want them to know that we all have responsibilities and if they really want to achieve something they certainly can but it’s up to them to work at it and find a way to make it happen.


What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Set Goals: What is your ideal future and how do you plan on turning these aspirations into a reality? Goals can give you long term vision and short term motivation!
2. Perseverance: It’s true, if it was easy everyone would be doing it, so be realistic and be prepared to fall but have the drive and determination to get back up and keep moving forward. If you are passionate about the goal you have set you will find a way to make it happen.
3. Learn from your experiences: Weather you reach your goal in the first attempt or if you have to try over and over again you should always be willing to self-reflect with each endeavor. What are some things you should continue & what were some opportunities you can address next time? Acknowledge the good and the bad then execute strategy for the next time.
4. Always give 100%: There is no “try” you have to be “ALL IN”! Your mindset is everything, when you set your goal you have to be willing to commit to it and follow through otherwise you are setting yourself up for failure. “You can’t have a million dollar dream with a minimum wage work ethic!”
5. Be honest with yourself: Priorities and goals can shift in life so it’s important you stay in tune with your emotions and your current situation. I compete simply because I enjoy the experience. Win or lose I like going to the gym and seeing what I can accomplish. It’s work but it’s work I enjoy so if you do not enjoy the time and effort you are putting into reaching your goal you may want to reassess the goal you set for yourself.


What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
My favorite is the VPX SRO Zero Carb protein powder in Vanilla. It taste delicious and helps me maintain my macro’s when I cutting for a show!


Favorite Inspirational Quote:
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Brian Littrell


In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
First of all I would like to thank Gail Auerbach for the interview opportunity with RX Girl as its an honor to be featured on the site!


I am truly blessed to have such a loving children, boyfriend, mother and father around to back me during show prep so I naturally I extend a huge thanks for all their help! The support I have received from friends and fans has truly motivated me as well and I thank everyone for that!


My coach Cem Eren is an amazing mentor and motivator. He has continually looks out for me and my best interest and makes sure I know that he is always in my corner and for that I cannot express my appreciation to him enough.
I would also like to thank my Sponsors Redline Energy and Hawthorn Family Medicine for their support as I prep from show to show!

 

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