We recently connected with Lisa Touzinsky and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa , thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
Discipline versus motivation is a huge topic in the wellness community. There are days I feel no motivation, sometimes I honor that and blow off a day or moment. But most days, even when not super motivated, I am a disciplined person. I’m not sure where it comes from and I don’t think it really matters. For me, the key is keeping my mind and soul on my priorities and designing daily structure/habits that support the life I want. Create manageable and measurable goals. Then turn them into action. It’s not always easy or fun but it comes down to you either do it or don’t do it. Personal accountability and repetition to turn behaviors into habits. Keep goals manageable. For me, one step at a time, driven by creating the life I want.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I have been a personal trainer for 20 years. I also have a Master’s Degree in social work and worked in mental health for a number of years. I have now been working as a nurse for almost three years. Obviously, I’ve always been pulled towards the world of wellness. My goals and interests are fluid and have shifted at different times in my life. I have one kid left at home, he’s graduating high school this year. Once I get him off to college I will do travel nursing. A huge passion of mine is the outdoors. I’m designing a life that reflects that. I also have interests in science, movement, psychology, and the human experience. All of these things have lead me to where I am now. Down the road I may pursue something that lets me meld all three of my careers but for now, I’m aiming to be a wandering soul in the near future 🙂.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In terms of achieving my goals in life: 1) holding myself to high standards. I’ve always had a desire to do well in life. I feel like if I’m going to put the time in and things are going to take up large chunks of my life, I better show up and do the work. Be accountable to yourself. 2) getting along with/being able to see life from other people’s viewpoints. Being able to understand and work successfully with a large breadth of people is so important. I feel very comfortable in all different circles of people. 3) a hatred for stagnation. I’m a curious person and I want to experience all I can in this life. I’ve always felt somewhat claustrophobic when life gets too stationary. That doesn’t mean I have to be moving around, but it does mean that I don’t like to feel stuck and I certainly believe it’s on me to squeeze everything I can out of life.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Ack! My parents are everything to me. They raised me in a way that gave me freedom, encouraged my individuality, respected my stubbornness, and they let me make my own decisions and set my own path. I always knew they were there if I needed them, but they let me be me in so many ways. Growing up in the Midwest with not a ton of exposure to life beyond our own community… they let me run with every out-of-the-box idea I had. We are extremely close. I will forever be grateful for them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: LisaTouzinskyFitness
- Facebook: Lisa Mandal Fitness
