Meet Jackie Birch

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jackie Birch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jackie, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’d be lying if I said I am completely over imposter syndrome. When creating something bigger than yourself, it’s only natural to feel out of your comfort zone.
Overcoming imposter syndrome involves adopting healthy self-care practices. This includes building self-esteem and recognizing your worth. It becomes possible to overcome imposter syndrome when you acknowledge how hard you’ve worked to get to where you are and maintain a vision that is bigger than yourself. For me, that vision is helping others step out of mental turbulence and into alignment and abundance within themselves.
I have shifted my narrative around imposter syndrome from viewing it as a negative to seeing it as a friendly reminder of where I’ve come from—reinstalling humility in the process. I believe it goes hand in hand with fear. A little fear can be healthy because it means you’re engaged in something you care about. I always say, it’s okay to feel scared or experience imposter syndrome when you are doing something big, the important part is that you do it anyway. Reframe the narrative and remind yourself that these feelings are a testament to your growth, worth, resilience, and, of course, that you are only human!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a certified Mind-Body Coach, specializing in running and mindset training. I’ve been an avid runner my entire life and have completed all races, from endless 5Ks to half marathons and a full marathon. I always say running is a full-body sport, and the only competition is with yourself. This is where the mindset training comes in – my slogan is Train Your Mind Like a Muscle. What this means, is that your mental health should be nurtured the same way you nurture the muscles in your body. You build them, stretch them, and rest them. Practicing the basic practices of mental health and wellness is an ongoing practice. I work with clients to enhance their self-awareness, self-esteem, & self-reliance all while eliminating self-judgement, and managing self-doubt while incorporating physical movement and learning how to use and improve the mind and the body together. I believe you already have all the tools you need to have a great life, and it stems from internal validation.

What is special about my practice, is when I work with not only runners, but individuals that are interested in incorporating more movement. The purpose for both, is to show people that the mind and body are connected, and working on your physical health along with your mental heals enhances them both. The mindset training is designed to help my clients get out of their heads and into their bodies. To become the observer during and after their run, walk, or other physical activity, and to reflect on what emotions came up before, during, and after. I train my clients to enter a meditative, flow-like state during their activity, where they can connect with themselves and embrace discomfort as it propels them into a new chapter of growth. I also work with runners who experience performance or race-day anxiety.

I conduct a training program tailored to the client’s goals, whether they have an upcoming race or a milestone they want to achieve. I help clients find what is best for them, through helping construct a playlist, recommending apparel and accessories, form fixing, and stretching to give them the most pleasurable experience on their run/activity. Again, this is about you and you only. I am here to help my clients connect deeper to themselves and show up with integrity, accountability, and respect for themselves, all while having fun!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience, Integrity, Authenticity.

Resilience has taught me that every setback or challenge leads to greater growth. While life can be unfair and difficult, it can also be beautiful and surprising. Developing resilience requires a shift in perspective. Are you viewing your circumstances through a negative lens, feeling like a victim? Or do you see rejection and difficulties as opportunities to grow and take charge of your life? Remember, this too shall pass, and know that challenges often lead to better outcomes. The most important thing is that you keep going and moving forward.

Integrity has been instrumental in my journey. It requires follow-through, which is why I advise my clients to “do as you say” or “walk the walk.” Actions speak louder than words, and true growth stems from the aligned actions we take, not from empty promises. Embracing integrity has further developed my self-worth, discipline, honesty, and accountability. In my running and race training, you are your own accountability partner at the end of the day, and only you know if you are fully showing up for yourself. I feel that if I can’t honor my commitments to myself, how can I cultivate meaningful relationships with others?

Authenticity has prompted me to be honest with myself and has deepened my self-awareness. This inner understanding enables me to identify situations that align with my goals and to release what no longer serves me, whether it is outdated beliefs, relationships, or environments. It also helps me discern between excuses and genuine limitations. For example, when I’m debating whether to run an extra mile, I ask myself if I truly can or if I’m making excuses. Regardless of my conclusion, I practice self-compassion, trusting that authentic choices will lead me to greater alignment and growth.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am always seeking productive partnerships and collaborations because I believe that “two is better than one.” Life and business can be challenging, and having support, and asking for help is a sign of growth. I am committed to uplifting others and helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. If I have resources or insights within my practice that can assist someone in developing skills or reaching a wider audience, I am eager to contribute to their success.

I also firmly believe in the greater good of helping others. With the knowledge, information, and wisdom I have constructed within myself and my business is meant to be SHARED!

If you are interested in collaborating to create something amazing, please feel free to email me at [email protected].

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.runtonotfrom.com
• Instagram: lifesabirch__
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-birch-583a1a165/

Image Credits

Lizzie Mulvaney