We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Desiree (Desi) Bartlett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Desi, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Each morning I can truly say that I am excited to share the joy of movement. Over the years I have consistently worked to share this message across platforms including fitness video platforms, writing books, writing articles, teaching retreats, and offering tips on social media each day. Recently someone referred to me as the ultimate yoga & fitness expert, and the part of me that wanted to blush and say, “you are too kind,” was silenced by the part that said, “yes, after 30 years, 2 degrees (and currently pursuing my doctorate), and too many certifications to list, I accept that compliment with joy and gratitude.” Consistency in my work, coupled with truly enjoying the field has allowed me to step into my power and share it with others. Diminishing who I am and what I have done, does not serve anyone, and in fact could prevent me from fully expressing the gifts that I have.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am currently focused on launching a new subscription based platform on my website. I believe that everyone has the right to feel great in their own body, and for many years I have shared this work on many different platforms, and while I still love to collaborate with large companies, I also know that now is the time for me to create my vision. My message is focused on the bodymind. That is not a typo, because the body and the mind are not separate. When we exercise, we take care of our mental health, when we meditate, it supports our physical health. Everything is connected, and everything deserves care and attention. Too many individuals wake up not feeling great, and it is my personal mission to help share techniques to change this. As Wayne Dyer once said, do you wake up and say, “oh god it’s morning again,” or “good morning god!” And the last word of that sentence can be changed to whatever resonates with you, e.g. “good morning life!”
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?
The first quality that has been impactful on my journey is consistency. From teaching yoga on exercise TV in the early 2000’s to creating my own videos in 2024, I have been in front of the camera for over 20 years, and committed to my mission of sharing the joy of movement. The second quality that has been impactful in my work is having a heart for service. It is my great joy to help people cultivate strength, and I listed to what they are saying with their words, as well as with their body language. Helping others to feel great is very satisfying to me as a movement professional. The third quality that has been impactful is the desire to grow. Growth and evolution are necessary in any industry, and when we look at the fitness videos on VHS in the 1990’s as compared to what we see on our phones today, we see an elegant marriage of research in physical fitness married with tech. I would recommend that everyone that wants to grow in their field, connect to the pioneers and mavericks that pushed the envelope and inspire you. Hearing about how an industry has grown can help anticipate further growth.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the last 12 months, I have successfully launched my second book, “Total Body Beautiful: Secrets to Looking and Feeling Your Best After Age 35” (alongside co-authors Nicole Stuart & Andrea Orbeck) on a multi-city tour, completed my 3rd of 4 years of my doctoral studies, and led an international yoga retreat (alongside Dr. Natiya Guin). The theme of this last cycle of growth has been to “go all-in!” I am not a tip-toe around or stick your little finger into a project. I enjoy going full force until a project has been completed, and then I rest, regroup, and plan for my next project.
Contact Info:
- Website: desibartlett.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mothersintolivingfit/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-bartlett-ms-cpt-eryt-a4457b6/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7cDYBGUc0cF6HgNA2aYj7Q
Image Credits
Natiya Guin Maro Hagopian Mark Takamura
