We recently connected with Dr. Megan Johnson McCullough, EdD and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Dr. Megan with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I’m a “work horse” and anyone who knows me would agree wholeheartedly. Running a small business, I’m working 12-hour days, and this is 5 days per week plus about 7 hours on Saturday and Sunday. I have my “half day” off on the weekends. They say you get to make your own schedule when you own your own business, but that might be a white lie. My dad is the winningest basketball coach in California high school history, so he really instilled my work ethic with the motto, “You gotta show up”. There aren’t sick days or personal days, rather, you get to work, and you work. This was certainly true when I played basketball and had practices and games. This was true of going to school too since my dad was a teacher at my high school and my mom was a teacher too. I didn’t get to skip assignments or days. To that effect, I was that kid who didn’t want to be late to class or miss any day even if we had an awesome family vacation. Winners “show up”, so I have taken that motto and it has generated much success for me personally and in running my business.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the owner of Every BODY’s Fit, fitness studio, in Oceanside, CA. I offer small group exercises classes and personal training. I’m a Doctor of Health and Human Performance and have a Master’s in Physical Education and Health Science. Furthermore, I’m an elite NASM Master Trainer, world champion natural bodybuilder, fitness model, and author of 8 books. I’m certified from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association, Group Exercise Instructor by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (Aqua, Cycle, Yoga, and Zumba). Plus, I’m a Corrective Exercise Specialist, Drug & Alcohol Recovery Fitness Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Senior Fitness Specialist, Wellness Coach and Lifestyle and Weight Management Specialist. I have been personal training since 2007. My books and research have been about the influence of exercise on substance abuse recovery. I have released a cell phone app called Fit PACE (proactive awareness controlling excess) which is for persons in addiction recovery to use exercise as part of their treatment.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Driven – I have a passion for perfection (and a tattoo that says this) because I want to give my best and do my best at all that I do. 2. Responsible – I have a “show up” attitude and if I say I’m going to do something, then I’m going to in fact, do it.
3. Resilient – Working in the service industry and trying to spread yourself to make everyone happy without taking everything personally, is challenging. I’ve got a little chip on my shoulder now and thick skin to know that I’m meant to help who I’m supposed to help.
My faith and belief in the serenity prayer is what triumphs over all that gets thrown my way on a day-to-day basis. My advice is to accept what we cannot versus what we can control and acknowledge that with our decision making and emotions. I also know that God’s timing is what I need to trust and that my worry and stress doesn’t help any situation. When you can come to terms with serenity, a huge weight is lifted.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My mother struggled with alcoholism, so her addictive gene has been passed on to me. However, the gene has been positive beyond measure for me. I have been able to take her perfectionist attitude, intelligence, and beauty, and made the best of life. I got all her good qualities and although I have the addictive, “all or nothing” pursuit of life, this has been channeled to owning a small business, earning my doctorate, being a published author, becoming a world champion bodybuilder, and working as a fitness model. My mom was a teacher, so I like to teach others through exercise and health. She was kind, giving, and committed to all she did and life and I surely have followed in her footsteps.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.everybodysfitoceanside.com
- Instagram: dr.megan_everybodysfit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.johnson.374549
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/megan-johnson-mccullough-1b603a80
- Twitter: everybodysfit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/fitlifeeverybodysfit
- Other: Amazon https://www.bit.ly/MeganJohnsonMcCullough
