Today, I speak with IFBB Pro Rachael Saeler, registered nurse who lives in Colorado. She began competing in 2015 as a bucket list item but got hooked after her first show. She won her Pro card at USAs in July of 2021. With each show she grows more confident and experiences less nerves before stepping on the stage. She looks forward to competing on the Pro stage to experience the backstage vibes and make friends.   Rachael talks about how she’s had to go past motivation and rely on discipline to get her through tough parts of prep. She asks herself, “What will skipping this workout do for me?” Or she will ask herself how she would feel after eating a sweet treat that wasn’t on her plan. She likes using macros during prep because of the flexibility it offers her.   In 2019, Rachael decided to prep because she in her husband were in different states and she needed something to help her through that and school. That’s also when she decided to start working with her coach and take things more seriously. That’s also when she realized she could turn Pro with more focused work. Every day, Rachael does something that will move her closer to her goal.   Rachael and Celeste talk about making gains in the improvement season and disconnecting from the number on the scale. Shifting focus to how your body is feeling and the strength you are gaining. She likes to take advantage of the improvement season to do fun trips with her husband that she can’t really do during prep.   Rachael and I had a great conversation. I can’t wait for you to hear it!   Topics covered include: -Moving to Colorado -Improvement season plans -Working as a nurse -Starting your day with a workout -Studying to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist -Working with a coach versus prepping herself -Goal setting -Taking rest days seriously -Gaining weight the right way -Living an active lifestyle -The comfort of routine during prep CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html CONNECT WITH RACHAEL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachael_ifbbpro/   TIME STAMPS [1:00] introductions [3:00] pre-stage nerves [4:45] moving to the Pro stage [7:30] working as a nurse [12:00] becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist [17:15] pushing through when things get tough [20:45] working with Paul Revelia and Team Pro Physique [23:30] her relationship with her husband [26:45] her road to Pro [28:40] being a strong competitor [29:50] intention setting and meeting goals [32:00] the importance of rest days [35:00] improvement season progress [44:00] doing fun things in the improvement season [49:40] from CrossFit to bodybuilding [53:45] moving cross-country during peak week [60:00] her husband supporting her goal of becoming Pro [64:27] advice for competitors CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES   CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES   LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM   FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE