Monique Cormier, who has overcome obesity and severe depression en route to becoming a world class amateur bodybuilder, joins Dave [ ... ]
Spotlight On IFBB Bikini Pro: Danielle Carr
Category you compete in: Bikini
Date of birth: Oct. 25th
Hometown: Clifton, NJ
Career: Executive Assistant
Competition history:
2013 - Bikini
IFBB St Louis Pro Figure & Bikini - Open (15)
2012 - Bikini
IFBB North American - Pro Card Winners (35+ Class D (1)
NPC Masters Nationals - Masters 35+ Class D (2)
NPC Team Universe - Class E (3) / Masters 35+ (8)
NPC Garden State - Class C (2) / Masters (1)
NPC Atlantic States - Class D (5) / Masters Bikini (3)
2011 - Bikini
IFBB North American - Class D (11)
NPC Team Universe - Class E (6)
NPC Jr. Nationals - Class E (13)
NPC Garden State - Class B (1)
NPC Atlantic States - Class B (5)
2010 – Bikini
NPC East Coast - Class B (1)
NPC NJ State Championships - Class B (2)
NPC NJ Muscle Beach - Class B (1)
NPC Team Universe - - Class F (9)
NPC Garden State (June 2010) - Class B (3)
NPC NY Metropolitans - Cl
ass B (5)
2009 - Bikini
NPC NJ Suburban Championships - Bikini – 3rd
NPC NY Metropolitans - Bikini – 2nd
Next competition:
Europa Orlando – April 19-20, 2013
In your opinion, how important is motivation and confidence when aiming to accomplish a goal?
For competing, both are extremely important. Without motivation you will never make it through competition prep. In the beginning prep will seem exciting and fun. It’s motivation that is needed when you’re deep into the prep; you’re tired, moody and hungry yet you keep on pushing through, because you’re motivated to be at your personal best on stage. Confidence is equally significant. If you don’t have confidence in your abilities to compete, you will spend many hours wondering “can I”. When those thoughts multiply you’ll eventually talk yourself out of doing it. You also need the confidence to shut out the naysayers and keep trucking along; knowing that you will make it and accomplish your goal.
In your eyes, what combination of hard work and natural ability is needed to reach the top?
Both are needed. Whether it’s a sport, profession, hobby everyone has different natural abilities, which will cause them to excel faster to reach the top.
Hard work will enable that person (without the natural ability) to also excel; however at a slower rate. Likewise, for the person with natural ability, if they don’t use hard work to apply their natural ability then they won’t reach the top.
What are some motivational strategies that have or currently work for you?
Motivational books. My favorite is “The Secret” I use it as my bible, rereading certain sections especially during competition season. Create an inspiration board with pictures of all the things that inspire me. I keep it hanging in my bedroom so when I’m waking up before the sun, it reminds me why I’m doing this. A few days leading up to a show I try to limit my time on social media to avoid their distractions. But sometimes the lure of a Facebook status message or the “like” on Instagram sucks me back in... lol!
Give me some examples from your life where confidence has helped you to achieve?
Confidence made me able to compete. With no background in sports/dance or nutrition I had a lot of learning to do.
What do you find the most challenging about competing?
The diet. During the week it’s easier to stick to the plan because I work an office job, where my days are regimented, with no time for slipups. The weekend is where things can go wrong. To avoid that I structure my weekends so they won’t create that lazy attitude. I don’t sleep in too late because then I wake up ravenous and will choose a bad meal. Wak
ing up early and exercising on the weekends, sets my mind frame in motion for a successful day.
What are your top 5 key strategies for success?
1. Define what success is to you. People confuse what society deems successful, without really thinking about what success means for them.
2. Surround yourself with other positive and successful people.
3. Learn to work through life’s difficulties, instead of making them an excuse as to why you can’t accomplish something.
4. Think outside the box.
5. Time management
What is your favorite protein powder? Why do you like it?
Pro Supps TC-F Isolate 100% Whey. It’s zero carbs/fats but still has a great taste.
Favorite Inspirational Quote:
I love quotes and find them so inspiring; here are a few of my favorites:
"It’s better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection."
"Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."
In closing, Who would you like to give a shout out to?
I’d like to thank my family, trainers Shannon Dey and Rob Rosetti of Team Bombshell, my teammates, the ProTan team and X2X Clothing.
Lastly, my “Prince of Tides” who has been there from the beginning of my competition journey and continues to be my #1 supporter. No matter what/who is going on in my life or how difficult/moody I may be, his support is unwavering.
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