38. Michelle Waterson: Listening to your inner voice, embracing adversity, going for your dreams.

UFC fighter Michelle Waterson is living her dream out. She’s currently ranked #7 in the Strawweight division with a recent win on the biggest fight card in the UFC’s history, #UFC229. Her post fight talk with Joe Rogan left all who listened in, moved as she told him": “I want to be the first mommy champion in the UFC!” And here’s the thing; Michelle Waterson has EVERYTHING it takes to actualize that vision. Her mental framework is as powerful as her karate kicks. She has the heart of a champion- a woman that makes NO excuses, chooses to continue learning and growing herself into her best self by embracing the challenges that arrive on her unpaved path towards her desired victories. I LOVED hanging with Michelle and having this talk; she is sooo much fun, so present and so authentic. Her story and process throughout it is absolutely inspiring. It proves that listening to your authentic, inner voice to direct your path in life, despite what anyone else thinks and the adversities that arise on it, will make you a better version of yourself and lead you into some incredible, heart filling, outstanding- dream come true- WINS. In this episode you will learn: How her husband Josh’s level headed influence compliments her mental framework Why it’s important for Michelle to keep her family and career life as one unit Michelle’s experience + mindset going into her fight on the UFC 229 card The difference between grappling + MMA grappling and how she utilizes MMA grappling it in her fights How she got started fighting MMA Why she decided to start fighting MMA The impact of her instructor/mentor as a young girl The value of appreciating the “small progress” that we make along the way to the bigger ones Her journey from being in school + working to pay for it, to then deviating that path + starting her fight career Deciding to listen to your inner voice/true desires + not being swayed by external voices/opinions How she + Josh came to name their daughter Araya and why it’ so special How she approaches Araya’s martial arts journey + teaching her daughter the importance of commitment to any martial arts disciplines she takes on Her view on being a martial artist + teaching her daughter the values that come with being a true martial artists The importance of moving towards your fears + not avoiding them The mental aspect of being a pro fighter The power of embracing venerability What happens when you don’t allow failure to prohibit you from moving forward The value of appreciating adversity + using it to grow you How growing up with a tough love mother really supported her advancements in life The bravest things she’s ever done What she does when she feels nervous Her friendship with Holly Homes and the positive impact it has on her The importance of having authentic friendships + how she teaches her daughter to approach her friendships Her view on bullying + what we face today with less genuine communication Her relationship with her sister growing up + how they grew into best friends How she trains her mind and the power of mental rehearsal WITH hard work Her love in exploring creativity Her idea on “balance” + how she’s incorporating it into her life How recovering is just as important as training Her relationship to Self Love + the importance of it Her thoughts on what makes a woman beautiful What makes her feel beautiful The importance of eating healthy + its effect on external beauty What she teaches her Araya about beauty + confidence Her favorite books The Alchemist, Mind Gym + Relentless I am confident in saying this episode is going to elevate your mind greatly and I would LOVE to hear you thoughts! Follow Michelle via IG: @karatiehottiemma & www.michellewatersonmma.com Enjoy! xRx Let me know you’re listening to this episode by sharing it on your Instagram stories, tag me @blackbeltbeauty and @roxylook Thank you for the love and support!