Have We Met?
The online environment can feel so impersonal. If we don't know each other in person, I'd love to say hi and let you know a bit more about me!
I take my work seriously. I fully get that my hobbies and interests don't resonate with everyone! People who love science and research don't typically have a huge pool of friends who share their same passions. I just cannot tell you how much I appreciate the kindness and care that you give to me, even if we come from totally different backgrounds and perspectives.
Some social norms lie in direct opposition to the things that make me feel most alive and free. The feedback I often got from evaluators was to speak slower, lower my tone of voice, blend in, wear less makeup, pull my hair back, tone it down, clam down, I have too much energy, I'm not taken seriously..... etc.
Honestly, these words stung because it felt like they were saying "be less of yourself and care less about the things you value." 👎🏼 My success in my career started when I stopped listening to the feedback to blunt my personality and natural characteristics and started to be more authentic at work.
I like to hug and I prefer eye contact.
I care deeply about doing the right thing.
I smile a lot, and its genuine.
I talk too fast.
Honesty matters to me.
I like to have conversations that matter.
I easily overcommit (I could write this one twice)
I strongly believe that we can help others to to be their best when we genuinely care and show appropriate appreciation.
I appreciate when people take time to care about me too.
I have a lot of energy.
My voice gets super high when I'm excited or nervous.
I love to teach.
I'm more creative in the evening. I also prefer to exercise in the evening.
I like to move.
I need time to be alone every day to produce quality work.
I'm a peacemaker so I naturally avoid harsh words and conflict.
I can soak in criticism for too long.
I say "I love you" as often as I can, and have accidentally ended a phone call with a stranger with a hearty "have a great day, love you." 😂
I care about details tremendously. Catching my own mistakes is frustrating.
Perfectionism can paralyze me if I let it.
I love complex and simple science.
I love human bodies more than anyone I know, and I love the people who live in them. 💕
I love being surrounded by friends who lift me up, support me in my strengths, and give me resources to fill in the gaps of my weaknesses. I am far from perfect and I'm fairly certain that I make at last one mistake every day.
I find that most of us already criticize our own efforts enough- we don’t need another voice in our life that magnifies our doubts or causes us to second guess our abilities....that's why I think it is so important to show love out loud. I want to bring out the very best and help my friends be as confident and comfortable in their own skin as possible.
I see you. Thank you for seeing me too!
About the Author
Dr. Monique Middlekauff is a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). She has been a certified personal trainer with the NSCA, ACSM, and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) for over 10 years.
She is a certified Higher Education Teaching Specialist (HETs) and has instructed courses ranging from introductory to graduate level including Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Exercise Physiology Lab, Resistance Training, Fitness Foundations, Aging and Exercise, and Skeletal Mechanics.
She is a former NCAA DI volleyball athlete and loves to exercise outdoors. Monique is certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and is an Exercise is Medicine Level 3 credentialed provider. Monique works for a major health system in Idaho.
Her goal is to pursue health and overall wellbeing through evidence-based practice. Physical wellness comes in many forms, and she seeks to celebrate where you are, and challenge you to be better!