Buckhead author helps others find their unique potential!
Buckhead’s Betsy Mendel knows the pain and isolation depression brings. She first fought its effects in her 20s and again in her 40s. Now 65, she’s set out to share her insights and inspirations in a new book, Buh-Bye Mediocrity, Hello Awesomeness.
But the third-generation Atlantan is quick to point out: This is not a depressing book about depression.
“I knew if I could get through depression, I could help others, and that’s what motivated me to write,” she says. “This book is about moving out of mediocrity: finding out what you want, why you want it and how to get it; and overcoming obstacles and being persistent.”
Two years ago, Mendel had an ah-ha moment. “I was happy and knew I was doing OK. I was getting by, but I wasn’t thriving. Everything was good, but something was missing. I knew I had more to give, but I didn’t know how to do it. I also had friends who felt stuck and were comfortable in their mediocrity, doing the same thing every day. That’s safe but not fulfilling.”
Once Mendel started putting her thoughts down, she says the words poured out. Much of the inspiration came from the support she was already giving those stuck-in-a-rut friends.
“People have always come to me for advice, and I try to motivate, encourage and inspire,” she says. “The book was a great way to reach a wider audience. I felt I could do it because I’ve been through so much and can tell people there is a way out.”
Mendel’s experiences include moving to California in the 1990s to become a certified personal trainer. She worked as a health and wellness coach for a weight loss company, and in the last year, became bi-coastal to keep working with a number of West Coast clients. But she also had bouts of depression brought on from an eating disorder that began in her teens and an addiction to exercise.
“Some people turn to drugs or alcohol; I turned to exercise because I was good at it,” says Mendel, who works with her California clients over Zoom. “I got those endorphins from exercise that made me stick with it.”
But Buh-Bye isn’t about her personal journey. It’s meant as an inspiration to those having a hard time achieving the goals that will add meaning and fulfillment to their lives. Her top tips revolve around persisting despite the obstacles, not making comparisons to other people and taking tiny steps to achieve an end result.
“My top takeaway is to have a routine,” she says. “That frees your mind. For me it’s getting up at 6 a.m., working out no matter what, having a protein shake and writing. But I know so many people who have no routine to keep them focused.”
A routine can help keep that focus and cut down on distractions that get in the way of achieving whatever goal has been set. “With that end goal in mind, think of three ways you’re going to persist today. Stay focused on the task. Have an accountability partner for support. And don’t do everything all at once. We live in a microwave world: We want it quick, and we want it now. Break things into digestible bites, and remember what Winston Churchill said: ‘Never, never, never give up.’”
betsymendel.com
@betsymendel
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
