SUMMARY
Santia Deck made a name for herself as a beloved fitness guru, and then she took things to another level by inking a deal that made football history. She shares her thoughts on playing to win.
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Undoubtedly, 2020 was a rough one for many, but 2021 is full of opportunity. To help you get the year off to a flying start, we’re presenting our “I Am Potential” series — articles designed to help you succeed, thrive and prosper in 2021.
A switch flips in our mind at the start of a new year.
Sure – it’s just a day on the calendar. But from a psychological perspective, a new year represents a chance to start over. It’s an opportunity for a fresh beginning.
As 2020 makes way for 2021, it’s a great time to take a look at your life. What are your goals, and what are you doing to achieve them? If the strategies you’ve used in the past seem to have hit a dead end, now is the time to refocus and regroup.
As you’re putting your plan together, take inspiration from the life stories of those who have beaten the odds and triumphed. Every setback and subsequent redemption that they’ve experienced holds a lesson that can help you reach your full potential and live your best life.
With that in mind, we’ve reached out to a few top athletes to hear about their plans for starting fresh in 2021. These stars are all top contenders in their respective sports. They’re also Fresh N’ Lean partners who’ve had great success integrating our meal plans into their daily regimen.
Meet Santia Deck, the highest-paid female football player in history
Today we’re hearing from Santia Deck. Santia started her career as a fitness trainer, social media influencer – known as “Queen of the Abs” — and rugby player before segueing into tackle football. She made history as the first woman to sign a multimillion-dollar football contract when she inked a deal with the newly founded Women’s Football Association.
Here’s what she had to say about her successes, inspirations and plans for the future:
1. How are you making the most of what remains of 2020 to finish the year physically and mentally strong?
Well, I’ve launched a shoe company, so we are busy with orders and shipments. And I’m continuing to prepare for my football season in May! I’m also finding ways to have down time and “me” time when I start to feel overwhelmed. I believe it’s important to stay balanced during these crazy times we are living in right now. We all need to protect our mental health just as much as we are trying to protect our physical health.
2. Can you share one resource (for example, a book, article, Instagram post or quote) that’s helped you become a better version of yourself in 2020?
“You have to want it as bad as you want to breathe air.”
3. Please tell us about the routine you follow when you have down time or a day off.
For my days off, I often sleep in as late as I can, and then have a healthy and hearty breakfast. I also usually have a sports massage, cryotherapy and a stretching session booked so that my body can properly recover. Then I come home, take an Epsom salt bath and stretch before going to bed.
4. If you could choose only one word for 2021, what would it be?
History.
5. How do you reset when you feel like you need to get back on top of your game?
Prayer and taking a trip somewhere so I can change scenery and recharge. I also like having a writing session to map out what it is I need to change and do differently.
6. What fitness-related challenges have you faced in 2020? How have you overcome them?
The big challenge was not being able to train how I normally do because the season got cancelled due to the pandemic. I was able to overcome this by continuing to train as much as I can and remembering that this is the time to get ahead and work on things that I’m not good at.
7. What food-related challenges have you faced in 2020? How have you overcome them?
I have gotten off track from time to time with my diet due to being stuck in the house or traveling. Thankfully, I have Fresh N’ Lean to get me back on track.
8. How do you define potential?
Potential is having the ability/all the tools to reach a goal or dream.
9. When did you realize your potential to become a star?
I grew up in a household where my parents poured this belief into me and my siblings; we were told from birth we were stars, winners, champions, etc. When I graduated from college and started my own business and began to play football, that is when it came into fruition.
10. How should the people reading this article harness their potential? And how can they become winners at what they do?
First off, know who you are and be comfortable in that. Understand that chasing a dream is going to require hard work, sacrifice and leaving certain people and things behind. And, last but not least, outwork everyone!
11. You’ve committed a significant part of your life to your sport. What specific moments make all your sacrifices worth it?
The moments that make it worth it are when I go to speak to children, and they come to me at the end and tell me I changed their life or I made them realize they have greatness inside of them. I do everything for the next generation!
12. In your opinion, what has been the most pivotal moment of your career?
After I got injured during my Olympic hopeful journey in rugby, I went through a three-month depression and didn’t even know who I was and what I was meant to be doing. I remember getting the call from the WFLA owner, Lupe Rose, who made me an offer to play professional football and become the highest-paid female football player in history. That is when my life changed.
13. What failure are you proudest of?
I am proudest of not making the USA rugby team, because that allowed me to make history by becoming a professional football player.
14. In your opinion, what makes an athlete great?
Undoubtedly, it’s their character, and what they do with their success to add value to the world.
Next steps
Santia Deck bounced back from Olympic disappointment to become the highest-paid athlete in her field. Use her journey to inspire you as you chart your own path to success.
You can emulate Santia Deck’s healthy diet by subscribing to Fresh N’ Lean. We offer a choice of five meal plans for you to choose from, and our organic cuisine is conveniently delivered to your door.
