We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, how do you define success?

In the realm of success, I find inspiration in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s profound words, particularly his timeless poem that encourages an individualistic interpretation of triumph. Emerson’s insight resonates deeply with me, as I navigate defining success in a world often dominated by external benchmarks and keeping up with the Joneses. One line that speaks volumes to me is, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded.” This encapsulates my belief that success isn’t solely about personal accomplishments but also about positively impacting others.

Emerson’s call to “laugh often and much” underscores the importance of finding joy in the journey of simplicity, a sentiment I hold dear. Success, in my view, is intertwined with moments of laughter, creating a life rich in experiences. As he eloquently puts it, “Success is to live life in your own way.” This echoes my conviction that success is an individual’s unique path, not a preordained route dictated by societal expectations.

Moreover, Emerson’s reminder to “win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends” aligns with my emphasis on authenticity and genuine connections. Success, for me, is earning respect through sincerity, competence, and contributing meaningfully to the lives of others. It’s a reflection of one’s character and the positive ripples created in the world.

In the world of mimetic desire, where societal expectations often dictate our pursuits, Emerson’s wisdom guides me to trust my own intuition and beliefs. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment,” he notes. Success, then, lies in the courage to be authentic, resisting the pull of conformity.

In the pursuit of defining success, Emerson’s wisdom serves as a guiding light. His words reinforce the idea that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept but a subjective journey, and the key lies in crafting a definition that resonates with one’s innermost aspirations and values. His words encapsulate the essence of my definition of success – a journey marked by compassion, integrity, and positive impact.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Train Like A Gymnast (TLAG) is more than just a fitness brand; it’s a vibrant online health and wellness community that I’ve passionately cultivated through my own love for the sport. What sets TLAG apart is its holistic approach to strength—both physical and mental. We have a saying in gymnastics that it’s 99% mental. From a fitness app and nutritional guidance and education to destination retreats and private coaching, TLAG caters to a diverse group of people worldwide, especially millennial and gen X women seeking a lifestyle transformation.

The journey to where I am today was fueled by my background as a gymnast, the resilience instilled through overcoming personal and business challenges, and self-discovery led to authenticity. It wasn’t an easy path, but challenges became opportunities for growth. From navigating rejection in the modeling industry to not reaching my intended gymnastics level, each setback was a chance to redefine success on my terms and be able to relate to clients to come to me for success coaching.

TLAG’s success lies in the authentic connections forged with clients, the impact of mental health advocacy, and the constant pursuit of personal development.

What I want the world to know is that Train Like A Gymnast is not just about physical strength; it’s about transforming lives or finding your true self again. Whether it’s through our fitness app, destination retreats, or workshops, TLAG is a platform for positive change. My story is one of embracing authenticity, learning from failures, and continually evolving. I want to inspire others to define their own success, embrace resilience, and stay true to who they are. In a world filled with societal expectations and mimetic desire, TLAG is a beacon encouraging individuals to believe in their unique journey and rewrite their own narratives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

In crafting a week-long adventure for people who relish unconventional experiences and shy away from the typical touristy vibe, I’d focus on the hidden treasures of Los Angeles, particularly spotlighting the often-overlooked gems in my hometown and neighboring cities in the South Bay.

Walking along the strand or esplanade, breakfast at Eat at Joe’s, doing the Avenue C Stairs in Redondo Beach, and finishing dinner at Baran’s 2239 would be a great first day. The next day would be venturing to Palos Verdes, the bottom tip of the bay opposite Malibu and Point Dume. Terranea and some hikes along Paseo del Mar offer stunning views of sunset. For a fancy dinner we could go to Strandhouse or if we wanted more laid back and any food option, we could go to the 24/7 Kettle in Manhattan Beach. The next day we could rent paddleboards or kayaks in the Marina (del Rey, that is) and then come into El Segundo for TopGolf and finish with dinner and axe throwing at Sauced BBQ & Spirits. Sundays are a great day to go to the Santa Monica Acro Green. Whether you want to play on the rings and ropes or have someone teach you an acro skill, it’s also fun to watch people come together for movement. Then we’d have to check off actual Los Angeles for someone coming into town… We could walk through the Arts, Fashion, and Flower Districts for some shopping, people watching, and culture. If there’s an interesting exhibit, we could stop at The Broad Museum and finish the day at one of DTLA’s rooftop restaurants. Doing some hikes in East LA/Silver Lake area offer a change of scenery and different parts of Griffith Park could be explored for days with unique and uncommon vistas. If there was time, I’d venture out to other counties to give a sense of the region, and not just a city (i.e. a day or weekend trip to Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, or Orange County)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, in this journey of self-discovery and growth, my shoutout goes to my incredible mom. Her unwavering support and encouragement have been the cornerstone of my exploration of different interests. She taught me the value of curiosity, integrity, and the importance of staying true to myself, nurturing an environment where I felt free to explore and make mistakes.

In the realm of literature, several books have been guiding lights. “The Four Agreements” laid the foundation for my understanding of personal freedom and authenticity. “The Untethered Soul” opened my eyes to the power of consciousness and breaking free from limiting beliefs. “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” served as a compass, steering me toward a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Acknowledgment is also due to the mentors who recognized my potential and encouraged me to tap into what they saw I was capable of. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping my path. They saw beyond the surface, pushing me to embrace challenges and reach for goals that seemed beyond my grasp at times.

So, here’s to my mom, the authors who penned transformative words, and the mentors who saw something in me. Their collective influence has been profound, and I’m grateful for the guidance and wisdom they’ve infused into my journey.

Website: www.daniellegrayfit.com | www.trainlikeagymnast.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/daniellegrayfit | www.instagram.com/trainlikeagymnast

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellecgray/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/daniellegrayfit

Facebook: www.facebook.com/daniellegrayfit | www.facebook.com/trainlikeagymnast

Youtube: www.youtube.com/daniellegrayfit

Image Credits
Lindsay Rosenberg Jake TyCyn BishBosh Creative Patrick Curran Sveta Vider

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