The Winner’s Circle with Phoebe Hagan Part 1
Hey, FitBody Lifers!
What happens when you finally reach a goal you've worked so hard for, only to find yourself immediately chasing the next one?
In this episode of the Fit Body Lifestyle Winner's Circle, Jami and Greg welcome back IFBB Bikini Pro Phoebe Hagan to reflect on her incredible comeback season, her return to the Olympia, and the lessons she's learned along the way.
After stepping away from competition to rediscover her passion for bodybuilding, Phoebe returned with renewed purpose and an impressive season of performances.
But this conversation goes far beyond competition results.
Together, Jami, Greg, and Phoebe explore the importance of celebrating progress, trusting the process, maintaining an identity outside bodybuilding, and finding an approach that supports both competitive success and personal fulfillment.
The biggest takeaway? You can chase extraordinary goals while still appreciating the life you're building along the way.
5 Key Takeaways from the Episode
1. Celebrate Your Wins Before Moving the Goalpost
Phoebe describes her comeback season with one powerful word: satisfied.
After returning to the Olympia, her goal was to bring her best physique and earn a place among the top competitors. She accomplished that, securing a first callout and ultimately finishing sixth.
Yet during the competition, she caught herself feeling disappointed at the possibility of placing lower than she'd briefly anticipated.
That's when she realized how quickly our expectations can change.
We accomplish something incredible, and suddenly we're already focused on what's next.
Jami and Greg remind us that ambition and gratitude can coexist.
You can want more without minimizing what you've already achieved.
Whether it's a competition placing, a fitness milestone, or a personal accomplishment, give yourself permission to enjoy the moment before chasing the next mountain.
2. Trust the Process, Even When Progress Feels Slow
Phoebe's early competition season went smoothly, but preparing for the Olympia presented new challenges.
Between international travel, hosting a retreat in Bali, and managing her professional commitments, her schedule was demanding.
As prep progressed, Phoebe and Jami realized they weren't quite as far ahead as they'd hoped.
That brought up fears from previous seasons when Phoebe struggled to maintain consistency between competitions.
But instead of panicking, they continued making adjustments and trusting the work.
By the final week before the Olympia, Phoebe and Jami recognized that they'd achieved her best look yet.
Progress doesn't always follow the timeline we expect.
Sometimes life introduces unexpected variables. Sometimes your body responds differently. And sometimes everything comes together later than you'd prefer.
The key is staying consistent, communicating with your coach, and focusing on what you can control.
3. Your Identity Should Be Bigger Than Bodybuilding
One of the most meaningful parts of this conversation is Phoebe's commitment to building a fulfilling life outside competition.
She loves bodybuilding, but she also values traveling, coaching, teaching posing, hosting retreats, and connecting with others.
Those experiences aren't distractions from her athletic goals. They're part of what makes her happy.
Jami points out that having multiple sources of fulfillment may actually make Phoebe mentally stronger.
When your entire identity depends on one outcome, every setback can feel overwhelming.
But when you know who you are beyond the stage, disappointment becomes easier to navigate.
Greg also challenges the bodybuilding mentality that success always requires doing more.
Instead, he encourages focusing on the activities that bring the greatest value and fulfillment.
The goal isn't to do everything. It's to prioritize what matters most.
Remember, FitFam: you're more than your physique, your placing, or your accomplishments.
4. Find Your Own Way Instead of Copying Someone Else's Journey
In a sport built around comparison, it's tempting to follow the exact routines of successful athletes.
But Jami, Greg, and Phoebe emphasize that there's no universal formula for success.
Some athletes thrive with year-round structure. Others need periods of greater flexibility to stay motivated and mentally refreshed.
For Phoebe, having space for travel and other passions helps her return to competition feeling energized.
That doesn't mean abandoning her goals. It means creating an intentional approach that works for her.
Jami explains that every athlete's needs are different, especially during improvement seasons when building muscle and maintaining consistency are essential.
What works for Phoebe may not work for you—and that's okay.
Instead of trying to become someone else, learn what supports your body, mindset, and lifestyle.
The best plan is one that helps you progress while remaining true to yourself.
5. Taking a Break Isn't the Same as Giving Up
In 2024, Phoebe reached a point where she wasn't enjoying bodybuilding—or even fitness—the way she once had.
Rather than forcing herself through another competition season, she made the difficult decision to step away.
Working with Jami, she explored different training experiences, including HYROX, and gradually rediscovered her enthusiasm for fitness.
That time away helped her return to bodybuilding with a healthier perspective and renewed passion.
Greg makes an important distinction: sometimes the choice isn't between quitting and persevering.
Sometimes it's about redirecting your energy to discover what you truly want.
Rest, reflection, and changing direction aren't signs of weakness.
Sometimes taking a step back is exactly what allows you to move forward stronger.
