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Q: In your opinion, what%u2019s the most challenging part of bodybuilding that people don%u2019t often realize? How did you overcome those challenges?A. I think the most challenging part of bodybuilding is mastering your mindset. I will say over and over again how important mindset is to being successful in this sport, and it is not for everyone. It takes many years of pushing your body beyond where it wants to go to build muscle, and when stripping off body fat for a competition, you are constantly working in a depleted state. It can be very overwhelming to think of a huge goal that can be so far in the future and how much work it will take to get there, but the time will pass anyway. So, if you stay focused on one day at a time, know why you are working for it, and believe in yourself, you will achieve it.Q: Looking ahead, what are your future goals in both bodybuilding and beyond? Any new projects or competitions on the horizon?A. I actually officially retired from bodybuilding this year. After 17 years of competing, I have accomplished everything and more that I set out to, and it%u2019s time to enjoy life in different ways. I will always be a part of the sport and continue training, but for now, my focus has shifted to traveling more and seeing where life takes me next. I%u2019m proud to be sponsored by The Fit Traveler Collection, and going to competitions to hand out trophies and represent this company is so much fun. I%u2019m also looking forward to putting more time into coaching other athletes and helping others achieve their goals in fitness.Q: If you could go back and give your 20-year-old self one piece of advice before starting your bodybuilding journey, what would it be?A. Oh man, this is a tough question to answer. I know that if I had hired my current coach when I first started, I would have turned pro much sooner and saved myself many years of struggle and metabolic damage. But at the same time, I wouldn%u2019t have learned from experience how it feels to struggle with food and my body image, which is now a big part of what I help coach other women through. I think my one piece of advice to my younger self would be to love my body in all of its phases and to chase consistency over perfection.ACE%u00ae Certified Personal TrainerPrecision Nutrition Certified Level 2 CoachCertified Nutrition EducatorIFBB Pro Figure Competitorwww.innerglownutrition.comhttps://procoach.app/lia-taylorIG: liataylor87FB: Lia.taylor.1470 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 63