Finding the Spark: A Conversation with Mary Zajakovski on Resilience and Reinvention

Transformation isn't a straight line, and Mary is the first to admit it. As a coach, mom, and mental health advocate, she’s navigated the highs of getting certified and the lows of gaining 95 lbs and "losing her spark." Now, she’s documenting her comeback to prove that it’s never too late to bet on yourself. Check out our chat below about resilience, small wins, and finding your way back.

Before we get into everything, who is Mary? Tell us about yourself, the person behind the journey.

I’m multi-passionate. I’m a singer, songwriter, content creator, coach, and mental health advocate. I’m a mom to an amazing boy.

Most importantly, I’m human, with fears, desires, strengths, weaknesses, and big goals. (Stepping on stage in the wellness division of a bodybuilding show is one.) I've always been huge on self-development, and my own mental health struggles have led me on a path of wanting to become the best version of myself so I could reach my goals and live life to the fullest while helping others reach theirs along the way.

In 2020 you became a certified personal trainer. What pushed you toward that path, and what did life look and feel like for you at that time?

I’ve always been interested in self-development and wanted a career that mattered to me. The idea of helping people become the best version of themselves, building confidence, and reaching their full potential is so rewarding to me. Fitness is a great way to achieve all of those things because your only competition is yourself. You strive to get better and reach new heights. It’s deeper than just fitness to me.

At that time, I had just become a single mother and felt like the world was open to opportunity, so I wanted to pursue new parts of myself. I signed up for my course and then COVID hit. Although challenging, this time allowed me new perspective and focus. When I completed the course, I felt so accomplished and ready to take on the world and make a difference!

Life got complicated for a while there. Looking back, where did you find the strength to keep coming back to yourself when things felt off track?

After I became certified, self-doubt hit. I felt like my mission was out of grasp because I felt I wasn’t prepared enough. This self-doubt (among other things) led me down a path of bad habits, and I ended up gaining 95 lbs and losing my spark.

But looking back, my journey with fitness and mental health has given me resiliency. I knew if I gave up, it meant giving up on my dreams and giving up on the chance to show my son what is possible. This was not going to happen. So I kept going even when it got hard. This motivator keeps me focused.

You've mentioned wanting to build a healthy life for both you and your son. How much does that motivation shape the way you approach this journey day to day?

My son is a huge motivator! Like I mentioned earlier, he’s a big reason why I keep going. I want to make sure he knows what’s possible when you follow your dreams. Consistency is a huge challenge personally, but I’m committed to leading by example.

When it comes to myself, I’m always reminding myself to keep going because I need to prove to myself and my community that it’s still possible to reach your goals no matter where you are in your journey. As much as this journey is about me and my goals, to me it’s more about others. "How can I inspire more women to bet on themselves and their health?"

For anyone out there who sees themselves in your story, what is the one thing you wish someone had told you sooner, that you'd want them to hear right now?

It’s the tiny steps that will really push you forward. It's not about making massive changes, because what usually happens is you fall off and then lose confidence in your ability to accomplish your goal. That first leap can sometimes be too big and not sustainable. Focusing on the daily wins will help you build the foundation to keep going even when it gets hard.

A fitness journey is just that—a journey. It’s not meant to be a linear path. It’s going to have its ups, downs, and wins. It’s important that you celebrate those wins whenever they come because that is the real progress. Those little wins will help cement real change and self-belief. Keep going, because your talents and desires are with you for a reason. You never know who else you are inspiring on your journey.

Where can people follow along and be part of your journey?

You can find me on Instagram at @scf.fit.

I share my authentic journey, healthy meals, and mindset. I hope to change at least one woman’s perspective and inspire her to keep going! My community is what keeps me going; I would love to see you there!