By Rob Divo
 
I’ve learned more about life in a whole year through my most recent adventures towards new beginnings in the entertainment and cheerleading industries. I’ve learned a great deal not just about myself, my character, but my self-worth, and also other people and their integrity.
 
But, things were not like this before.
 
I was under appreciated at my previous place of employment to say the least. I was constantly belittled, taken advantage of, mocked, made fun of, and shunned. I felt like the “black sheep of the family” when I was being true to myself and a good person, yet all I seemed to receive was a bunch of hate and distaste. I felt like a freak, but I didn’t let that stop my enthusiasm and love for the sport of cheerleading. I was viewed as a threat at the workplace because of my positivity and ability to inspire kids towards achieving success. Believe it or not, I let this injustice go on for far too long. Why? I felt like I couldn’t make it on my own and starting brand new was terrifying. I had been part of this gym for seven years through one merger and now a second. I had grown attached to the kids and I stayed there for the kids. Deep down inside of me though, I just wanted to run. I had had enough of the favoritism and politics, unfair pay scales, and disrespect towards not just me, but also the kids I loved so much and who worked so hard for a greater purpose. This behavior that I had witnessed for years was not only unprofessional and unethical, but it was wrong. The people I had worked with for years and surrounded myself around were mean and unfair. But, what had I done to stop any of it?
 
Nothing
 
I’m a hard worker, I’m passionate, and I’m so inspired to make a positive difference in not just my life, but the lives of kids everywhere. No, not even kids. Anyone of any age and of any sport. I love to laugh, I love to teach, and I love to have fun. This is my driving force and it’s what makes me happy. I began to consciously visualize my dream life and suddenly it all made sense:

“I’m not trapped. I can do this on my own. I can make it. I have bigger and better opportunities waiting for me out there where my hard work will be recognized and praised, not taken away from me.”

When I coped with the realization that I was being held back in achieving this ideality and happiness by unconsciously surrounding myself around negative, jealous, and unfair people every day, I knew it was my time to leave and to never look back. Not ever.
 
So, I did. :)
 
I’ve relocated for work quite a few times in the past year and a half and I’ve pursued more auditions than I ever have. I’ve met a lot of great people and opportunities. I’ve seen all the beauty that Canada has to offer. I even signed with a world renown talent agency based out of New York City and Los Angeles and I have an amazing coaching job at All That Cheer And Tumble that I love so much. I’m a freelance DiVo and things are looking up! But, my accomplishments are nothing new and were never handed to me. I’m very thankful and happy to be where I’m at right now in my life. I feel very empowered that I’ve done this on my own and I’m so proud of myself. So much joy, so much happiness, so much love.
 
Now, you are probably wondering, “why is Rob telling me all of this?” One word: Self-worth. Do you feel important? Do you feel awesome everyday? Are you appreciated for all that you do? Are you happy? If you have one second of doubt, don’t deny it! I’m here to make you feel amazing and that’s my philosophy when coaching my kids. Here’s what you need to do:
 

1. Observe - Take a good look at your environment and surroundings. Look at the integrity of others and base your opinions of them through their actions and how they treat you vs. how they treat the same people around you. If there is a lack of consistency or an abundance of favoritism towards those who do less and get more, your talents are being overlooked.
2. Express - Once observing your environment, express your feelings in a very well thought out email like I did. Explain your strong points and how your unique attributes undeniably separate yourself from the rest. And believe it because if you don’t believe in yourself, who will? Explain your frustrations, things that you like and dislike, and how you think things should be done differently in the future. A great employer will not only ask for your opinion, listen to you, and respect your perspective on change, but they will also act upon your insights.
3. Plan - Make sure you have a plan of action just in case those around you don’t see the light like you already have. Not everyone will see eye to eye with you and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. In my case, they did not and I wish them well.

 
Some words of advice:
 

1. Be yourself. Be true to who you are. Don’t doubt your natural abilities or talents. Stick to your roots and do what you love and what makes you happy. Others will love and respect you for being YOU. The rest will fall in to place.
2. Don’t let fear steal your confidence. Don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Stick up for yourself. People will have more respect for you when you do. The only people on this earth who like pushovers are bullies. So, set them straight and in their place.
3. Learn how to read people. Understand other people’s motives and intentions. Why is someone talking to you? Are they being genuine or do you possess something unique that they want or wish to have?

So, what have I learned from my experience? I’ve learned that self-worth is vital in achieving any dream. Self-worth is essential in achieving your ideal future. You can create your own destiny. Be brave. You are amazing. We are all amazing. So, hold your head high, be a good guy, and you will live the high life. And that’s The DiVo Difference!