The Power of Self-Belief
Rinchen's Journey: From Overcoming Anxiety to Bodybuilding Glory
Rinchhen Lhamo Penjore?is a 33-year-old entrepreneur with a powerful story of personal transformation. Next month, she’ll be competing in the Bhutan National Bodybuilding Championship for the first time, but her journey goes far beyond the physical. Having faced and overcome depression and anxiety, Rinchen found healing through fitness, discovering not only strength in her body but also resilience in her mind.
Her path hasn't been easy, but her dedication to self-improvement, both in fitness and in her business, is truly inspiring. As an entrepreneur, Rinchen is no stranger to pushing boundaries and challenging expectations. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge, stepping onto the bodybuilding stage with the same determination that has driven her throughout her life.
Rinchen’s journey is a testament to the power of commitment and self-belief. She’s learned that real transformation starts from within, and she hopes to inspire others to do the same—whether it’s through fitness, entrepreneurship, or simply stepping out of their comfort zone. In this interview, she opens up about the habits and mindset shifts that helped her along the way, offering motivation to anyone looking to overcome challenges and pursue their passions.
Transformation and Personal Growth
Response: The most significant change I made was shifting my mindset. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by depression and anxiety, but I realized that choosing to focus on the brighter side of life was the first and most important step. I consciously decided to embrace a healthier lifestyle—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Fitness became the foundation of this transformation. Working out in the gym did far more than improve my physique; it gave me a sense of purpose and control over my life. Each time I pushed through a tough workout, I reminded myself of my own strength and resilience.
Fitness taught me to appreciate my body for what it can do, not just how it looks. As I built physical strength, I also built emotional and mental endurance. Every small achievement in the gym, whether lifting a heavier weight or completing an intense session, became a reminder of my ability to overcome challenges.
Ultimately, it’s about choosing to be the best version of yourself, no matter the obstacles. Fitness helped me realize that by nurturing both my body and mind, I could leave behind negative patterns and create new, empowering habits. My journey has shown me that when you take charge of your health and well-being, you’re capable of so much more than you ever imagined.
2. What was the turning point in your life that led you to pursue bodybuilding and a holistic approach to well-being?
Response:The turning point came when I realized I needed more than just a temporary fix—I craved a complete transformation. I had a strong urge to break free from old patterns and take control of my life, both physically and mentally. Bodybuilding gave me the structure and discipline I needed, while a holistic approach to well-being allowed me to nurture every aspect of myself—mind, body, and soul. It wasn’t just about changing how I looked; it was about building a lifestyle that empowered me to be the best version of myself.
3. How has your life changed since you committed to fitness, and how has this shift impacted your overall outlook on life?
Response: Committing to fitness has completely transformed my life, not just physically, but mentally as well. Building a stronger, healthier body is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I’ve ever done. It requires discipline, dedication, and consistency, but the rewards go far beyond the physical. I’ve gained mental resilience, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment that has carried over into every aspect of my life.
Fitness has taught me the value of perseverance and has shifted my outlook—now I see challenges as opportunities for growth, and I approach life with a more positive and empowered mindset.
Preparation and Dedication
Response: Preparing for my first Bhutan National Bodybuilding Championship is definitely challenging, but I believe that nothing is impossible with the right mindset. As a first-timer, there’s a lot I’m still learning, and it can be tough not having all the answers.
However, I know that mental strength is just as important as physical preparation. My daily routine is intense—I wake up early, commit to working out twice a day, and push through the moments when my body feels exhausted. It’s demanding, but each day brings progress. Staying focused, disciplined, and open to learning helps me stay on track, and I’m driven by the belief that the effort will be worth it in the end.
2. Competing in such a prestigious event requires immense dedication. How do you manage your time between your entrepreneurial responsibilities and bodybuilding training?
Response: Right now, I’ve made the decision to fully immerse myself in my training, temporarily putting my entrepreneurial responsibilities on hold. This has given me the time and space to focus entirely on my personal growth and preparation for the competition. Stepping away from work has allowed me to truly invest in myself, both physically and mentally. It’s been a unique experience, and having this dedicated time for self-reflection and improvement has been invaluable as I push toward my goal.
Fitness has taught me the value of perseverance and has shifted my outlook—now I see challenges as opportunities for growth, and I approach life with a more positive and empowered mindset.
Commitment and Motivation
Response: My biggest source of motivation comes from within—self-motivation is key. I constantly remind myself why I started this journey and encourage myself to keep moving forward. There are definitely days when things feel difficult, when it’s hard to stay focused, but
I’ve learned that even on those tough days, making progress, no matter how small, is what matters. It’s not always easy, but I push myself to keep going, knowing that every effort brings me closer to my goals.
2. How have you built the mental resilience to push through setbacks or moments of doubt during your training?
Response: I’ve built my mental resilience through a combination of physical activity, a balanced diet, and, most importantly, self-confidence and clarity of purpose. Staying physically active has strengthened not just my body but my mind as well, while proper nutrition fuels both my energy and focus. I’ve learned to trust myself and my abilities, and I refuse to let doubt take control.
Whenever setbacks arise, I remind myself of my progress and the vision I have for myself. Maintaining that belief in my own potential is what helps me push through the toughest moments.
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3. What message would you like to send to young people, especially those who may be struggling with self-doubt or life’s challenges, about the power of fitness and self-care?
Response: My message to young people is simple: step out of your comfort zone and explore new things. Fitness and self-care have the power to transform not just your body, but your mindset as well.
When you challenge yourself physically, you start to realize what you’re truly capable of, and that confidence spills over into other areas of life. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back—take that first step, and you’ll discover a strength within you that you never knew existed. Embrace the journey of self-care, because it’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling empowered and capable of facing life’s challenges head-on.
Fitness, in particular, has shown me the importance of discipline and resilience, qualities that I now carry into every aspect of my entrepreneurial journey.
4. As an entrepreneur and a woman participating in a traditionally male-dominated sport, what advice would you give to other women who want to pursue their passions but may feel discouraged?
Response: My advice to other women is to never let societal expectations or gender stereotypes hold you back. Whether in business or in sports, we all have equal value and purpose, and your passion is just as important as anyone else’s.
Gender should never define what you can or cannot achieve. It’s about your determination, your dedication, and your belief in yourself. Pursue what you love, embrace your strengths, and trust that you belong in any space you choose to step into. Your journey can inspire others, so don’t let fear or doubt stop you from following your dreams.
5. How has your journey in fitness and entrepreneurship helped you understand yourself better, and how has this self-awareness influenced your career choices and life decisions?
Response: My journey in fitness and entrepreneurship has taught me the value of self-awareness and making intentional choices. By focusing on my personal growth, I’ve gained clarity on what truly matters to me, both in my career and in life. This understanding has helped me make better decisions that align with my values and long-term goals.
Fitness, in particular, has shown me the importance of discipline and resilience, qualities that I now carry into every aspect of my entrepreneurial journey.
6. You mentioned wanting to build yourself first. How important do you think it is for individuals to focus on self-growth before helping others or taking on more responsibilities?
Response: I believe that in order to attract better opportunities and relationships, you must first become a better version of yourself. That’s something I’ve learned through my own experience. Focusing on self-growth is crucial because it lays the foundation for everything else.
When you invest in yourself—whether it’s through fitness, education, or personal development—you become more capable of handling greater responsibilities and helping others. It’s not selfish to prioritize your own growth; it’s essential for making a meaningful impact in the world around you.
7. You’ve talked about overcoming depression and anxiety. What were the most difficult moments in that journey, and how did you push through to find a healthier path?
Response: The most difficult part of the journey was dealing with the constant self-doubt—questioning whether I was doing enough or if I was enough. It’s a tough place to be, but the moment I decided to believe that I am enough, everything started to change. That shift in mindset was powerful.
Once I embraced that belief, I could focus on building a strong body and a healthier mind. The journey wasn’t easy, but learning to trust myself and my worth was the key to finding a better, healthier path forward."
8. Can you share a life-changing situation that has shaped your perspective and influenced your decision to dedicate yourself to fitness and entrepreneurship?
Response: A life-changing moment for me was realizing how much exercise helped me combat the stress and uncertainty of life. It became more than just a physical activity—it was a way to clear my mind, regain control, and manage the overwhelming emotions I was facing. That experience inspired me to dedicate myself to fitness, and from there, entrepreneurship naturally followed.
Fitness gave me the mental clarity and resilience to pursue my goals with confidence, both in my personal and professional life.
9. What legacy do you hope to leave through your participation in the bodybuilding championship and your entrepreneurial work? How do you want to inspire others with your story?
Response: I hope my journey shows people that anything is possible when you put your heart into it and dedicate yourself fully. Whether it’s bodybuilding, entrepreneurship, or overcoming personal challenges, the key is commitment and believing in your potential. I want others to see that no matter where you start, with hard work and perseverance, you can achieve greatness.
My goal is to inspire others to pursue their dreams, embrace their strength, and never give up on becoming the best version of themselves.
10. Looking ahead, what are your future goals in both bodybuilding and business? How do you plan to continue living a holistic and meaningful life beyond the competition?
Response: Moving forward, fitness will always be my top priority, even as I continue to grow in my business ventures. Staying physically and mentally strong is the foundation of everything I do, and it’s what helps me maintain balance in my life.
My future goals include pushing myself further in bodybuilding while expanding my entrepreneurial efforts, but all with a focus on holistic well-being. I believe that living a meaningful life comes from nurturing both body and mind, and I plan to carry that philosophy with me beyond any competition.
11. How do you integrate mindfulness or self-care into your daily routine to maintain balance and prevent burnout?
Response: I make it a priority to practice gratitude every day and keep a positive mindset, even when things get tough. It’s important to remind myself why I started this journey in the first place—it helps keep me grounded and focused.
By taking time for mindfulness and self-care, I’m able to maintain balance and avoid burnout. Whether it’s through quiet reflection, staying connected to my goals, or simply appreciating the progress I’ve made, these practices keep me centered and ready to face each day with renewed energy.
I am on a mission to uncover and share inspiring stories from people who aren’t typically in the media spotlight but have remarkable experiences that can resonate with and motivate others in our community. Driven by my own passion for storytelling, I seek out these hidden gems and bring their stories to light through my blog. If you have a story that you believe could inspire others, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out to me via WhatsApp at +975-17784836.