I wasn’t sure what they were looking for, but I was hoping I had impressed them. Even with limited knowledge of the company at that point, I knew that it was a phenomenal environment that I wanted to be a part of.

Then one of them asked “What are you most proud of in your life?”. I had never been asked that question before in my life.

Being generally modest about myself, I tend not to share much about accomplishments or successes. How can you be honest and proud with a complete stranger in an interview without sounding either like an arrogant piece of work or a sappy little girl? On the flip side, what if someone judged me on what I was proud of?

I racked my brain, secretly sweating on the inside. Then a calm came over me and I stopped. Why was I freaking out about what someone else was going to think about me? (putting aside that I was in an interview). So I shared about the first thing that came to mind that I truly was proud of – my relationship with my mother and how it changed over the years.

I vaguely remember their response after I shared, because I was blown away that I had never asked myself that same question. Achievement and goal setting had always been a part of my early education. Being honest with what I truly wanted out of life – and being proud of it! – was a little foreign. As I learned to follow what my heart wanted out of life, I realized that what attracted me to this work environment is the acceptance of following your dreams, no matter what they are.

Be honest. Be proud. Stand tall, and be yourself.

Above: Alex in her new pair of perfectly fitting Groove Pants. 

I recently had a guest experience that has impacted me on so many levels that I had to share it.

A young woman named Alex and her little sister were in the changing room having the little sister's pants hemmed. Alex was trying on one of our new hoodies and trying to decide between two colours. After deciding that the one with the pink stripes fit nicely the little sister made a comment about how Alex wouldn't have fit into that hoodie a few months ago.

Always curious to learn more about our guests I asked Alex what her sister meant. She told me that she is 20 years old and that she was a size 24 in January. At that time her doctor told her that she had to lose weight and change her habits or the long-term impact on her health and life would have severe consequences. Since her doctor's warning Alex has revolutionized her lifestyle – incorporating healthy eating and regular exercise. To date she has lost an amazing sixty pounds.

Alex then said that her "goal has been to fit into a pair of lululemon pants."

While the girls got changed, I grabbed our incredible store manager and told her that I really wanted to do something to demonstrate that lululemon is a goal-oriented and health conscious team would support Alex in her goal. Rebecca asked me what I wanted to do. "I want to give her that first pair of pants," I said. I was floored when Rebecca responded with "Do it!"

Pulling Alex aside, I said "we are really proud of the changes that you have made to live a better life and that you have made our company a part of them. We are going to give you that pair of pants that you have set as your goal. If they don’t fit today, you can come back when you are ready. But let’s go give it a try now!"

Nervous as to whether or not she would fit into the pants, I suggested we grab the Groove Pants that matched her hoodie. She went back into the change room to put them on. When she came out the pants fit her perfectly. She achieved her goal without even knowing it.

Ultimately Alex took the pants and hoodie home, hopefully as proud of her accomplishment as our team was of her for completing her goal.

It was an amazing thing that the lululemon athletica Rideau Centre team did to support this young woman and it was personally rewarding to be a part of it. I wish Alex the best of luck in accomplishing her next goal.

By putting your goals out there you have a better chance of building the support network required to achieve them. How do you put your goals out there? How do you support others?