In September 2010 I was admitted to a rehab clinic for substance abuse after overdosing. I had been in active addiction for about 7 years. When I came out I made a conscious decision to turn my life around in all aspects.
This meant doing things I didn't usually do, such as caring for my body. etc. I joined the gym in November 2010 and it soon became my new addiction.
Being a hard gainer, it was difficult at first. I weighed 49 kg from the hell I put my body through during active addiction. I soon became stronger and able to eat more. I trained with various partners picking up tips wherever I could and researching the science behind bodybuilding.
During the winter of 2011, I began training like an animal, with newfound strength and determination. I began training twice per day and eating like a beast. My first session took place at 4 a.m. and my second at 7 p.m. I trained this way consistently throughout winter and the results were amazing. I was hooked.
I'm pleased to say that not only has bodybuilding changed my life and become my No. 1 passion, but the principles I perfected in the gym such as discipline and determination became the driving force for success in other aspects of my life.
As explained earlier, it is my lifestyle. I enjoy the feeling of progress in the gym, setting and surpassing my goals. I enjoy looking at my body now and enjoying being confident to take my shirt off at the beach or by the pool and not having people staring at my ribs sticking out, but instead at my impressive physique. It is also a key element to keeping my stress levels down. And in all honesty it's what I do for fun. When other guys are partying on a Friday night I'm usually at the gym, training until they literally force me out because of closing time.
Myself and the results that I see and feel. I also find it useful to have training partners occasionally. There is nothing more motivating than a bunch of guys staring at you in awe as you lift sometimes double your body weight. I also keep progress pictures, because the mind is a great trickster and when motivation is low you tend not to be able to recall just how far you have come and how much progress you have made. I also stay abreast of new training techniques and seminars etc. that are happening. This is my sport, so to stay motivated I think and read about people who have achieved in this field.
If the gym never closes, you always have time to change!
The understanding that without goals and without striving, I felt incomplete, hence my background in substance abuse. The feeling of achievement I believe is one that comes second to no other. Knowing that you have accomplished everything about your physique by yourself, knowing it is your own hard work and discipline that has gained result. That feeling is what continues to make me want to achieve my goals. There is a sense of satisfaction in choosing a path or goal and marching toward; it's attainment without hesitation.
I will compete professionally. I have started training people at my local gym.
I have also started my own company. While we focus on goal setting and life-planning, we believe that physical well-being is as important as mental, financial or spiritual well-being. To develop physical well-being, one needs to develop discipline and self-motivation, which is key to success in other areas of one's life. In short, I would like to spread that message. Principles learned in the gym truly can affect your life at all levels.
Anything the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve. And EAT, EAT, EAT!