February 2016 - A Decade of Transformations - the past, the present, and turning 40.

THE PAST

It's been a Decade since I said, "I quit! I'm moving"

2006 I was working in an office downtown Montreal wearing a shirt and tie, looking quite snazzy. My title was "account executive", and we offered IT Network Solutions for large businesses in the USA. Pay was salary plus commission which meant a nice fat check every 2 weeks. Having lunch with other "account executives" talking about our large commissions pretending to enjoy our jobs. Fake smiles and laughter is all it was.

The more you sell, the more you make, the more you make the more your company wants you to make. You're only good as your last sale. High stress left many using recreational drugs to keep going. "I quit! I'm moving" was my last words to that company.

Convincing my wife that quitting my job and moving to Ontario on an idea that I thought was a logical decision wasn't so easy, but she was supportive. (Love you babe)

I walked into GoodLife Fitness with my dream goal of becoming a personal trainer...

Was I in for a surprise....


I, along with 11 other potential personal trainers stood in line in the aerobics room while the grand puba gave his inspirational speech. Promises of great opportunities and salaries started at $80,000/yr.

I was sold!

I wore the bold black and white uniform and walked with great confidence. Chest out, back straight... I was it!..... In my bathroom mirror.

Entering the club was a different story. Being shy by nature, I was scared. Scared of rejection, scare of not being good.

I adapted... My first paycheck was 75$....

Sharing Nat's mothers 2 bedroom apartment helped financially, however the move was hard on our son Brandon who was about 4 at the time. Sharing 1 bedroom was disastrous on everyone.

That $80,000 salary seemed nowhere insight. I began to question my great idea. I began to feel like I fucked up!

I took that negativity and decided to prove to myself and everyone that this career is for me.

I took a gym member, Susie under my wing and attempted to make the greatest transformation ever!

Her results were nothing less but miraculous! 2006 My first transformation!

THE PRESENT-

Since that time... February 2006 to February 2016 I've helped changed many. A Decade of Transformations. It's got a nice ring to it.


The purpose of this blog was to show that if you have passion for something, despite all the obstacles you might encounter, keep fighting. Keep trying.

I never yet saw that personal income of $80,000.

However I'm happy I know I helped others in ways that they couldn't on their own.

THE FUTURE

February 2016 is also the year I turn 40!!!

Where did that time go? 10 years was like a blink of an eye.

I look back and question myself again.
Did I do the right decision way back in 2006?
Am I happy? Is my family happy?
Was this my destiny or a foolish dream?
Are the long hours worth it?

On some days my answers surprise me.

However usually during those days, and as cliche as it sounds, I look back over photos, files, personal thoughts and I see things like this...My buddy JJ. How we helped him overcome health issues.

Or how I improved the life of a 60- something year old by getting him stronger and more fit, helping someone get off insulin medication, fight their obesity and prevent diabetes, help get someone out of depression and suicidal thoughts all by encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

That's why I'm here.

If your an athlete and want to be a faster, stronger athlete that's great and I will help. However as I mature, there's so much more to this thing we call fit.


I'll see you Monday 💪🏽💪🏽