NPC Journey
While I'm 10 1/2 weeks away from my first Men's Physique competition (2023 NPC FX Supps Emerald Cup), I thought it was time to share with you how the journey is going. As you already know, I began preparing for the competition in late December. Not only am I putting everything I've learned from 2018 to the present on the line, but I can also say it's been a good journey. As previously mentioned, I'm two and a half months away, but as I reflect on these past six weeks, I feel like I grew mentally. Yes, I've gotten leaner, bigger, and stronger; however, my mindset increased due to my challenging days. Here's the thing, I knew this would be a challenge. I knew I needed to be mentally, emotionally, financially, and physically all in, but I'll be honest; there were days when I was tested.
I never had a problem sticking to my routines. That's the easy part for me. Nevertheless, I needed to be more disciplined regarding my diet. The majority of the time (before my prep), I would stick to my diet/calories. Yeah, I would slip up; I'm human just like you, but regarding the competition, I needed to remind myself what's on the line. I needed to push through the hunger. I needed to fight the binge-eating temptation. It wasn't always easy, but it was possible. If other past and present competitors can do it, so can I.
On the other hand, I would remind myself of the promise I made to my followers, family, friends, clients, and coworkers. I promised them I would give it everything I got, that I would give it 110%, and that's what I'm going to continue to do. As stated earlier, I had some tough days and I know I will have a few more, but one of the things I told myself before sharing it with others was that I'm going to be the first in my family to make history. I wanted to represent my family's name. I want to show them and others that you can become whoever you want to be. If you have a passion, pursue it! You never know where that gift may take you.
Being the first in my family to compete in an NPC show is wild, but it's a start to making history. My family knows I'm pursuing my passion; however, they don't know I'm bringing our family's name to the top. I'm not trying to sound cocky or show you I have a huge ego. Instead, I'm showing you my mindset development. In addition, since I'm also representing my brand, this puts more pressure, but I feel that's what keeps me going. I learned that I don't need motivation because it comes and goes, but having a reason to fight makes me go another day. Having a reason makes me push harder in the gym. It encourages me to stick to my diet. My reason helps me practice my posing. My reason helps me get my steps in. My reason disciplines me to show and inspire men & women around the globe to chase after their dreams!
I said I was going to make 2023 my best year, and so far, I've been doing exactly that. As I sit here and share this with you, my reason to fight is increasing. I know I haven't met all of you in person, but I want you guys to know I'm going to push it harder than ever. That's a promise!!! I don't know if I'm going to win the competition, but I'm certain I'm going to be there and represent my brand and family! However, I'm going to inspire many to be who they want to be in life!
