Help as many people as possible: I think the best part of my
job is being able to help people. While
I love the smell of barbells and sweat as I walk into my office each morning, it’s seeing people improve their health/fitness and feel better about themselves
that gives me the fucking warm and fuzzies.
So I’m going to make myself more reachable to others and find more ways
to preach the good word of fitness to everyone from soccer moms to UFC fighters
in hopes that I can help at least one new person each week.
Read at least four books per month: one classic literature,
one personal development book, one exercise related book, and one business
book. (feel free to send me your favorite reads).
Get freakishly strong: As an avid lifter and self-declared meat
head I love picking up heavy things and putting them down repeatedly, how this is
enjoyable I have no idea but I enjoy the shit out of it. I’m a pretty strong guy compared to average
standards and I move enough weight to get a head nod from other real lifters
and scare the shit out of the guys curling in the squat rack (not on my watch
goddammit). Unfortunately, I don’t follow a periodized program, record my
workouts, or have measurable goals….you know….all the shit I make my clients
do; and unless I’m following someone else's program I just go into a gym and tear
shit up. Most of my focus in 2012 was to
stop being such a fat ass and I did just that but it also meant putting my strength
goals on the back burner. So I have
several realistic goals for myself by July 1st, 2013: Dead Lift over
500lbs, Push Press 315lbs, Squat 455lbs, Snatch 225lbs, Clean 315lbs.
Only eat out twice a week while prepping, stealing or
cooking my food for every other meal.
Become more financially responsible: The more successful I
become as a trainer, the more money I make and of course the more money I make,
the greater the chance I buy a bunch of useless shit. As I’ve gotten older, I have become much
better about my finances and buying less and less useless shit. Apparently money can’t make you happy….I’m
totally kidding, money is the root of all happiness but debt is the fucking
worst. So for the first half of the year
I’ll be paying off debt and saving much much much more money than I have been
in the past. This means less frivolous
spending, more effective budgeting, and not buying anymore vintage tees. L
Stop embarrassing Alex by ironing my clothes before we go
out.
Stop giving unsolicited advice: As a trainer I’m constantly
asked for advice from the typical “how do I lose weight?” to the not so typical
“I can’t tell if I’m constipated or I’m dying.”
Regardless of the question, it’s almost become a natural response to try
to offer people my advice even if they don’t ask. Most people are polite; they nod and ask
follow up questions but it’s kind of a pet peeve of mine when people come up to
me and start telling me shit I should do….no I shouldn’t suck in my belly
button when I lift, no I shouldn’t cut the fat off my steak, and no I shouldn’t
listen to hip hop albums that should have been released in the last five years. So no more advice giving unless I’m
personally asked intelligent questions.
Side Note: I don’t think I’ve ever refused to offer someone who’s asked
for my help but if you all you say is “I need help with my workouts” I’m not
going to respond or at the most giving you a blank stare and give you a link to
the Zumba website.
Get rid of the clutter in my house and live a more
minimalistic life.
Stop taking life so seriously: I had a conversation with my
good friend Anna a few weeks ago in which we both confessed to acting like
grandparents and the fact that we need to start acting our age and stop being
so goddamn boring. While my brand of fun
usually involves conversing with friends over hookah, rolling on the mat, or
breaking a new PR; I do whole heartily believe there are some occasions where
a toast of a tasty adult beverage is absolutely necessary. This past year I focused so much on my
training, business and school that I didn’t feel nearly as accomplished as I
thought I would. What’s the point in
having a six pack when you can’t enjoy the occasional dinner and drink with
your loved ones? What’s point in making money if you can’t spend it on friends
and great times? This year I’m going to
make it a point to crawl out of my cave, meet some new people, and act my age
while still managing to grow my business, train like an animal, and maintain a
sexy level of body fat….because that’s important you know.
Stop being such a control freak and let shit go.
Be more awesome: Despite how funny, smart, charming,
devilishly good looking, and intelligent I think I am I feel there’s always room
for improvement. This is more of a
general resolution and one I’ve held onto for the last three New Year’s but it’s
worked so far and I seem to be an all-around more useful human being with each
passing year. This year I’ll be focusing
on many different aspects of awesome including being a better cook, writer,
brother, mentor, trainer, and person. I’m
26 so I have plenty of time to become better at the few things I’m passionate
about.
