The Evolution of Strength and Perspective 💪

As we journey through life, one of the most profound realizations is how much we evolve with time. What once seemed like insurmountable challenges gradually become mere stepping stones as we gain experience and resilience. Reflecting on the past 10 years, it’s fascinating to see how the things that once intimidated us are now part of our daily routine. This evolution is akin to weightlifting: you don’t start by lifting the heaviest weights; you build up to it through consistent effort over time.

Take, for example, the journey of lifting heavier weights. A decade ago, lifting 705 lbs might have seemed impossible, but through linear progression—adding just five pounds a week—what was once unthinkable became achievable. This is the beauty of growth. What’s hard today might be easy tomorrow, and what’s easy for you might be hard for someone else. It’s all relative, and understanding this relativity is key to personal development.

Challenges Are Relative 🧗‍♂️

One of the biggest mistakes we make is comparing our beginning to someone else’s middle or end. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “Why am I not where they are?” But what we often forget is the time, energy, and sacrifices others have made to get to where they are today. It’s like comparing apples to oranges—it just doesn’t work.

When we finally accept that everyone’s journey is different, we become more comfortable with where we are and where we’re heading. Instead of being discouraged by the progress of others, we should focus on our own growth and the steps we can take to improve.

The Role of YouTube in My Journey 🎥

Now, let’s talk about the role of YouTube in this journey. I consider myself an early adopter of the platform, starting around 2012. At that time, I was also in the military, which added another layer of complexity to the mix. My initial attempts at creating a YouTube channel were met with criticism and negativity, leading me to delete my channel more than once. But there was always this nagging feeling that I needed to try again.

In 2014, when I was stationed in Texas and had some time on my hands, I decided to invest my last $500 into a Canon T3i camera. This was a pivotal moment. By investing all my money into this camera, I knew I had no choice but to make it work. I started documenting my journey—what I was eating, how I was training, my experiences in the military, and the process of building my business.

Slowly but surely, a community began to form. Back in 2014, the social media landscape, especially on YouTube, was vastly different from today. Fitness YouTube was in its infancy, and I’m grateful I started when I did.

Overcoming Criticism and Finding My Voice 🎤

Criticism is something every content creator faces, but it’s how you handle it that defines your success. For a long time, negative comments would get to me. But over time, I realized that the key to growth is to focus on what you enjoy and what you believe in, rather than letting others’ opinions dictate your actions.

One of my biggest inspirations was Casey Neistat, a YouTube vlogger who didn’t care about what others thought—he just did his thing. This mindset shift was crucial for me. I started focusing on creating content that I enjoyed and believed in, and the platform started growing.

Even today, I avoid reading comments because they can be toxic. Instead, I focus on creating content that brings me joy and resonates with my audience. The lesson here is that criticism will always be there, but it doesn’t have to define you. Focus on your passion, and the rest will follow.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey 🌟

The journey of growth, whether in life or on a platform like YouTube, is filled with ups and downs. But by embracing the challenges, avoiding unhealthy comparisons, and staying true to your passions, you can achieve great things. Remember, it’s not about where you start; it’s about where you’re going and how you get there.