Taking Stock

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Sometimes you have to allow yourself to sit back and take stock of what you have done with your life on every front. This helps not only to ensure we are continuing on the right track, but as a means of allowing ourselves to receive the proverbial pat on the back for good efforts. I work hard, I train hard. I have no time for fools, little time for trivia and laziness is a route to certain destruction. However, without adequate attention to what has been achieved it can become a mindless journey of constantly ticking off a "to do" list with no real gratification for the tasks completed.

So here I am going to be very honest and list what I have done in the relative areas of my life since leaving my old business 18 months ago and entering a brave new world. Please understand that this exercise is beneficial for everyone and I am merely choosing to post it here as a reminder for myself rather than an ego boost as this was never my intention. Before I begin typing the list I am already quite certain that there are things on there that will surprise me, or that I have forgotten about during the rush to success.

So here goes.

Business

Based on my job at the University strength and conditioning gym I have an extensive network of coaches and trainers and well as world class presenters. Many of them are now advisers to my new business and will present diverse seminars and workshops for the fitness industry.

I have a first class adwords manager that makes me a tidy income from my online products - without even having an active website - clever, I know.

I am joint Director in another company that has just invented a sprint product that will take the market by storm. It is patent pending, trademarked and has received amazing feedback from some very influential people. We have 3 more products planned to follow up with and aim for international distribution by next year.

I have managed to organise the first ever UK event for the IKSFA - some of the best kettlebell athletes and champions in the world.

I have just designed 3 kettlebells courses, a weightlifting for sports course and a course on powerclub training will be next with many more to follow such as MMA conditioning and all-round lifting.

I have the outline for at least 10 DVDs planned.

I have been asked to film the instructional DVD for Keiser Functional Training UK and may be asked in to advise on some of their products - potentially as a distributor or partner.

I am kettlebell adviser to York Fitness - one of the biggest names in training products on the planet. Many things are being discussed here for future work and I helped design their cast iron kettlebell template that will be in stock soon.

Much of the last 18 months has been laying the foundations for the new business by way of the website, numerous spreadsheets for venues and resellers/affiliates as well as advisers and other contacts that can allow it to grow successfully.

Training

In weightlifting I have twice achieved British Champion in the masters category for my age and weight. I am also open champion for the IAWA single arm championships where I achieved British and world records. After 2 years of listing (starting at 34) I can represent Great Britain internationally at the European championships and I am about 10kg from the World Championships qualifier.

Kettlebells - I have finally decided to have a go at GS training to be more than just a PT that does kettlebells, despite my UK reputation as one of the top guys here. Anyway, my first snatch session was 20 reps short of CMS without any training and I will achieve master of sports in the future at some point. I guess training for strength and endurance for 10 years with kettlebells would give you a good foundation!

Relationships

Through my business I have been fortunate enough to me some very nice people and these are the people that you can possibly count on both hands and honour them with the title friend. They are the real deal, not associates, people you work with, your clients or facebook crew. They are the ones that you can actually share ideas with and grow together and I must say although it is a small network, it is a very strong and supportive one.

Hobbies

I decided at the beginning of this year that it was time to do something about the things that I have always wanted to do and then put off for whatever reason. So I got a piano and took lessons. I have just finished Le Onde by Ludovico Einaudi and should have it polished in the next couple of months with practice.

I was a keen amateur astronomer and took some lovely images of the universe. However, at present I have little time for 6 hours in the cold and the stars will still be there in a few years when everything is done and I have semi - retired..... Then I plan to right a children's guide to the universe for my son and get it published.

Misc


Apart from the masters degree I also have a lovely 3 bed semi in the peace and quiet of Cambridgeshire with a garage that is my gym and caters for my every need - there is a 3 acre field around the corner as well. My office is upstairs complete with my personal library and everything you could want for a business.

Last but not least - family. My wife is truly amazing and almost without trying is supportive of everything I do. We have no stress and have not argued for 6 years. Don't get me wrong, voices do rise now and then, but we are wise enough to realise that most things can be sorted out by not being stupid in the first place and not depending on each other for everything we think we need. The little man is truly amazing and 4 later this year. He has taught me a lot about myself and is possibly my main reason for doing many of the things I do. I love them both dearly and would die this second to protect them without even thinking it through.

The good news - I have only just started :)


So why am I telling you all of this???

I am not.

I am telling myself......