The Journey that Never Ends

Everyone accomplishes goals everyday throughout their life. Goals can be short or long term, depending on the individual's goal. About a year and a half ago, I announced competing in a MABBA (Manitoba Amateur Body Building Association) physique competition. However, I didn’t compete and failed to accomplish the goal that I had set - having amazing physique and being an amateur body builder. although I hadn’t accomplish having amazing physique nor being an amateur body builder, I was able to accomplish some of the goal.

Some may say, “but you didn’t compete” or “you’re still the same from when you started…fat” however, I made an effort to try and accomplish the goal even if I haven’t reached it. I did want to achieve it and prove to myself that I was able to accomplish the goal, but things got in the way and I was set back a couple of times to a point that I wasn’t able to stay on top of working out, dieting and keeping track of my macros. Though I was set back I continue to workout, try to keep track of my macros and incorporate cardio to lose a few pounds. It is definitely a lifestyle and I think that I the lifestyle has stuck with me regardless of not being able to have amazing physique or an amateur body builder. On the other hand, my journey continues to move forward making changes and challenges in my life.

As most know, I currently work for the Gap. There was a moment - between July to mid-Augusut 2016 - where I worked for a car dealership. I was literally going into the car industry blind, not knowing anything about cars, not knowing how to sell cars, besides having the experience I carried over from working in retail however, I wasn’t fully prepared to be in the industry. The industry wasn’t for me and I had to do something. I wasn’t happy with working there - having to sit at your desk for hours on end - as well as I didn’t like the environment. I ended up leaving the industry and went back to working for the Gap. The Gap has taugh me a lot about the industry as well as the capabilities to work in the industry; how to sell better, putting up visuals (i.e. mannequins), as well as marketing that goes up. All of these made me realize what I want to do with my life, which was be in the fashion industry, specifically as a merchandiser.

I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go, but I am willing to learn whatever it takes to get there. It will be rough as well as this journey will have a lot of hardships however it will be all worth it. So, as for my blogs I will be blogging not only my journey towards my career goal but this will also express my interest of the fashion industry such as trends, ins and outs, and anything that would peak my interests related to fashion.

A Journey to Remember - Update

It’s official, I am graduating from university…FINALLY! It’s been such a long road, but it was worth it. Lately I have been putting off blogging because I have been actively looking for a job that is within my field. I have applied within the city, outside the city, nationwide and overseas. One thing for sure is I am applying at various gym facilities so that I am able to kick start my long term goal of becoming a fitness trainer.

I have been thinking about my training and diet recently, and I see other guys and girls lifting, pushing, pulling and working up a sweat and getting what they want - physically - and I compare myself to them and seeing how hard I train. I can honestly say that I put effort into my training, but I I need to push harder as well as I don’t put as much effort into my diet. I know I have to bulk up however, I want to do it the right way. Some suggest dirty bulking, which is pretty much eating anything from fast food to buffets to home cooked meals. What I would like to do is more so bulk up and enjoy food. Needless to say, I have to make sure that I’m eating properly and making sure that I actually bulk up at the same time build up strength.

Training has been pretty good, if you asked me. With exams done, I’m able to schedule twice-a-day workouts; once in the morning and once in the evening, if I’m not scheduled to work in the evenings. This week I started working out twice a day and I have to say it's tough especially waking up early and working out. But once I’m at the gym I get pumped to start working out. Now, I have done some research to make sure that I don’t burnout from working out twice a day. An article from bodybuilding.com advised to workout twice a day for two weeks then workout once a day the follow week, which is understandable. Reading the article was helpful because I would've worked out twice a day everyday to a point that I could possibly burnout. I think it's important to let your body recover from intense workouts in order for your muscles repair from the wear and tares.

Reflecting upon training, dieting as well as my life has made me realize that nothing can’t be achieved.  There may be some obstacles that may come their way but, the obstacles can always be conquered and be one step closer to your goal. For myself, being able to graduate from a university is a short term goal. I still have goals where I can use what I’ve learned in university and apply it in the work force. Also with bodybuilding regardless it being leisure, I am still continuing to build and prep for the competition and becoming a fitness trainer in the near future. There are many options and opportunities to grow for each person. One thing for sure is do it for the right reasons by making the right choices that come your way.

A Journey to Remember - Week 2

The second week of my journey wasn’t the ideal workout week I would expect it to be. Mind you I was able to still workout and keep track of my macros however, things got in the way; mostly school.

As I’m going through this journey, I am completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in English. A lot have been asking what I am going to be doing with my degree once I graduate and my answer is to be teaching as an ESL instructor. Typically I would like to teach overseas because I have been hearing a lot of great opportunities as well as awesome experiences that friends, or friends of friends have told me. Now with me embarking on my journey in becoming a bodybuilder I would not let go of this goal. As I have mentioned in a previous blog that I would continue on with becoming a bodybuilder and compete in the MABBA (Manitoba Amateur Bodybuilding Associate) Fall Classics in October. I would also make it a career out of it as well. Being both a bodybuilder as well as an ESL instructor would benefit me in both situations. Being a bodybuilder would not only maintain my fitness and completing my goal of competing, it would show the motivation and the dedication I put into working hard in maintaining a healthy life. With ESL, I would be able to help individuals with their english reading, writing and speaking skills in order for those individuals to become successful with the english language. Both would benefit from one another in a way where I would continue to be a motivator to others in either fitness or the English language as well as set up goals for those individuals who want to make a difference in their lives, whether it is learning ESL or having a healthier lifestyle. I would make sure that I would balance both careers along with my personal life as well.

Enough of my goals and busy life what did I do during week 2. Week 2, like I’ve said, wasn’t the best week I had. I did workout and kept track of my macros, but it could have been much better. I didn’t push myself to my fullest during my workout however, I was still able to workout 4 out of the 7 days, which is still good. Also with keeping track of my macros I tried to maintain myself food consumption, but there were some days that I went over my fats, carbs, or protein. Regardless of missing a day or going over the macros, I am still continuing to push myself more each time to make sure that I bulk lean properly according to Brian’s plan that he gave me. So I encourage you, keep going, don’t stop, and believe in yourself with whatever you’re doing. Each one of us are able to reach for the goals that we set. All we have to do is continue to work for it, be motivated and find your reason why you set these goals and how you’re going to achieve them.

We can do it!!

A Journey to Remember - Thoughts II

During the past week ever since day 8 it has been hard to continue to be motivated and keep on track with everything (work, bodybuilding, school, friends, family, etc.). I have been trying to focus on the things that I need to focus on, however things always took priority. I know I am not superman and that I am unable to satisfy everyones needs. I have noticed over the week that I have set things aside for others rather than focusing on things that I need to focus on.

Most of my life I have help others before doing my own things. I have helped friends, family, coworkers and even a few strangers. Don’t get me wrong, helping others is the courteous thing to do rather than just not helping at all. A good way to be able to help and respect the other party’s needs, if you aren’t able to help out personally, is provide other options. Providing options who need help with something shows them that you are concerned about their needs and that you want them to be able to find the best solution to achieve whatever their needs are. Regardless if you are not able to help out personally giving possible suggestions would give an idea of other solutions. Nevertheless if there are things that prevent you from focusing on what you need to do try to help out even if it is suggesting other possible solutions. Whether you help out personally or provide other suggestions the result will be as equally rewarding.

As previously mentioned it was difficult to stay on track with training from things that I needed to do and focus on. I think from the past week I only trained 3 or 4 times when I needed to train 5-6 times a week. I was preoccupied with work and school, which I needed to focus on. One thing that I need to do is manage my time more wisely. It is obvious that we all feel as if time is limited. We usually think that we need more time or we do not have enough time when in actuality we have the right amount of time given. For myself, I tend to do more things when I already have a lot on my plate. I do realize that I should not do more things unless I am able to focus on helping others or doing other tasks that are outside my schedule. There is nothing wrong with being able to take more things on, however analyze what you have and ask yourself if you’re able to add more things on top of what you already have. I, personally, have just enough things to focus on at the moment where I know I am capable of achieving what I need to achieve.

Life can be tough when you have a lot on your plate. As for myself I try to go ahead one step at a time. If you feel extremely confident and go for that leap then go for it! As long as you know that life does have its challenges, however you only grow from them. The challenges that I face can certainly bring me down. Currently, I’m finishing my Bachelors degree in English under the University of Manitoba. You might say, “what are you going to do once you graduate?” well that’s a great question. I come to a point that a degree in English can go either two ways (from what I know). One is I can go into education and teach in a school setting or two go into editing and become an editor for a publishing company. However, with me journeying towards becoming a bodybuilder and competing in the mens physique competition I’d like to become a fitness trainer and help and inspire those who would like to change their way of living. What about my degree? I would still utilize my degree and have a certificate in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). This way I am not only a fitness trainer I would also be a teacher for potential ESL students.


As you can tell that I have a long path ahead of me. I’m finishing my degree, preparing for a bodybuilding competition as well as preparing to become a fitness trainer/ESL teacher. All of these goals are there for the taking. All I have to do is make sure that I focus, stay motivated and continue to work hard and I know that whatever goals you may have you can achieve them as well.



(Reference: Yu for allowing me to paraphrase his comments)