How we carry ourselves is
often times the only basis of perception that the outside world has on us. First impressions are often times our last
impression, and while it doesn’t always seem like it matters what’s going
through our personal thoughts at any given time, you’d be amazed at what can be
telegraphed through our body language. This
was a lesson I learned the hard way at my first show. Stage fright, nervousness, jitters, or
butterflies are understandable and pretty much expected; but when your mind is
not right, you’re cutting your own legs right out from underneath you before
you even step on stage. This doesn’t
only apply to competition either… this is LIFE my friends!
The above picture was taken
at the night show of the 2011 Warrior.
Looking at this picture, I feel proud.
I feel happy with my journey up to that point and it all stems from the
smile on my face. However, I still wish
I could go back to that very morning during pre-judging and do it all over
again. At pre-judging, just hours
before, I looked NOTHING like this – and it had NOTHING to do with any changes
in my body or posing. I can’t tell you
everything that was going through my head at the time, but I know it was about
90% negative and it showed through my facial expressions and body language like
you wouldn’t believe. Standing up there,
I had no idea. But I’ll never forget the
questions and looks on my teammate’s faces when I got off the stage. I placed last in my class (16th) at
this show. Again, placings are not the
reason why I compete and in my opinion, shouldn’t matter to anyone unless you
are looking at taking things to a professional level. Nonetheless, the disappointment of placing
last as a sole result of my actions and attitude for the (maybe) 5 minutes I
had on stage, is the biggest let down I could imagine and I PROMISE you…it will
never happen again. I urge ALL
competitors to take this seriously. Not
just for the sake of wanting to place better, but for your own piece of mind
and enjoyment. DON’T do what I did and
destroy months’ worth of sacrifice and hard work because you can’t find the
right place in your head to stand proud and soak in every incredible moment you
have on stage, AND the times that brought you there! Think back at the incredible journey that
took to where you are. Think of all the
people that supported you and your goals along the way. Take pride in the fact that you committed to
such an incredible feat and STUCK WITH IT!!
There is so much to be thankful for and appreciate at any moment. Your time on stage is time to SHINE!
Like I said before, this
applies to everyone, at any given time.
In that business meeting or presentation, approaching someone of the
opposite sex, as you sit down in front of your peers with the same chicken and
rice and vegetables that you eat EVERY day at lunch; ANYTHING that you have set
your mind to accomplish should be carried out with your maximum effort and best
attitude! Be confident that you are
taking action that supports yourself and your goals. Self-doubt and insecurities don’t look good
on anyone and should be permanently locked up!
Head up, shoulders back, and walk tall my friends. Carry yourself with grace, elegance, balance,
and confidence. Please though, use
caution and DO NOT mistake confidence for cockiness…no one has time for
that. ;-) Also, never underestimate the power of a
smile. Try it out next time you are in
public. You never know, you might save a
life.
My competition prep is
moving right along and I’ve certainly gained a whole new level of respect for
the sport after two weeks of posing practice!
It’s a workout in itself! I never
doubted it, but you never know what things are like until you experience them
yourself. The next 4 weeks of
conditioning are very exciting and I get to watch my physique really take shape
and transform! Thanks for taking the
time to read and I hope you are all moving forward with your goals! Stay Strong!!
Follow Nick and his journey to step on stage in his first Bodybuilding Contest and turn his Dreams into Realities! With Nick's Discipline, Drive, and Determination you too will be inspired! For further information you can contact Nick at:
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