2008 Transformation Contest

I keep drafting blogs up in my head, and then I end up scrapping them before posting. Why, you ask? Because each time I’ve went to post a blog one of the other contestants posts something deep and meaningful, and I just don’t feel right ‘bumping’ that down the blog list. The fact is, at this pace we are going to easily ‘outblog’ last year’s contest blog. I think Richard realized this when he included quite a few ‘outgoing’ people in this year’s blog. However, tonight I wanted to post an update on how I am doing so far in the contest. Because, you see, in addition the physical changes I’ve already begun to make, this contest has spurred on many other changes that are starting to take place.

The first and foremost change is that I am beginning to gain a positive self-image. For too long during my journey I would look in the mirror and see nothing other than the fat, but now I see the potential. I see the strength the lies underneath, and the desire that burns within my eyes. I see my reflection before the sun meets the horizon and I know that I am forever changed. I’ve never had a problem being motivated to make changes, but in the past I was motivated by the negative way I felt about myself. I think many of you out there in the world may be able to relate to that, right? I mean, nobody begins a journey because they are happy with the way things are. But as odd as it sounds, I’m happy with my body, but I want more. My drive is now my desire to be the best I can, to find the beast underneath.

Another change that has been occurring is the way in which I view my current job. You see, for a long time I’ve accepted jobs that both matched my skills, and provided a decent source of income. However, the downfall to these jobs is that none of them have ever led me anywhere, except towards the next ‘job’. You could say that I excel at being entry level I suppose. So, when I began this journey I realized that my current employment did not work with my goals. I may have been succeeding, but it was in spite of my job, not because of it. As such I began a job search, looking for something that was more in line with my training, but more importantly something that would allow me to spend more time with my wife. I believe I’ve found this job, but I must first pass a test or two, and then once it is official, I will share more regarding this.

The final shift that has occurred is that I have realized that I want to make friends. The statement in itself sounds a bit silly, but it is the truth. I am very much a people person when I’m around people, but for some reason I tend to be a homebody and kind of a hermit crab. Aside from my the people I work with and family, I see the UPS guy more than anyone else. For too long I sheltered myself from the world because I felt as if I had nothing to offer as a friend, because I wasn’t taking care of myself. However, I’m done with that too, I’m ready to go out and make new friends. I’m hoping this new ’social’ side of me with also help my wife to break out of her shell too. Don’t worry thought, competitors, being social for me doesn’t mean eating out or drinking. You can have fun while dieting, I promise!

I could go on and on with this blog, but I will save some thoughts for next time. After all, this contest is going on until the end of March! I hope you are all still here with us at that time, I can’t wait to hear you all cheering at the proverbial finish line.

Josh/SCT

p.s. I’ve been invited to take part in the Grand Opening of the newest local supplement company here in town. I hope nobody wants an autograph, I don’t have any 8′x10’s right now, haha.