“Did push ups till I swole up.”
– 2Pac, When I Get Free
At seventeen I was six feet tall and weighed 135 pounds. I was socially awkward and dressed in a slovenly manner.
Unsurprisingly, I was stood up for a date one night. It was one of the worst feelings I’d ever experienced and it still haunts me to this day. That night I drove home and watched You Only Live Twice, wishing that I could someday grow up to be like James Bond.
At twenty years old I weighed 183 pounds. I was extremely assertive, to the point of having people call me “brazen,” and I had just bought a new wardrobe.
I was in a club with a girl when I got the feeling I was being watched. Looking up I saw another girl staring at me. The girl I was with then said, “that’s my friend. She wants to f*ck you too.”
The next day I reflected on how much my life had changed over the last five years. With the exception of some monetary goals, I’ve gotten almost everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s been rewarding but it hasn’t been easy. To quote the advice of an old millionaire I know:
“Getting what you want is simple. Figure out your goal, and then figure out how much you’re willing to sacrifice for it.”
For the past eight weeks my goal has been gaining weight and breaking 180 pounds. To do so I’ve sacrificed a lot. I’ve lifted so hard that I’ve thrown up on myself, I’ve been too tired to go out on weekends, I’ve gotten terribly sick from overeating, and I’ve doubted myself to the point of almost quitting.
However, the ends have justified the means. I’ve made my goal and couldn’t be happier.
During the course of this month I’m going to retell my entire story. I think you’ll like it.