Decision + The Work = Transformation
Do it for the man in the mirror.
You ever walk by a mirror and just stop? Like, “whoa, is that really me?” That happened to me 4 years ago at the gym.
Hat pulled down. 2XL hoodie. 2XL sweatpants. Covered head to toe. Not because it was cold. Because I was embarrassed by what I’d let happen to my body.
I was a successful entrepreneur speaking on stages in front of thousands. But completely ashamed by what I saw in the mirror.
So I took a picture. I owned it. And I decided to change.
It was Spring, not long after getting out of the hospital from a 9-day battle with a staph infection. 280+ pounds. Bloodwork a mess. Body broken down from years of putting everything else first.
And I decided to get to work. I decided to eat better. I decided to go to the gym every day. I decided to go to the doctor and get my bloodwork right.
Then I did the work. I ate better. I went to the gym and worked out. I went to the doctor and started checking my blood work every 3 months.
I started to change. Consistency led to habits. Habits lead to healing. It took longer than I thought, but it happened faster than I could have imagined.
I transformed.
This morning it happened again. I looked up in the locker room mirror and said “Whoa, is that really me?”
Four years later. 225 pounds. Strong. Better shape than my 20s. 34 waist. Bloodwork perfect. Fitted shirt, minus a couple X’s.
And I felt something men don’t let ourselves feel enough. Proud. Of how far I’ve come. And where I’m going. So I took a selfie to create a remembrance of that feeling.
I love that old version of me. Good dude.
He accomplished great things. He just let his body go. Happens. He did his best at the time.
But he also made a decision I am forever grateful for. To aim at something better. And do the work to earn it.
I honor him and his decision every time I get up, aim up, show up, and feel proud of who I am. Who I plan to be.
It’s YOUR job to notice your growth men.
Not anyone else’s. So, take a pic. Give yourself credit. Consider this permission to be proud of how far you’ve come. How far you will go.
And if you’re standing at the edge of that decision right now, make the call. Transformation always starts with a decision. Snap a pic. That future version of you will look back with gratitude for what you decide and start today.
You don’t have to do it alone.
That’s why I created The Great Men Project. It’s a community full of good dudes on the same journey. A journey of transformation and growth: body, mind, business, and relationships. Tools, frameworks, community, and resources to help good men like you build a great life on your terms.
Learn more about The Great Men Project and how it can help you transform your health, career, and relationships at GreatMen.org
Shane Sams is a speaker, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of The Great Men Project, a movement for driven men who have everything on paper but still feel like something is missing. Men who are done living a good enough life and ready to build a great one on their own terms. Listen to his podcast Great Men w/ Shane Sams wherever you get podcasts and join The Great Men Community for free at GreatMen.org.