The Power of Transformation: My Journey from Addiction to Embracing Fitness

Five years ago, I was struggling to even put on my shoes and go out for a short walk.

The man who once enjoyed a healthy lifestyle and exercise routines had become a shadow of his former self. It was a bleak period, one I felt I might never escape.

After work, I started going to the bar instead of the gym.?

My unhealthy habits, particularly alcohol, snowballed into an addiction.?

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This month, I was the opening speaker at the biggest speaking convention outside the US.?

I shared my transformation journey from being an overweight alcoholic to becoming a fitness enthusiast who just completed a Half Ironman in Malaysia's sweltering heat.

In thirty three degrees heat, I swam 10 kilometers. I cycled 90 kilometers and then I ran a half marathon.

I came in eighth place.

The question arises, how??

Here is how I did it,?

#1. Deflating My Ego: The Power of Transparency

The first significant turning point in my transformation was deflating my ego.

I used to keep everything a secret.?

I was living a double life, projecting a facade of perfection to the outside world, while inwardly struggling with profound physical and emotional pain.?

I was shoving all that pain under the rug until I just couldn’t cope any longer

Eventually, I chose to shatter this false image.?

I shared my turmoil with my wife and she helped me seek professional help, which proved to be the first crucial steps on my road to recovery.?

This honesty, though initially painful, brought a sense of relief and empowerment that I hadn't felt in a long time.

#2. Overcoming Self-Doubt: Take the First Step

When I was both physically and mentally unwell, I was full of self-doubt as I kept falling short of my promises.?

I would promise myself time and again that I would control my drinking, eat healthier, exercise more, keep it for just a day or two then only to break these promises repeatedly.

This cycle fed my self-doubt and reinforced my resistance to change.

But once I allowed myself to seek help, I managed to break this debilitating cycle.?

This clean cut from my past habits put me on the path to recovery.?

Once I broke free from the gray zone of non-action, I got rid of my spirals.

The only way to overcome doubt is action.?

Stacking undeniable proof in the face of doubt.

I discovered that taking the first step towards change, even if it's daunting, is a critical step towards transformation.

#3. Embracing Discipline: The Key to Consistency

Discipline is the glue that holds all commitments together, and I had lost sight of this truth in the throes of my struggles.?

However, as I began to recover, I realized the importance of discipline in achieving my goals.

When I decided to address my alcohol problem and joined a recovery program, I needed to be disciplined.?

Now, with the support of my network and my dedication, I am five years sober.?

In three months from now, I have a full distance Ironman event.

I have to be extremely disciplined and stick to the plan.

I wake up at 3:45AM every day and get to work without taking a break.

This journey is not easy, but living one day at a time, being disciplined, and continually seeking support when needed has been instrumental in my recovery.

I share my story not only as a testament to my transformation but as a beacon of hope for anyone going through a similar struggle.

If my journey resonates with you or if you're embarking on your own transformation, I invite you to reach out.?

Whether you're interested in a coaching journey or booking me for a keynote, it would be my pleasure to guide you on your path to transformation.?

Remember, change is not only possible, but it's within your reach.

If this article resonates with you, I invite you to subscribe to the Adversity to Excellence newsletter.

Every week, I’ll share 1 actionable tip to help executives face their biggest fears and create a new story of resilience, vulnerability, and high-performance.

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