Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about hard work, and what it means to be humble. This week especially, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on the hard work that I’ve put in this year. Maybe it’s because the year 2015 is almost at an end, or maybe it’s because I can’t help but feel that I’m on the brink of something amazing when it comes to my career? Either way, I’ve been doing a lot of self-reflection, planning, and some daydreaming LOL about what I want for my future, and all the exciting things yet to come!
Based on my experiences over this past year, and the amount of work I’ve poured into bodybuilding, as well as my career, I have never been so humbled. I honestly don’t think that I have ever worked so hard before in my whole life! I’m exhausted! I think I’ve said this before in a previous post, but really I am pooped! Last night I crashed so hard on my couch before 10 pm LOL I’ve been pouring my heart and soul into bodybuilding, as well as my career. Basically I am investing 110% of my energy on myself. I am building a life that I want to live, and damn it’s a lot of work!
I’ve realized what I need in my life to be happy, and I cannot rest until I have achieved these things. I need to be financially independent, I want to have my own place, I want to be a Pro-Bodybuilder, and I want to have a successful business/fitness career. These are the things that I need for myself, and my own happiness, and everyday I’ve been working tirelessly to achieve these things. Lately, I finally feel as if I’m making some traction on these goals, because for a while I was feeling like I was running, running, running, but I had no idea where I was going. Finally, I can start to see the direction that I’m heading in and it’s so exciting! I know that if I keep putting in the work, and trusting the process (and the universe), great things will happen. This belief in myself, in the universe/the process, is what keeps me going. I am confident that I can have all the things listed above and maybe more. This confidence grows every single day, because each day I learn something new, I meet someone awesome, and I grow a bit more. Basically everyday there is some sort of gain, everyday I’m making gains! LOL
However, even though my confidence continues to grow each day, and I’m so proud of all that I have accomplished so far, I know I still have a long way to go. I know that I have a lot to learn, and I also know that I am nowhere near achieving my goals… I am so close, yet so far if you know what I mean? 😛 It is through my hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears, that I am humbled each and everyday. Why? Because I know that the work is never done. Tomorrow, I will wake up and I will still need to meal prep, train, and build my business. It never ends, you are never perfect, you are never done working, because there is always something you could be doing to make yourself better. I wake up with a passion for my career everyday, and it is this passion and drive that keeps me pushing no matter how tired I get. Yes, the work may never be over, but if you love the work you do, it becomes a labor of love. This doesn’t always change how hard the work is, but it definitely makes the work you put in so much more gratifying.
I wanted to write this piece because I really needed to get it off my chest. I wanted to let the world know that I am so humbled by my work, the people I’ve met, and the things that I’ve learned. Recently, the universe has brought so many people into my life that have been so helpful, genuine, and caring. It is these people that have lent me a helping hand, and have been a guiding light for me post-show as I work on building my career. I feel as though I am a sponge LOL Soaking up their advice, and guidance, and then applying it right away. If you really want to get somewhere in life, you need to first believe that you can get there, then you need to know that you don’t have all the tools to get you there, so you therefore, must go out and find them! You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help you, when they see you helping yourself! And that is key! You need to put in the work and invest in yourself, before you see anyone invest in you. But besides just working hard, you must humble yourself as well. You need to understand that you are not the best, you don’t know everything, and you have much to learn. That is the only way you will be able to open your ears, open your mind, and open your heart to all the positive, and relative support from your peers, and mentors. If you continue to work hard and stay humble, there is no reason for you not to be successful! This is because your work will pay off one day, and your humility will keep you grounded.
Alex Rinaldo 