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For the past few months, I’ve been struggling mentally and couldn’t really figure out why. After 48 weeks of working with a coach — who I truly believe is one of the best coaches I could ask for — I made the decision to go solo for a while to focus on getting my mind right.
Surprisingly, the first workout after that decision was amazing. Then the second one? Same. Third? It was leg day, so it still sucked — but in a good way.
After a bit of reflection, I realized what was going on.
For those who know me, I work 65–70 hours a week, have two young kids, a wife, and extended family constantly calling on me for help. I don’t have much left in the tank for myself. And the gym — that was always my time. My place to decompress.
Somewhere along the line, coaching shifted that. It became more structured, more accountable, and less about having that sacred space just for me. I’ve always pushed hard in the gym, and I still will, but I needed that time to truly feel like mine again — not just another checkbox in my day.
It might sound simple, but this had me completely twisted for months.
So I want to be clear: this decision was 100% about my mental health and current life situation. I had a phenomenal coach and if I can clear some space in my life and reclaim a little more peace, I absolutely want to come back to prep for a bodybuilding competition.
But first, I need to get my head right. Because no amount of gear, diet, or training matters if your mind isn’t on solid ground.
If you’re reading this and feeling off — maybe it’s worth stepping back and checking if you’ve accidentally let your "you time" become someone else’s time too.
Stay strong out there.
Surprisingly, the first workout after that decision was amazing. Then the second one? Same. Third? It was leg day, so it still sucked — but in a good way.
After a bit of reflection, I realized what was going on.
For those who know me, I work 65–70 hours a week, have two young kids, a wife, and extended family constantly calling on me for help. I don’t have much left in the tank for myself. And the gym — that was always my time. My place to decompress.
Somewhere along the line, coaching shifted that. It became more structured, more accountable, and less about having that sacred space just for me. I’ve always pushed hard in the gym, and I still will, but I needed that time to truly feel like mine again — not just another checkbox in my day.
It might sound simple, but this had me completely twisted for months.
So I want to be clear: this decision was 100% about my mental health and current life situation. I had a phenomenal coach and if I can clear some space in my life and reclaim a little more peace, I absolutely want to come back to prep for a bodybuilding competition.
But first, I need to get my head right. Because no amount of gear, diet, or training matters if your mind isn’t on solid ground.
If you’re reading this and feeling off — maybe it’s worth stepping back and checking if you’ve accidentally let your "you time" become someone else’s time too.
Stay strong out there.