About two years ago, I was offered a job promotion.
The promotion included a more prestigious title and significant pay raise.
It meant greater responsibility, more opportunity for upward mobility and I needed to move across the country. I was given six months to prepare for the transition. I wanted to arrive in my new location feeling confident. I knew that I would be making a first impression and was determined to be my best self. I decided to use those six months to make improvements to myself. I immediately joined a gym and signed up with a personal trainer. I explained my goals and he designed a very strenuous workout plan to achieve them. He told me that along with daily exercise, I needed to change my diet and lifestyle. He recommended avoiding all fast foods, alcohol, sweets, processed foods and pop. He suggested getting involved with fun and active hobbies such as hiking, biking, kayaking, tennis and swimming. I followed all of his advice and met with him four times per week for intensive training sessions. I’ve never worked so hard or sweated so much in my entire life. Every session includes at least thirty minutes of high intensity cardio. He had me run wind sprints, ride the stationary bike, jump rope and perform a series of burpees, jumping jacks and mountain climbers. I lifted free weights and kettlebells and used resistance bands and battle ropes. We did lots of stretches and static holds, focused on balance and targeted all the different muscles of the body. By the time I moved into a new apartment and started a new job, I was a new person.