2020 - The People
2020 has been tough for so many reasons. I know I’m one of many who are looking forward to brighter days in 2021.
That’s not to say that 2020 hasn’t had any moments of sheer blessing. These blessings have brought me to write this piece.
People dictate success and failure. The accomplishments that I’ve had within health and fitness have been through direct impact of those around me. My roommate in college once said, “it’s not the amount of people you impact, it’s the impact that you have on people.” I’ve always thought that was wise and it’s why I work to ensure that I’m a positive impact on those around me.
Below is a list of people who have directly impacted my 2020 in a positive way. This list is in no particular order (except for the first two) as positive impact is not quantifiable, it is simply positive.
To my parents, for supporting me in every way possible. The random calls during the week help me to remember that I’m never alone in struggle and always have people to share with when I’m victorious.
To my ladies at home, for being there every day, regardless of what’s going on, with a listening ear and support in trying times. I love you!
To my brother, for being an example of integrity, kindness and work ethic. Along with having a knack of knowing when I’ve bitten off more than I can chew and need some support. Thank you for always being there.
To my first training athlete at Concept, for giving me confidence by trusting your training program to me. You were the foundation in building my success at Concept Move in 2020 and the fact that we still train together means the world to me. I look forward to watching you continue to improve yourself and those around you. You’re an inspiration to me.
To my training floor partner, for giving me an example of what a successful personal trainer looks like. I needed someone to follow this summer being so new to the private sector and your guidance has helped me to grow as a professional and continue within health and fitness. You’re also a fantastic drinking buddy. Thank you for that.
To Drago, your positivity brings light to my day. Watching you recover from shoulder surgery and continue to push yourself to be your best has been nothing short of brilliant. You’ve taught me what optimism, empathy and curiosity can bring. I value the time that we have together and look forward to 2021 with old treadmills, old cowbells and new successes.
To the track star, watching you grow into an adult over the past 4 years brings me hope for the next generation. If there’s anyone who can start a restaurant selling chicken wings in the middle of a meatless movement, it’s you. Thank you for being an example of work ethic, respect and honesty.
To the track star’s brother, for the relentless drive that you’ve brought to your training in our short time together. Watching you come out of your shell and show those around you what you’re capable of has been a light in my life. Keep up the good work and never back down.
To the Urgent Care worker, for showing me what true kindness and patience looks like. Your work to help others never stops and still you find time to work to improve yourself. With so many counting on you every day, you’ve taught me how to put others first without sacrificing personal health and happiness.
To the fucking new guy, for working your butt off, asking questions and challenging me to a better professional. You have a bright future ahead of you, thank you for the energy that you bring.
To all the new readers on the newsletter, the feedback, questions and positive support helped me stay consistent, missing one week in six months! I appreciate the backing and look forward to providing more in 2021.
To the other fucking new guy, for finally being a guy that I can talk baseball with who isn’t Greek. You have no idea what I dealt with before you came along.
To the new coffee lady, working alongside you all summer was a privilege. Your humor and relentless energy kept me on my toes. I appreciate the time that we spent together and wish you the best in your new adventure!
To the new trainer, for bringing curiosity to your work and helping me reestablish my love of health and fitness. The energy and passion that you bring are contagious and they helped me get through the best and worst days. Thank you for that.
To my almost business partner, for being an example of creativity and passion for work. I hope that we continue to have opportunities to work together in the future. Vermont needs as many young business owners as it can get. Keep up the effort and tenacity that you bring every day!
To the nurse, who deals with the pain of loss on a regular basis but continues to shine bright with joy and humor in the toughest of times. You are an inspiration, a hero and a friend!
To the aunt, who picks me up on tough mornings and makes sure that I get to see the light of day outside of the gym. The fresh air keeps me going! Thank you for always putting others first. Here’s to more paint chips in 2021!
To the pilot, who flies to the weirdest places, at the weirdest times, on the shortest notice. You show me what can be possible for young people who are willing to work, pursue knowledge and have a passion for what they do. Being an early riser and having thick skin doesn’t hurt either. Keep being you!
To my first mentor in strength and conditioning, your ability to always be there when I had a question has led me to chasing a career in the field. Any and all success that I have is a result of your beginnings. Thank you for that.
To the brain major, for pushing through pain and frustration to remain consistent with your training. You showed me that the mind can do powerful things to our health and fitness. You also showed me what Twitch was, thanks for keeping me hip…
To the engineer, who kept me at work far past when I wanted to be there and somehow made me look forward to it. You reminded me what working hard looks like and feels like, renewing my passion for health and fitness this summer when everything seemed to point me away from it. Thank you for your friendship.
To the vegan, who showed what being a badass woman is all about. Your strength and work ethic were inspirational to my work and the love that you bring your family is something that we can all learn from. Thank you for being you!
To my golf buddy, who gave me the love of golf during a tough summer of new obstacles. Your giving spirit, humor and never-ending ability to beat me kept me pushing to be better in golf and with those around me. Thank you for setting an example.
To my boss, for sending me books to read and challenging me to grow as a professional. Your leadership taught me a lot about myself and how to work with those around me. Thank you for that.
To the car guy, for doing your job and holding me accountable to doing mine. What started as a professional relationship has turned into a friendship that I value greatly. Restomods are sweet too.
To my almost-famous friend, you should have gone followed through on Temptation Island, it would have been special. Thank you for bringing humor in tough times and for finding similar things interesting so I’m not talking to a wall. Your conversations helped get me through the memorable summer of 2020.
2020 was a year of endless new challenges. Personally, it forced me to grow as a professional and as a man. I’m thankful that I had enough good people around me to see it through. Hopefully, 2021 brings more memories with these wonderful folks.
This list is just a beginning to those who affected me in a positive way in 2020. I also found myself looking back to people who I got to be around in prior years and how much I missed their impact this past year. I highly recommend this exercise to anyone looking to close the year on a positive note. Looking back on a year of these relationships brought me a lot of happiness, nostalgia and hope for next year.
Happy Holidays!