In these last seventeen years, with the unbridled support of my wife and family, I’ve attended or taught at 110 strength training events, spent 303 nights in hotels, and accumulated 2035 hours of training experience (not including the thousands of hours I spent teaching my local groups and students at home). I’ve taught on three continents, in 7 countries, 20 states, and 48 cities. I’ve seen a lot of the world… to teach people how to pick things up and set them back down. I’ve made more friends than I can count all over the world.
I feel infinite gratitude for the experiences I’ve been afforded and the life-long friendships I’ve made over these years. I’ve had many mentors and colleagues from whom I’ve learned so much, and I would need another article to list them all. I’m ultimately grateful for Pavel leading the way and offering this opportunity to me many years ago, culminating in this moment. I say all this to preface my eventual next chapter in life as I have accepted the StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor Emeritus status and will be stepping down in my role as StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity, and no doubt I have suffered a minor case of imposter syndrome throughout it all. The reason for that, and likely surprise to many reading this, is that I have maintained my full-time banking career for the last 26+ years with the same bank during this entire story arc.
Here are a few things I have learned along the way to hopefully inspire and encourage you to continue your journey and, for some, to start one: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Learn how to deal constructively with failure. Live, learn, and pass on. It’s about the journey, not the destination. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Stress can be positive…When managed effectively. Don’t be stingy, and don’t be greedy…Give more than you take. There’s only one direction to go from a peak, but how you descend defines your next step. No one ever said, “You’re too strong.” Confidence under a load will translate to confidence in life. Consistency + Time = Results Sometimes, you must regress to progress. If you commit to something, do everything you are asked…and a little more. Strength requires self-discipline…Strength used irresponsibly is weakness. If you are permitted the opportunity to be a teacher, be the teacher you wish you had.
I hope those I’ve taught and interacted with will continue to bear the torch and carry on the message of strength in all its many definitions. But don’t despair; this is only a parting message for this chapter. I’m sure I will see some of you down the road, so keep in touch, and hopefully, we can break bread and lift something the next time our paths cross. Stay strong in all ways, continue being a student of strength, be a quiet professional, and always make sure your strength has a greater purpose. | 
