Therapeutic/Motivational Writing

As you can probably tell, I write a lot. I really enjoy it. But I haven't written about one of the core reasons I began this blog in the first place.

Apart from the motivational gains to be had by charting my progress (not-to-mention the feedback and, hopefully, encouragement from readers), this blog provides me with an outlet to express myself as I prepare to undertake perhaps the biggest challenge of my life. I have struggled with weight and fitness issues for as long as I can remember. It has been the singular frustration of my life.

And this is where the writing comes in. I have read a little on the therapeutic effects of journal writing. I have also read on the benefits of writing down one's goals and plans. So, I have decided to combine the two, here, and share it with the rest of the world.

Making this struggle public will help reinforce my commitment to achieving my goals. I am putting myself "on the hook," so-to-speak. There is now no backing out; no putting it off for some other time; no waiting for the perfect moment to begin such an undertaking. I am, instead, diving into this head-first for all to see.

So I want to explore every aspect. I want to conquer not just the external challenges, but the internal obstacles that more often than not, are the prime culprits behind our own self-sabotage. I'd like to organize scattered thoughts, negative self-talk, frustrations, encouragements, and triumphs into one cohesive message that I (and others) can reflect on and hopefully learn from. This blog, then, will reflect my journey - all of it - towards personal conquest.

I hope you will enjoy the ride!

Edward SissyHands

I think the one thing about me that truly captures the weakness I feel both inside and out, are my hands. Besides my embarrassing man-boobs that I'm always trying to hide behind baggy clothes, my hands are a constant source of insecurity that can't be hidden. They are soft and delicate, incapable of a strong grip and only marginally capable of a firm handshake; they look like the hands of a boy and they're a constant reminder that I haven't quite yet matured - both physically and emotionally.



I want strong hands. I want a bone-crushing grip - the kind that will make you think twice about making eye contact with the mothherfucker for fear of pissing him off. Now that's a firm grip!

The Plan Pt. 1 (Fat-loss Phase)

The basic plan is to split the coming year into two phases: a 6-month fat-loss phase and a 6-month strength training phase. To keep things simple, I will focus only on the fat-loss phase for now.

The fat-loss plan will be split into two parts: training and diet.

Training
1. I will do two consecutive 90-day cycles of the P-90X home training program. The first cycle will follow the "Classic" program, the second cycle will be the more advanced "Doubles" program.



















2. I will perform cardio (30 minutes minimum) every day.

3. I will add occassional powerlifting/strongman training sessions with my powerlifting friend, Rob:



And here I am nearly getting pwnd by a 700lb. tire:



4. I will strive to continously improve on all exercises.

5. I WILL NEVER MISS A TRAINING SESSION. NO EXCEPTIONS - NO EXCUSES!!

Diet
1. I will eat a maximum of 2700 kcal per day following a 50% Protein, 30% Carb, 20% Fat diet.

2. I will not eat junkfood (sweets, soda, fastfood, etc.) or simple carbs (rice, bread, etc.), or alcoholic beverages.

3. I will only eat clean protein (lean meat, poultry, seafood) and complex carbs (fruits and vegetables).

4. I will learn to cook only healthy, low-carb meals.

5. I WILL NEVER CHEAT ON A MEAL OR OVEREAT. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

And so it is written, and so it shall be done!