There Is No Failure, Only Feedback

Last weekend I competed at the biggest physique contest ever taken place in the UK. What a show!! WBFF certainly know how to cater for their athletes and the audience. I wish I could show off a trophy or medal, but this time luck wasn’t on my side.

My category “Fitness Model Tall” at WBFF London was stacked with some incredible physiques – there were almost 50 guys in total. I could say “the more the merrier” as the atmosphere was brilliant, and it was great catching up with lots of competitors I have met in the past. But also it meant that I was compared to many more athletes, diminishing my chances for a placing. Moreover, as the week leading up to the show was quite hectic, I may have made some mistakes in my preparation, my condition wasn’t razor sharp, and posing wasn’t rehearsed enough. There are certainly lessons to be taken from this, if I decide to compete again.

When it doesn’t unfold the way you had envisioned it, the worst thing you can do is to see it as a failure. In reality there is no failure, only feedback. While competing over the years, I may have built an unhelpful expectation to always be rewarded for my efforts. After all, in my 6 previous contests I have always placed in top 3, and last year I managed to win. The outcome of my recent endeavor must be seen in perspective, in order to maintain a resourceful state of mind and utilize the feedback I have received.

You can become the person you want to be. I used to be this skinny kid with a bone condition who couldn’t do a single push-up or even lift my arm higher than my shoulder. I must appreciate the progress that I’ve made. And if I have inspired somebody during my journey to become the best version of themselves, then my work has not been done in vain, whether I reach my dream or not, whether I learn from the experience or push it to the furthest corners of my memory. If I have made a connection and affected someone in a positive way, I am happy and grateful.

Massive thanks to everyone who showed their support while I was undertaking this journey. The result may not be what I wanted but the real value is in the experience and lessons that I've learned. It's the personal connections that I value more than any trophy. I’m talking about the people in your life that give a damn. I'm blessed to have my family, friends, clients and genuine business connections - means much more to me than any contest that I could win.

P.S. By the way, in the photo I'm standing next to the eventual winner Ross Dickerson. He has great shape, symmetry, condition and stage presence. I have to give credit where credit is due.