Strength in Mentors

What became a great day of reflection, came from a day which I was swamped with work, phone calls, clients, and attempting to get in my own training. Although, I was increasingly exhausted, I finally got down to writing this blog.

I had no idea what to write about but it finally hit me.

I was filled with the ambition to work for my client’s success in their fitness journey. One client whom is 61 years old, had a struggle with a basic sit up, is now increasing his strength tremendously. Another, future figure competitor has just sent me her posing photos. I also got offered a tremendous opportunity to help someone with their 100lb weight loss challenge.

With as much time that I have dedicated to my clients and my training, I knew I had to continuously stay vigilant for all of those who have helped me on my road of success and who have kept my head afloat above water. My mentors have been my strength, and have given me strength.

Most recently, Stacey Naito has taken the time to mentally prep me for competing at the national level show. Not only has she told me what to expect, but pointed me to her blog about how to meal prep for traveling.

Ian Lauer, Stacey Naito, and I at West Coast Classic 2015,

Xavius Gayden, has spent many days on the phone with me talking about the lifting process and what is the best way to maintain gains and get them. I had the pleasure of meeting with him for a training session, in which I would watch him like a hawk on his lifts to see if there was a magic spell. There wasn’t he just eats and lifts…

Michael Orr, who was in my pre-mature lifting days, shared with me his secrets on gaining some pretty hammies and reminding me of what keeps him humble in a selfish sport. His support at a particular show, impressed me on how dedicated he was being a friend and a mentor and expected nothing.

 

Victor Konovolov was the very first professional body builder I was able to have as a mentor. If you do not know Victor, I would like to be the many to say, that man does not have a selfish bone in his body, not even a selfish muscle. He gave his free time with me to work with me on my posing routine, help me focus in on my eating, and always was the first to challenge me in my lifts. “Evina, you can go heavier.” I have never really went heavy, but for some reason, the look he would give me showed me that I could do anything.

James Patrick, a fitness photographer, who I have known for 10 years (and counting). We both started off in more of a fashion/glamor realm of the industry. When I started my career in fitness, he was the main person I would consult with about how I would brand myself. Although I have yet to find what I am good at, he always made sure to let me know that giving up was never an option. The failure was the best part of success.

 

The countless hours my husband would spend with me making sure my nails were done (yes, he did them) for a show along with helping me prep my food. Sometimes, him just showing up was good enough because I was too frantic to worry about anything else, but he made sure whatever I needed got done. My dad, step-mother, and brother would spend all day at a show just to watch me take 5^th place. Although I was discouraged, it was a first place win to them. My mom would make countless calories for me to eat when I would go visit because I needed to keep my gains. She thought I was too thin anyway.

Along the road to what I have become and turning into, I have encountered some pretty amazing mentors. Mentors, which not only are those I look up to, but people I seek active advice from who have very similar morals and ethics. These mentors and I have not only built a connection, but a relationship beyond any business can falter.  Of course, there are MANY mentors where this list is coming from, and to be fair, I would not want to bore.

On a day like today, where I may be exhausted and have a full plate, I have to remember, that I am my clients mentor and friend. I cannot give up on myself, because my mentors never did. What was passed on to me, is passed on to them.