Brother -
I was with an old friend this week, and we were reminiscing on our early corporate days. Multiple themes emerged, including us both gaining weight. We've all heard of the "Freshman 15", but it's pretty common to have the "Uber 10", "KPMG 20", or name any company, and the following weight gain.
Our metabolism slows as we age, and the constant eating out and drinking can have a way of sneaking up on you without you knowing it. Despite having a very average body, I always considered myself fit. It comes from high self-esteem and a supportive surrounding. The problem is that it clouded my awareness, and I never once felt my body slipping.
When I moved to Kenya, it was the peak of my stress. I was eating takeout almost every night, and I had minimal workouts as "I just didn't have the time." One day I arrived at the office, and one of my employees put his arm around me and, in an energetic tone, said,
"Whoa - Nate - the Lions are eating well!"
I was shocked. Was he calling me fat in front of the entire office?! I soon found out that he meant it as a compliment. Full cheeks in Kenya are a sign of prosperity and wealth, meaning that you have no problem putting food on the table. Unfortunately, I didn't see it in the same way.
Even after this incident, I denied that I was getting bigger. It took an unflattering photo of me in my swimsuit not long after for it to hit me… I got fat.
This is not an uncommon situation (getting fat), especially amongst men early in their careers. The environment is ripe for weight gain—consistent stress, business travel, eating out with employees/clients, and full days of meetings.
The choices you make after this moment, though, can define the rest of your life. You can either embrace the "Dad Bod" or build healthy habits as a priority. As Naval states,
There is nothing like a health problem to turn up the contrast dial for the rest of life.
Let me leave you with a quote and a question
"Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life."
-Jerzy Gregorek
What's the consequence of /not/ getting into shape?
Enjoy the dance,
Nate