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Personal Development: Is it worth the investment?

If someone told me a couple of years back that I’d be spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on personal development, I’d probably just laughed out loud and (maybe rolling on the floor laughing too)

And yet, here I am today sitting on Southwest flight flying over the Grand Canyon on my way to Chicago to attend a business & personal development training seminar, with Dani Johnson, the self-made multi-millionaire. Many successful and multimillionaires agree that we can only be successful and rich if we invest on ourselves to become a better person.

Are leaders born or developed?

Many thinks that leaders are born – some people just have the natural gift to become the football jock, high school class president, and prom king without even trying. But the rest of us, our leadership skills can be developed through life experience and trainings, whether via seminars or personal development books, if we really want to work on improving those skills.

In high school, I was really active in extra curricular activities, but I wasn’t popular, and had difficulties making anyone to listen to me. In fact, I had such a low self esteem, that I tend to stand in one corner of the room without mingling with anyone. I had such terrifying fear of public speaking and couldn’t talk to a stranger to save my life. Not to mentioned that I used to look like Steve Urkel (and can I say Mickey Mouse Safari rocks?)

I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without doing any personal development. The first self-help book that I read was called “The Slight Edge” and 3 months after, I sucked it up and lead a workout class. I mean me, leading a workout session and having people actually liking me! Now, I’m not that fearful anymore to speak up in a room full of people.

In 2010, I was working as an RF Engineer, commuting 50 miles each way for work. Instead of listening to Britney Spears on the radio (that’s a joke btw), I spent my driving time having a drive-time university, where I listened to good audio books. Among the audio books that I listened to were:

• Think and Grow Rich, Napolean Hill
• How to Win Friends and Influence People, Dale Carnegie
• From Good to Great

…. And many more. Not only I learned to be more confident in myself, but I learned crucial communication skills that make me become a better leader. In just 3 months after starting the job as RF Engineer, I got promoted to lead a group of 8 people in a project. Not to mention, my side business was booming fast that by the end of 2010, I submitted my 2 weeks notice to become a full-time Beachbody Coach.

Is it worth it to invest in personal development? YES! If you think you’re one of the exception, then I’ve to say that you just have a big ego thinking that what you’re doing is going great for you – I know, because that used to be me, and where did the ego get me to, other than being broke and unappreciated. No one is perfect, and we can always work on improving ourselves.

Whether you’ve on your own business and working from someone else, you can benefit from this. Even if you’re an engineer, working on solving problems – you may find that acquiring new communication skills will help you with marketing yourself and get you that promotion

For anyone who wants to start with their first personal development book, I’d highly recommend to check out:

The Success Principles, Jack Canfield

The first chapter of the book talks is about “You’re 100% Responsible for Your Life & Success”. That was an eye opener for me.

Anyway, stay tune in a couple of days to find out what I’ve learned from Dani Johnson seminar.

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It’s that TIME of the year again! Get your Beach Body ready for the Summer!

Get Your Summer Beach Body Ready by 4th of July! (with the Santa Monica Beach Workout crew)

If you’re like many people, you have probably done a few weeks of the Beachbody workouts but soon stopped because of one reason or another, but let’s face it, usually it’s lost focus and a simple lack of commitment. A  challenge might be just the focus you need! Imagine, celebrating this 4th of July weekend by proudly showing off your new Beach Body at the beach or pool party for the great American holiday! Come on, it’ll be a fun way to stay focused and we can look forward to a healthy, hot summer body!

The challenge is simple:

1) Pick a 90 days Beach Body program, commit to the full 90 days. Choose either P90X, P90X2, Les Mills PUMP,  Turbo Fire, or Insanity
2) Eat clean and healthy through out spring
3) Drink Shakeology DAILY
4) Post your accountability on the Facebook Group

Email me directly at rippedlikenick@gmail.com if you’re interested to join the challenge.

* Not applicable to those who have an Independent Team beachbody Coach already that is not in the Ripped Republic. 

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I just discovered how I can save millions of lives…

I have to make a confession: I feel embarrassed and ashamed about this…

1.5 Billion people don’t have clean drinking water right now, and 5,000 children die every day, while I’m worried about buying brand name, alkaline, ionized, structured water that’s expensive as heck. Something is wrong here.

Dirty Water is the leading cause of death in the world right now,

AND I JUST DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

I just became a RainCatcher Ambassador, just like Tony Horton, and Darin Olien.

You can check my page out here:
http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?is_new=1&fcid=192230

And you can make one for yourself too: http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/create?eid=7616

RainCatcher is an international non-profit committed to providing clean drinking water to those who go without.

RainCatcher has already donated thousands of water filters, wells, and Rain water harvesting systems saving over 500,000 lives in Africa, India, Haiti and South America. They donate Clean Drinking Water, the source of life, to schools, orphanages, hospitals, and villages around the world.

RainCatchers go to the most desperate places in the world, where many families have never even seen clean drinking water, while I have taken water for granted all my life.

This is the Goal:

Raincatcher is committed to reach their goal of providing 10 million people with clean drinking water over the next five years.

Just over a year ago, Carl Daikeler, Beachbody CEO, made a pledge to donate $10 to RainCatcher for every coach that joined the network from October to December 2010. I was very inspired by Carl, and Beachbody’s commitment to make a positive impact in the world.

Carl completely redefined Success in Life for me!!!

I was on the Fence about making Beachbody and the network my full time job…

but I quit my engineering job 2 weeks later… and committed to Beachbody for Life.

With the big $150,000 donation to Raincatcher, I knew that BeachBody was going in the direction that I wanted.

I have been in the coaching network for a couple of years now and was just named as an Elite Coach – one of the top 34 coaches in the network. I have helped countless individuals transform their body while helping several coaches on my team to achieve financial freedom, by no longer being enslaved to a 9-5 job. While what I am currently doing is great and is certainly to help others, I do feel that I can do more..

I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD.

I now Enjoy a life changing career with BeachBody, and…..

I Save Lives.
with Shakeology, and now, with RainCatcher too…

One thing that I really admire about RainCatcher is that 100% of donations go toward humanitarian projects. In June, I am committed to going abroad with RainCatcher as part of the team– location TBA. This mission abroad will be 100% paid for by me, but the experience my group and I will have is priceless.

We all like to do charity work and help others, but before we can do that, it is also important for us to help ourselves — particularly regarding our own health.! Over the past 2 or more years, I’ve been drinking Shakeology daily, which has helped me to gain strength, and improved my general well being. Studies show the essential ingredients in Shakeology can help people with diabetes, even relieving them of their prescribed medication. Shakeology can and will help you achieve your fitness goals (along with my coaching), no matter what those goals might be.

Learn More About Shakeology

I want you to join me in a mission not only to improve yourself, but at the same time, to make a difference in the world. Join my team today; embrace the benefits of what Shakeology will provide you.

As a token of my appreciation, I pledge to donate $1 for every Shakeology purchase made through me, and another $1 for every coach that joins my team in its efforts to help others to get fit & healthy.

A $1 donation to RainCatcher is enough to provide clean water for 1 person for around 1 year or more!

By purchasing Shakeology, not only will you help to improve your health but you will also help to improve the health of another person in need of one of life’s necessities — clean drinking water.. So, will you help me to help yourself and others with this mission?

If you are already a Team BeachBody Coach reading this, I invite you to join me in this mission.

HELP ME SAVE LIVES!!!!!

Create your own RAINCATCHER AMBASSADOR PAGE HERE:

http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/create?eid=7616

When you do amazing things, you will become an amazing individual, and attract more and more amazing individuals and experiences into your life.

THIS IS AN AMAZING MISSION.
I CAN’T DO IT ALONE.
PLEASE JOIN ME.

Become a RAINCATCHER AMBASSADOR:
http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/create?eid=7616

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Day 4 of P90X2 Review (Total Body & ARX2) & Before Pictures!

Since I missed yesterday’s workout, (due to time constraints), today’s going to be a double:  X2 Total Body & X2 Ab Ripper workout this morning and  X2 Yoga later tonight before bedtime (which will be great because Yoga will relax me and makes falling asleep so much easier).

As the name sounds, Total Body  worked on every part of my body – chest, back, shoulder, bi, tri, and legs. Some of the movements are great while others, I’m not so much a fan.

Likes:

1. 1 Arm Chest Press: finally! We’re doing a real chest press with Tony Horton and not just pushups anymore! This routine requires you to do the press on a Swiss Ball, which means that you cannot lift as heavy as you normally would, and you work more on your core. I do think that this is still great as it works on your “WOW” muscles – pecs and abs. Unless you’re planning to get a D-cup pecs, no need to bench press 300 lbs with a barbell!
2. Crunchy Lever Pullup: the mother of all evil…. well sorta. You’re working on your core and your back at the same time.  I will rate this a 10 for a great muscle pumping routine.
3. Pushup Side Arm-Balance: Talk about working on the core while also working on the chest! You do need an uber strong core to do this routine

 Dislikes:

1. Boing pushups: I am a very sweaty guy, which is why I have to wear workout gloves at all times. The Swiss ball can get very slippery and even with a towel on, it can be hard to do a Plyo Pushups on a Swiss Ball. So I switched to the modification routine which is  Plyo Clap pushups on the floor.
2. Swimmer’s Curl Press in 1/2 Chair: this is such a BAD routine if you have lower back issues. I still got the same results by sitting on a Swiss Ball.

As for the X2 Ab Ripper, I like all the routines as they work more)towards core engagement than P90X ARX. I’ve heard feedback from others that X2 Ab Ripper is not as tough as P90X ARX, but I have to disagree. The original ARX involves a lot of upper body swinging, which means that you’re cheating on your abs workout, while X2 Ab Ripper routines are mostly done using a slow and controlled motion. If you engage your core and concentrate on form, Ab Ripper X2 is more intense than the original.   I can see that Tony Horton has been influenced by gymnastics core workout when designing X2 Ab Ripper; you have to respect gymnasts for that!

And finally, my ‘before’ pictures (Week 1 picture) of P90X2

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Day 2 P90X2 Review

Last night, I had the opportunity to workout in a group during the Santa Monica Fit Club at the Beachbody Corporate office, doing the 2nd workout in the Foundation Phase program – Plyocide. The name itself is very intimidating but the workout itself is not nearly as crazy as it sounds!

Unlike Plyometrics in P90X, Plyocide involves less jumping so there’s less impact on your knees or joints. However, almost all the routines are  made up of explosive movements and stimulate your lower body muscles effectively so that you’ll perform better in sports. As usual, we started doing the warm up using the foam roller, which is super amazing and then eased into the workout. I did okay the first half of the workout, but unfortunately, my lower back started to act up (I’ve had lower back problems the past few years now) and so I had to take a break.

But instead of taking a break, I took the foam roller and rolled out my lower back around it, massaging my back just where it needed. And then before I went to bed last night, I did spent an extra 10-15 min again massaging my lower back with the foam roller. Normally, when my back starts to act up, I’m sore  for the next few days, but I didnt feel any pain at all when I woke up this morning. So obviously, the foam roller works! No need to pay extra cash to get a deep tissue massage if you have a foam roller!

Whether you’re doing Plyocide, Plyometrics, or any other workout, (even non Beachbody workouts), you can always break out your foam roller if you have issues with your joints or muscles. It will change you!

You can find my proposed P90X2 schedule here

Massaging the back with foam roller

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Day 1 of P90X2 Review

So last night was the day I started my first round of X2. I was planning to start first thing in the morning but things kept piling up that I had to postpone it and alas, I didn’t manage to push play till 9 pm! Somehow my first day of X2 was no different than my Day 1 of P90X nearly 3 years ago when I put off starting THAT one until the end of that day as well…:-)

Overall, I think X2 is a great core workout. It might not be as extreme as my own Abs Routine as the abs and obliques aren’t emphasized that much, but the whole core and as well as stability muscles that I’ve never worked before were being pushed to their limits! The first 10-20 min went really well with minimal stumbling but as I went further into it, I got more tired and sloppy with my workout. My shirt was drenched with sweat and so were my palms (despite the gloves that I wore), which made certain moves on the Swiss Ball really tough! My worst move would be doing burpees on one foot with a Swiss Ball – yeah, imagine doing the pushups portion on the Swiss Ball with 1 foot hanging in the air!

What I really like about X2 is the presence of the foam roller during all warm up routines.. That thing is a gift from God for sore cramped muscles! I tried some of the X2 mobility moves last week and that helped to loosen the knots from my traps and back. It was a painful experience at first but at the end, it felt good. I feel that my flexibility and strength has improved slightly by working on with the foam roller the past few days.

Plyocide is scheduled for tonight and I’ll  be working out with a group at the Santa Monica Fit Club. Looking forward to that!

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“Dear Nick” of 12-15-11

Famous Nick: St Nicholas

Dear Nick is a segment, which ANYONE is welcome to ask me any questions regardless of your position, location, age, gender, etc. Now is the time to ask me ANYTHING, regardless of whether your question will require a simple “yes” or “no” answer or a three page response. Email your questions to me at: rippedlikenick@gmail.com with the title “Dear Nick“. Include the screenname or alias that you’d like to use.

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Dear Nick,

I wanted to ask you about your opinion on after workout drinks. Necessary? Which is best? A mixture of supplements? Where does the P90X recovery drink fall into what you take? Is there something better? And do you take Amino Acids?

Thanks Nick!
~ Elizabeth H.

Hi Elizabeth,

I have tried few post workout drinks out there such as MuscleTech and Endurox, but when I converted to the P90X Recovery Formula in 2009, (around my 2nd round of P90X), that is when I noticed major difference in muscle soreness, or lack-off. I do believe that it’s the 4:1 carb-protein ratio along with essential vitamins that help me and others to get even better results with our workout.

What I do is I drink P90X Recovery Formula right after workout and usually wait 30 min or so and then consume Shakeology + Almond Milk. I found that this formula works best for me to reduce soreness and to improve strength.

You can read more on my previous posts here:
- Whole Food or Liquid Supplements? Which One is Better?
- You Can’t Fully Recover Without a Recovery Drink

Dear Nick,

First off I just have to say what a great site you have here. I have read and more importantly learned alot, thank you!
I love P90X and I’m into my third round here. My questions has to do with sleep. One of your post talked about the importance of getting 8 hrs sleep. This for me is really hard to do Mon-Fri, actually it is impossible. I usually get 6 hrs of sleep during the week as I am working out at about 9pm. So after working out, cooling down, and eating and drinking a little I am in bed by midnight and up for work at 6. Is this adequate? Or am I wasting time by not allowing my body the 8 hrs of rest? I have even worked the P90X schedule around so that my day off falls in the middle of the week to try and help. I was even thinking of doing a work out one day then take the next day off routine, do you think this would help?
Any suggestions?

~Paul G.

Hi Paul,

Sleep is very crucial for everyone, especially those who are doing an intense routine. Muscle building takes place when you’re sleeping and at the same time, you’re burning a lot of bodyfat, since the process requires a lot of energy (average person burns about 1 cal of fat every min while sleeping and of course more if that person does intense workout on regular basis).That is why those who are lacking in sleep tend to plateau fast and get overtrain fairly easily.

Why do you workout at 9 pm? You go to work at 6 am, so shouldn’t you get home soon enough? Are you resting between coming back home to working out? Perhaps a better option for you is to do the workout first thing in the morning before you go to work. So wake up at 5 am, do your workout and then get ready for work. That way, you can take the rest of the evening relaxing after work.

It doesn’t matter when you take your rest day, but it is recommended to take your rest day when you’re fully rested and can sleep-in, which is usually during the weekend. If you like to have your rest day on Sunday, then you can either just take 2-3 days of rest and sleep more (which what I would recommend anyway since you’ve been depriving your body from proper resting) and start back your workout schedule either on Sun or Monday.

Also, been there, done that. I was working as a full time Electrical Engineer and doing coaching full time in 2010; I had around 5-6 hours of sleep daily. I owe it to Shakeology as I believe the superfood in it helps me to recover much faster and I do not need to sleep as much.

Related posts:
- To Rest Or Not To Rest
- Power of 8-8-8

Dear Nick,

How can I get more muscle and tone my legs? I have chicken legs.

~trasher2k5

Hi Trasher2k5,

I’m not much an expert in lower body development. But one thing for sure, is that I saw big improvement on my leg size when I start doing leg workout 2x per week. I do just one day of Plyo/explosive jump movements, while 2-3 days later, I do heavy leg lifting such as Back Squat, Leg Curl etc.

Dear Nick,

whats going on? i wanted to give u an update of what happened with my injury and ask u a question.
i ended up taking 2 weeks off (with a few x stretch and whatever yoga i could do – and one day of core syn. (but core was bad idea) ) because i pulled a rib in my back.
in any case i started phase 2 this past sunday. -bit charley horse- but now im holding by kenpo x for tommorow and i think that is what hurt my back and my back is still tender – even though none of the other workouts are bothering it thank g-d but im scared if i do kenpo itll trigger it -

so what do u recommend i do tommorow (friday) instead of kenpo? maybe cardio x? or anything else?

thanx.

~cbs600

Hmmm…. It is better for you to fully recover before attempting any intense workout. I recommend that you check out Yoga instead of doing Kenpo. If somehow you can get hold of Tai-Chi class, then go for it. Doing a slow and balance workout can be therapeutic for you and help to heal your injury faster.

Dear Nick,

Considering I am going for size when it comes to weights, do I do 16 reps when Tony says that EVERYBODY needs to be doing 16 reps, or do I stick with struggling to get to 8 reps with heavier weights?

~Andy Pate

Hi Andy,

During my first round of two of P90X, I was hesitant to do high reps routine and keep doing 8-10 reps. But by my 3rd round, I put aside my ego and following the routine as it is. When Im supposed to do 16 reps, I’d do 16 reps. I found that I got better pump on my arms.

Later, I read that it is good to have variable of reps in your workout, vs doing everything at low reps. As we all know, P90X works as it is, and more reason why you should follow the big man Horton’s advice

* “Dear Nick” will be a monthly segment, depending on the demand. So send your questions now! Also, I will feature Famous Nicks throughout my segment

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Announcing New Challenges in 2012!

You may already know that I have been doing fitness challenges with five member groups. The requirements are:

1. You have to post daily on the secret accountability group on Facebook. Yes, that means you have to have a Facebook account.
2. You need to be serious with the challenge. While I will be there to help you and keep you motivated every day, you need to be a team player and be there to support your team members as well. You’re stronger when you’re working together
3. Working out alone doesn’t do you any good if you’re not watching your diet/nutrition. Therefore, you need to commit to eating clean and take proper supplements throughout the 60 day or 90 day challenge.

Why you should join my fitness challenge?

My coachees who are involved in these fitness challenges have been committing to their workout regimen and getting leaner, stronger, faster, and healthier. With daily support from me and the team members, you’re less likely to ‘fall off the wagon’. So, if you’re one of those guys with workout-commitment issues, you need this challenge.

Here is a short 5-minute video explaining more. Watch this video, and if you’re still serious about getting the absolute best results in the shortest amount of time I’ll connect you to the next step.  When can you watch this video?  Right now ! Why put of till tomorrow when you can do it today/now

On 1/2/12 I will be starting my very first round of P90X2, and I welcome 4-5 other people, who have completed at least 1 full round of P90X, to join me.

THE LAST DAY TO ORDER P90X2 is 12/15/11 TO ENSURE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IT BEFORE XMAS! You need to get it before Xmas so that you can start it on the same time with me.

Not ready for X2 yet? Don’t worry. I will also have another group of 5 doing P90X, and another group doing Insanity. Keep in mind that ANYONE can start with P90X or Insanity without being super fit.

If you’re doing a different workout such as Power 90, Turbo Fire, RevAbs, etc and want to join a group for that extra bit of support, let me know still and I’ll see whether I can create something for you!

ORDER YOUR CHALLENGE PACK BY 12/21 SO THAT YOU WILL HAVE IT BY NEW YEAR

Let me know ASAP if you plan on doing any of the fitness challenges. Spots will be filled in fast, so RSVP now!

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
– Jim Rohn

What do you know? Imagine being in a fitness challenge group where you have to post daily and communicate with 5 other people (4 team members + me).

Is this fitness challenge for me?

It depends on you, as it has to be YOUR DECISION to take back your health; I can only guide you to the right path. We can discuss more about your goal(s) by sending me an email to rippedlikenick@gmail.com

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“Dear Nick”……

Since the holidays are fast approaching, I’d like to open up the floor for any questions that you have on fitness, health, nutrition, or anything that you think I can help you with. Now is the time to ask me anything, regardless of whether your question will require a simple “yes” or “no” answer or a three page response. Email your questions to me at: rippedlikenick@gmail.com with the title “Dear Nick“.

I’ll be answering your questions on my blog throughout the month of December, and don’t worry — your names will not be revealed, but do tell me the screenname or alias that you’d like to use.

If the response is good, then I might make this into a monthly segment starting in 2012.

ANYONE is welcome to ask me any questions regardless of your position, location, age, gender, etc.

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Week 1 Moustache Results!

So after a week of not shaving, I am sure that you can see some growth on my upper lip. It is getting somewhat thick and bushy now. I remember last year that the mo got really itchy by Week 4. Oh…. for the sake of raising awareness for cancer!

The past week, I’ve managed to gather $145 worth of donations from these generous individuals:

1. Denise Rodriquez
2. Todd Mendeloff
3. Rob Proulx

Thank you guys! With your generous donations, we are raising vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

Why am I so passionate about men’s health?

• 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
• A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 2.2 minutes
• 1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
• Men are 24% less likely to go to the doctor than women

You can learn more about Movember, from my previous blog: Fighting Cancer One Upper Lip At A Time

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having please click on the links below:
About Movember
Prostate Cancer Foundation research
LIVESTRONG
Global Action Plan

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If you’d like to help, please MAKE YOUR DONATION HERE.