Work That Pays Off for a Lifetime

Could you imagine getting paid for the work you did 10 years ago or maybe just even 4 years ago? Either way the concept of seeing the benefits of dialing in your focus years before is an incredible gift. Not only are their ways to do this financially, but there’s also a great way to do this physically.

Here’s a quote that comes to mind:

“A year from now you’ll wish you would’ve started today!”

So I began prepping, lifting and body sculpting for the very first time in February 2011. In 13 weeks I went from 15% body fat to about 8% body fat for my very first bodybuilding competition and won my first overall title in the FIGURE division. The journey had begun. My story was starting a new chapter. The work I was doing was like the foundation for my house and I’m going to show you what doing this consistent work over the time of 4 years has given me.

photo credit: Tom Nguyen

At the end of last year, my fourth year of competing was coming to a wraps and it was time to document some of my hard earned work. It was the week before my 4th time in Vegas for Fitness America and third time competing as a Figure & Fitness Pro. I had contacted local DC comic book artist and fitness photographer back earlier in the year and asked about doing a collaboration. His request was to do a series of artist nude and my request was to do some gym themed work. We agreed on doing both concepts for each other’s portfolio and excited to see what we could come up with.

I am so glad that Tom had requested this nude theme. I wouldn’t have just been asking around to photographers if they were willing to shoot me in the buff, that would be a dangerous idea! But I knew Tom was the guy. I had done my research and he made sure that it was something I would be extremely comfortable with before even saying yes. So long story short, we had an incredible shoot and fun long Saturday together making great documents of my hard earned work of just 4 years. It was almost like a graduation present!

Photo Credit Tom Nguyen

So now skip ahead to this current year. I have had quite a relapse with my chronic pain and adrenal fatigue has worsened since my last show. I have been on a specific treatment plan and completely stepped away from my life in the gym. I am only able to do about one hour of yoga a week and really in a place of healing before I can start back into my athlete routine. Two weeks ago I sent Tom Nguyen a text seeing if there were any other great photos from our shoot. This is what we wrote to each other.

ME: “The pics only keep me motivated towards the next chapter when my body heals and I can train again. I’ve stepped away from the gym to recover from major adrenal failure. Pics keep my career and spirit moving.”

TOM: “How is it going by the way? The recovery I mean. I’ve been noticing your status updates and I am concerned.”

ME: “It’s humbling and thankfully I’ve kept a lot of my shape but with “extra padding” everywhere. As a pro that’s difficult and even the joy of training hard. I’m on a major treatment plan and it’s only yoga until I see signs my body’s improving. I’m trying to see the joy from it and see what four years of prepping and stress can do to someone’s health. It is scary, but I’m learning even more about my inner strength then ever. Constant soul training!”

TOM: “oh Bethany! I know it’s a tough road but if anyone can pull through it it’s you. When I send your next pictures hopefully that will put a smile on your face and remind you where you will be again.”

ME: “Thank u. Those words actually choke me up. Yes, yes they will. Right now I’m sitting cheering competitors on at the iron Viking in Duluth. Bittersweet to be around the energy not knowing when my next time will come. But my return will be more than a comeback.”

As you can see not only is Tom talented, he’s an incredibly sweet guy. The relationships along the way are the icing on the cake when it comes to this fitness lifestyle. I hope this encourages you in your own journey. Be patient with the results. When you stay focused and keep your activity consistent, your hard work will pay you big time from years to come!

xoxo Bethany aka Peanut

FITNESS website:www.teampeanutfitness.com

MODEL Website: www.peanutportfolio.com

Tom Nguyen