The Red Door
Fifteen years ago today, on November 11, 2003, I was hired at my first job as a fitness professional at New York Sports Club in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. It was a job that I stumbled into, since I was then primarily focused on attending acting auditions. Not long before, I happened to be showing a friend some exercises at that particular gym when he suggested that I would be a great trainer due to my knowledge, passion, and patience. I had always enjoyed fitness, but never did I think I would make a career in that field. Unexpectedly, it would eventually become one of the best decisions of my life, since at this same gym I met my wife, enjoyed working out with my brother, met my best friend, found incredible friends and clients that became family, and I would have many valuable experiences that I will cherish forever.

The first three years of my personal training career were certainly split between going to auditions and educating myself in the fitness world. I was struggling to progress my craft as a trainer and to find my “voice,” while eager to make a living that would someday meet my financial standards.

One day while walking in my neighborhood, I happened to see a red door that was far different from any other door on this particular block in Brooklyn Heights. I remember how I had been struggling emotionally at that time, and found myself pondering hard questions while being captivated by this door. Which field should I choose between acting and personal training? What is my destiny? Am I meant to be in NYC? Metaphorically, that red door became a barometer for my feelings of despair, but also hope…

In 2006, after some mild success as an actor, I made the decision to devote my full attention to personal training. Shortly after I made that decision, I intentionally walked by that same red door and promised myself that one day in the future I would visit that same door again smiling wide with incredible pride, knowing in that moment that I had “made it” by my standards.

After spending almost nine years training in a commercial gym, I made another big decision to leave and run my business independently in 2012. It remains to be one of my best career moves to-date. And, along the way, I wouldn’t allow myself to be just an average trainer, as I worked hard outside of my training business to also become an influential fitness author with my push-up book series, and health advocate across many mediums including my CEU course, and a variety of articles and podcasts. While these achievements certainly make me proud, it’s the day-in and day-out work with my incredible clientele that ultimately fills me.

My job isn’t a job. It’s not work to me. It’s never been work to me. I have the awesome responsibility to help and guide my clients progress into their best selves. It’s that authentic passion and caring for each client individually that only continues to validate my decision after all of these years. It’s also that emotional response I witness when a client reaches an obtainable goal that further confirms my path in this field, because I have lived it in my own emotional journey via fitness.

These last 15 years have taught me so much, as I continue to learn and grow into my best self. And while I write my new book on Emotional Fitness, I realize that I am doing exactly what I have been meant to do…in that the healing fitness has brought to my life, I am now excited to share with others!

I recently walked by the red door and stopped to stare directly at it just like I had done 15 years prior. Recalling the promise I had once made to myself, I looked closely at the door. However, it seemed that the red door was actually smiling back at me! I reacted organically with that wide smile since I had fulfilled the promise. I have made it.