I have now competed in thirteen pro-qualifying NPC/IFBB Bodybuilding contests since 2009, yet I have not attained the IFBB Professional Status that I have been chasing after.  I am not going to deny my frustration and despondency over this fact, because I have worked so hard at every aspect of competing and have improved dramatically with each event.  However, I have had a number of people ask me why I would continue competing if I have not been successful in reaching my goal by now.  I have also been asked why I want that Pro Card so badly.  Some individuals have gone as far as to suggest that I switch organizations, which is something I will NEVER do.

Let me put it in plain terms:  I have set IFBB Pro Status as a personal goal, and it dangles before me like a carrot.  Yes, I have made more sacrifices than you could imagine in order to compete, and yes, I have scratched my head wondering why I have gone up for four National-level Overall comparisons and have been passed up for a Pro slot every time.  But I will NOT be deterred or discouraged from continuing to compete.  When I train as hard as I do, I notice continued improvements in my physique which are a direct slap in the face to the aging process.  I LIKE chasing after goals and will not give up just because this particular goal continues to elude me.  Perhaps it hasn’t been my time, the stars and planets were not aligned properly, or I just wasn’t the right flavor for the judges’ eyes that day.  Whatever the case, I love competing, which is why I have already begun formulating my strategy and show schedule for 2013.

IFBB North American, 2012

I will definitely return to the stage next year.  Watch out, world!