Eric Rodgers - WBFF Competitor

According to Webster’s Dictionary, a dream is referred to as a strongly desired goal or purpose. Dreams are the foundation to every goal whether it is to become a president of a company, firefighter, olympic athlete, or perhaps a male fitness model.

My dreams have led me to where I am today. Thanks to inspirational bodies for allowing me share how I made my dreams come true.

Since I was a kid, I have always daydreamed about what I wanted to be and the direction I wanted my life to go. One thing I did not know as a kid was the future would have many bumps along the way.

The journey began in May of 2003, the month many of us would graduate and new chapters would start. Many of my peers were traveling off to college; however, I chose to go into the workforce. My decision was based on not being ready and having the mindset needed to start my college career.

Job hunting led me to the job that I would be for the next 6 years of my life. The job had the usual “ups” and “downs”; however, the negativity received from most people made it difficult at times. Many times I wanted to give up, but my drive to do the best job I could would not allow me to do so.

At this point in my life, I was lacking one important tool…Believing in Myself.

Believing in yourself is key when trying to reach your goals. Negativity seemed to find me no matter what I did. It was not easy to walk into work for an 8-12 hour shift and being smacked with negative comments. I remember people telling me “you will never become anything”, “ you will never make it through college”, “you are destined for failure”, etc…trust me the list goes on. After about 7 months, I found myself at a low point in my life and lacking the motivation to work hard. My attitude had led me to losing my job, hanging out with the wrong crowd, and neglecting my fitness lifestyle.

Life will throw you many curve balls along the way; however, you must keep your head up through the darkest hours. By Hanging with the wrong crowd, I found myself partying every weekend and sometimes during the week. After 3 months, I decided to get my act together and to get back on track.

I went back to the company and worked hard to get my job back. Now that I was back to work, my mind was set on returning back to school and focusing on my fitness. The best choice I had ever made was dropping all of the negative people, places, and things.

After 2 years of working, I had gained the mindset and drive I needed for college, until life dramatically changed. In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with vasculitis.

In a nutshell, vasculitis is an inflammation of your blood vessels. It causes changes in the walls of your blood vessels, including thickening, weakening, and scarring. Vasculitis can be so severe that it may cause death (webmd.com).

The situation was life changing for me and my family. During this time, I found myself between a rock and a hard place. Fitness has always been a part of my life; however, the doctor’s decision to have me give it up for almost a year was challenging.

My life seemed to be crumbling, and I was not able to change it. I must say that it was very difficult to remain positive through the situation. The doctor presented me with the news about the type of vasculitis that was taking over my body.

I was diagnosed with the worst type. During the next 6 months, I lost about 20lbs and motivation. The doctor explained the severity of my case and informed me and my family of the possibility of having 5 years to live.

Talk about a game changer!

Words cannot explain how I felt at that moment. I thank God for my supportive friends and family, without them I could not have remained strong. In March of 2007, I began the treatment process for vasculitis, as well as, enrolling for school in the Fall.

At this point, I realized that I should chase my dreams no matter the outcome. Fear is the number one killer of dreams and success. Never be afraid to chase your dreams, because the journey is worth fighting for…trust me. Fall of 2007, I began my journey of college and a new future. A fire had been started within me that no one could wash out. During my first 2 years of college, I worked full time (40-65 hours per week) and went to class.

I will be honest it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Like the saying goes “What doesn’t kill you, Will only make you stronger”. In Fall of 2009, I decided to leave the company and pursue college full time while working on a fitness career. I always thought that you can never learn too much or have too many certifications/degrees. My path led me into finishing up my associates of science degree with Summa Cum Laude and earning my ACE Fitness Certification.

Dreams do come true as long as you are willing to put in the hard work. Speaking of dreams, I did my first photoshoot in September 2010 which was a stepping stone for me.

From 2010 til now, I have met some key individuals that have inspired me to take my fitness to the next level…Robert Perry, Micah Lacerte, and Wash Candido…..to name a few (if I left anyone out I do apologize..too many to list but you are remembered).

Robert Perry believed in me and added me to the Xtreme Fitness L.L.C roster of trainers.

Being a part of Xtreme Fitness has been a great journey and I look forward to the future.

In March 2011, I travelled to the Arnold Expo in Columbus, OH. Wow! The Arnold expo was awesome and knew I was in the right place.

While I was at the expo I was able to meet Micah Lacerte(WBFF pro fitness model/owner Hitchfit gym) and Wash Candido(WBFF pro fitness model).

These 2 individuals inspired me to step on the WBFF stage which was a dream of mine. You will be surprised how much of an impact positive people can have on your life.

May 21st, 2011, my dreams came true when I stepped on stage with the WBFF. The experience was overwhelming; however, I had new born passion for the fitness model stage. I remember standing back stage and the nerves beginning to hit me. Once they called my name, I approached the stage with everything I had and gave it my all. By stepping on the stage with WBFF, my life has changed for the better.

Great things come from chasing your dreams, so keep working towards them. My plans for the future are to continue transforming people’s lives with Xtreme Fitness, and competing on the WBFF stage.

To Robert, Micah, Wash, and everyone that pushed me to go after my dreams I thank you very much for taking the time to encourage me and help me along the journey. I would also like to thank photographers Julie Tripp(Juls Photography), Jamie Meyer(Mo Fashion Fotos), Brieanna Hartrum( Hartrum Photography ) and Barry A. Noland ( Barry A. Noland Photography) for capturing many great memories. I hope that my story has inspired you to chase after your dreams and goals.

To achieve your goals, there are 6 principles you should do:

1. REMOVE - all negative people, places, and things from your life.

2. DREAM – Every goal starts as a dream.

3. BELIEVE – Believe in yourself and your goal(s).

4. PLAN – Create a plan or find someone to help create a plan to reach your goals.

5. EXECUTE - Put your plan into action, think positive, and work hard.

6. INSPIRE – Inspire the people around you with your journey to success.

DREAM > BELIEVE > PLAN > EXECUTE > INSPIRE

If you are ready to change your life contact me This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Links to contact me Youtube - www.youtube.com/user/eekrodg85

Facebook - www.facebook.com/EricRodgers03

Twitter - www.twitter.com/eekrodg Website - www.xtreme-fitness.us

Blog - http://xtremefitnessandhealth.blogspot.com/ "

All of us are capable of making the so called "impossible" possible. Get your mind right, fill up your gas tank with clean energy, surround yourself with positivity, and let your light shine to brighten the path for another." - Eric Rodgers