It's the start of the week again, take a deep breath in, hold it and exhale

Were you thinking of giving up today? No you weren't. You made it through last week, you'll make it through this one as well

What are your goals for this week? What do you plan to achieve? List it all down.

Take a deep breath, hold it and exhale, move at your own pace

We're ALL gonna make it

The motivation thread is open

Last week’s thread >>76293437

My goals for this week are to fix my sleep schedule.

>>76320724
Currently heading to work on 0.75 hours sleep.

I cannot feel my body.

>spent a beautiful summer weekend inside doing nothing, again
>the few hours I left the house to ride my bike on Saturday, all I could do was cry about how everyone I saw outside was with friends or family, feeling alone and pathetic anyway
>now it’s Monday, the week begins again and I’ll have to spend all week seeing all the normal people who all have families, friends, careers, and actual worthwhile lives again, being reminded every second of how much of a pathetic miserable lonely outcast loser I am
>and get the added benefit of Friday being a holiday, one that everyone always spends outdoors with friends and family doing activities, where I’ll of course do nothing, and a whole three day weekend doing nothing
This is just the running commentary in my head every second of every day. I’ve far surpassed depression and misery. At least if I was depressed or miserable I would have committed suicide years ago. I don’t even know what the word is for this, just voluntarily wasting every second of every day with no purpose, no goal, no point. Just waste, rot, garbage

>girl ive been talking to for a year who visited recently said she wanted to kiss me for the entire time she was down here
>im seeing her in august
I'm this close to making it bros, after 24 years

I woke up with mild flu and terrible neck/trap pain from fucking up on barbell shrugs. Not a good start to the week, can someone give me a heads up? Really need it

>>76320780
I know it's difficult but you have to stop thinking so negatively of yourself. Nothing good comes from it.

>>76320780
Do you have a job?
My life is very similar to your, my old mates have married and have their families so I'm by myself all the time, no gf either and has been 4 years since I tried dating and although some days I feel like you do most of the time it's just acceptance. Fortunately I enjoy the outdoors very much so every weekend I pack my bag and go to o this nice swimming hole that barely no one goes to so I just enjoy my time there. Sometimes I bring my hammock and stay there until sunset then go home, eat something, watch a series or youtube videos and go to sleep care free.

I also enjoy the beach very much but find it harder to go there because almost all people there are, as you said, with friends, family or gfs and which makes it more awkward and depressing if you're alone.

Even if it's just going for a bike ride it's good for you to go outside, maybe look for cool trails or paths that don't have many people so at least you can find a bit of peace. Go luck man.

Studying to change career paths. Building projects to show a portfolio.
Building hydroponic garden and growing tomatoes and peppers.
Hitting weightloss goals while maintaining or exceeding 1RMs.
Life's good. God, I love my 30s.

>my 5 week old son has started smiling at me
I love it when they finally start to interact
Goal for this week is to do lots of sweaty sunny runs along the beach and to not let work make me stressed

>>76320784
Congrats!

>>76320652 (OP)
Tomorrow I have an interview for an electrical estimator position. Please, God, let me get it. All the stars are aligned and I hope the interviewer lets me know then and there. It has been 7 months of no job. I have lost my sense of purpose, identity, and at this point, my desire to improve in any way. At this point being a full time NEET until my money runs out and I eat a bullet sounds better than unemployment doing humiliation rituals. FOR FUCKS SAKE2 WEEKS AGO I WAS PASSED UP FOR AN OPERATIONS ANLYST POSITION FOR THE GODDAMN GOVERNMENT. 6 FIGURES AND ALL. Somehow progressing your career doesn't mean you get more opportunities for employment. You just get exploited more but for high end shit. You get a greater distance to fall. Fuck, I don't even want a house anymore fearing what would happen if I got a job that paid well and suddenly lost it. FFS, I know a law guy who was making 7 figures, got laid off, and after 9 months of looking had to sell the house, the cars, and everything only to make what was paying him chump change.

Just fucking give me this job so I can at least pretend my life is normal.

I've hit a low point. It's been awhile since it's been this bad.
My work situation got so hectic that I neglected my health, and am now badly paying the consequences. It won't be able to be alleviated until probably August as I have a couple procedures lined up this month that will take time to recover from.
I want to use this time to reset myself. Undo the damage that I let accumulate over the past year. Return to the discipline I fought so hard for and let waste away out of the name of convenience or fake rest.
If you had a month of forced inactivity, what would you do to reset your life?

>>76320652 (OP)
All the good jobs in my state for my field are in my capital city which is 2 hours from where I live. I don't have enough money to live out on my own. I don't know what to do, man.

Finally back into my groove after the honeymoon. She had a trip last week so I was eating and drinking but on the second night I just kinda had a "what the fuck am i doing" moment and stopped after my third or fourth drink. Not that I was getting wasted, I just didn't feel like it. Progress?
I think I've fully processed the fact that I'm gonna be a father. And I don't want this kid to come in the world and see that their dad isn't /fit/. So basically just committing myself to the lifts, the runs, and the final piece is just letting go of the garbage food. Mostly I just want to be able to sleep comfortably without the CPAP.
Also severely restricting my time consuming garbage media (mostly gaming) and replace it with reading. My company is probably 90% jeets at this point, and I just got a raise so I'm probably safe until the end of this year but I dont want this kid to be born while I'm laid off. So I'm going to dedicate that wasted time to get the fuck out of this company.

>>76321462
Also starting this week, I'm giving myself an allowance of $100 a week. Rest goes to the family account.

I WILL SUCCEED IN MY NEW JOB
I WILL PASS MY LEVEL 3 CFA EXAM NEXT JANUARY
I WILL MAKE IT

Work has been tough lately. My boss called me out on not knowing what to do. She previously told me that I’m on the right track. But I’m starting to worry that my coworkers think that I’m useless. Soon I’ll take over my clients’ responsibilities. I really need to thrive in this role since I can’t afford to get fired.

I’ve begun studying and it’s difficult. The material is hard but time management will be the most challenging aspect of this journey. I can no longer study 3 to 4 hours a day, only 1 or 2 on the weekdays. I need to make every day count. The path to the summit is difficult, but I can’t get discouraged.

I was speaking to my grandma about my current anxiety. She told me not to see my job as something temporary, but instead to commit fully to it. She also told me not to stress too much about the future, just take it day by day. I’ll follow her advice.

Best of luck in your endeavors frens! Focus on daily efforts to reach your destinations

>A new week stands in your way

>A new day stands in your way

>broke my shoulder years ago
>now it's a pretty good indicator of when I'm over-training; starts hurting if I consistently push myself too hard
>shoulder started hurting last week Tuesday, decided to take a break from lifting and just do cardio
>has only gotten worse
>tweaked my left hand playing softball Wednesday
>has also only gotten worse and can not grip anythjng with force without feeling shooting pain all through my hand
>now can not lift anything or exert any force with my entire left arm, even just lifting my cast iron pan while cooking causes lots of pain from my hand up to my shoulder
Uhhh bros?
When do I go to the doctor?

I don't listen to white zoomers in their home studios talking about looksmaxxing.

I listen to middle-aged black guys sitting in their cars talking about body game.

>>76321659
are you 36

>>76321732
>I listen to middle-aged black guys sitting in their cars talking about body game.
Hodgetwins?

>>76321798
32

>>76321319
Buy a junk van for as cheap as possible and use it to sleep there.

>>76321308
Hang in there anon.

Great week everyone , love you faggots...
Best wishes :D

My Jams:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs61OHs2g-w&list=RDvs61OHs2g-w&start_radio=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhyOZa9CxM4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6i1VKEIz-8&list=RDP6i1VKEIz-8&start_radio=1

>>76320652 (OP)
>Coworkers complaining it's le monday
>Blurt out, "but monday is chest day, that's the best day"
>They look at me like I'm a retard
It's over

>>76320652 (OP)
FUCKING LIGHT WEIGHT BABY

>>76321876
yeah welcome to the realization.
start working on flexibility because your youth is officially over.

>>76321998
impressive. very nice.

>>76322057
Thanks buddy!

>>76320742
>>76320724
You guys realize sleep is the foundation of a good life? How old are you? You should figure this out on your own in your early 20s.

>>76320784
update: she sent me underwear pics, first time that's ever happened to me

Something I realized this past week while reflecting on all my troubles:

I was thinking about how some people seem to have a peaceful life with no stress. For example, priests, monks, NEETs, drug addicts, homeless, people living on welfare, prisoners & criminals, DINK couples with email jobs, government workers in bullshit shops...

I was wondering, why does it seem like I have endless strife? What am I missing?

Finally it hit me that they are the ones who are missing something. I am engaging with life...I am trying to start a business, I am trying to exercise and get fit, I am trying to eat healthy, I am trying to be a good father, I am trying to be a good boyfriend, I am trying to take good care of my pets, be a good son to my aged parents, to not actively make the world a shittier place by being a dick to everyone, to work hard to contribute to the world. I am always building good habits, I am always trying hard, I beat drugs, I am fighting every day for everything. I try.

Everyone else who has it easy has renounced work, relationships, children, money, sex, society, sobriety, manners and they all are happy to just give up and project this sense of serenity. They are at peace. They are done trying. They have given up.

So honestly I feel a tiny bit better, because it is obvious - if you go out into the world you are going to have to fight, to work, and compromise, and it is what it is. That's the price for living a genuinely real life. I don't want to be a buddha, and neither should you.

>>76320652 (OP)
Just got under 100 kg, have lost about 6kg so far and have been loving my jogging/running routine.
Not splurging on food however is starting to get difficult, but wagmi.

I am still a 24 year old virgin schizoid doomer. I am no longer a wagie. Continuing in my thailand trip, I've started doubling up on sessions. Unfortunately, ended up on a wild night with a guy I just met, wandering throigh the red light district, smoking weed and getting lost. Big increase from being an alienated friendless loner in my first week. This is the first such adventure of its kind I've had! A banal social outing, but a special one to be true. I am still super stoned and ill probably sleep horribly or sleep perfectly, so I'll keep trying at my tiny dreams and see what happen.

>>76320792
There's no shame in resting. You'll be even stronger after you recover. Good luck!

>>76322453
You're not wrong, but you're conflating too many disparate factors.
The drug addicts and homeless do not live without stress - their stress is preoccupied with getting their next fix, their next meal or surviving the existential threats they face daily.
Monks and priests elect to give their stress to their higher power, but they are not immune to stress. It is part of humanity to have anxiety and fear, which is why religion is often a turned to response, but it is not an outright cure while the cloth remain alive as people.
Welfare, criminals, etc., are closer to the rationale you've reached in that they are basically just NPCs running on autopilot. They have resigned to comfortable survival as opposed to improvement. You are on a right and noble path, but you have to recognize that you will never be immune to the strife that the others you mentioned face. There will always be a temptation of comfort and numbness when the times are difficult. There should also be the ongoing effort to wrestle with God, so that your spirit is fulfilled and adds greater dimension to your being. God offers comfort, care and love, but the acceptance of such gifts rarely comes without difficulties.

Almost seven years ago now I got attempt-murdered. Some Albanian mafia wannabe teenagers stabbed me in the neck when I was 18 - knife hit my spinal cord and I was paralyzed on the right side but only lost feeling on the left side. I've been back in the gym on and off since then but never been as strong as I was pre-stabbing and it always eats at me that I am being mogged by my 17-year old self. But last week I hit 265 for a set of 5 on bench and fuck that felt good. We're all gonna make it bros.

The more i improve myself, the worse i feel. I don't really understand it. If you took a snapshot of my life and showed it to my past self, he would be left speechless and wouldn't believe it. Yet i feel downright suicidal lately. Feels like nothing i can do is enough, i can always do better. Then i do better and it's still not enough.
Signed up for the rock climbing gym today. Gonna go for my first group training session at friday. I dunno if i will like it or not.

>>76322805
The better you are, the higher your standards for yourself will be. Keep improving bro. One day when you have it all it will all make sense.

>>76321732
I listen to dbdr.

>>76320982
You’re doing great! You’re speeding up while everyone else is slowing down. Keep climbing, better sights await!

>>76320652 (OP)

Career Goals: Keep grinding don't crash out

Finished my articling applications, now I have to focus on my job. I'm setting up a pro bono clinic, so it's a lot of coordinating and getting ducks in order. I have to email and reach out to people to get information and sometimes they completely blow me off. I feel list a pest having to email and call someone again and again, but I don't get what I need otherwise. It makes me want to fight the whole world.

Social Goals: Don't crash out

Messaged my ex (I know bad move). She told me that she felt like she always had trouble talking to me. For her it was a struggle. Maybe I'm in my head but I feel like I know what that means (It's the 'tism, it's always that). I just want to be so ripped that someone would put up with me despite my personality.

Also, talked to my parents. My dad keeps saying that chat gpt will take my job. He says that art will be pointless. He's a STEMlord, whose electrical engineering degree took him out of poverty. I know he'll never see it any other way, but I wish he wasn't so smug about it. I love him, but I also want to knock his teeth out when I talk to him.

Fitness Goals: Get my anger out, increase my bench

I finally figured out how to bench properly. I've been going up about 5-10 pounds a week so far. I know I can go further, I just need to stay consistent. I need to workout more. I need to take cardio seriously. I need to get out all this negative energy and not crash out.

>>76323103
find a punching bag and get some gloves

>>76323103
>Messaged my ex (I know bad move).
I'm so goddamn lonely and the unemployment is driving me insane to the point I'm about to do this stupid move too. even worse is I don't have their number but know exactly where they live. We haven't spoke in roughly a year. Even then I know they are toxic for me and the second I got a good job again and started self-improving I'd be out immediately.

>>76320985
You're the type of man your son will look up to. Continue to be a great dad

>>76320652 (OP)
>be me 30s
>nowhere close to making it
>been getting approached by older women for a while now
>have been talking to younger ladies with varying degrees of success
>random blue-haired girl shot her shot today
wgmi don't you dare give up

>>76321247
Good luck bro! Be confident and smile. You got this

today was great and i'm looking forward to starting July with the same energy

>>76321462
>>76321470
You're going to be a great Dad! The fact that you're this conscientious proves that you'll succeed! Keep on improving yourself, better things are coming your way

>>76320941
Go for a run on the beach. You can perv on all the hotties as you run by (just wear your sunglasses) and everyone will assume you just left your group for some solo exercise.

>>76321308
>How do I get discipline back?
Just internalize the belief that you have discipline. Have to wake up at 5am? You're the kind of guy that can do it. Don't really feel like working out today? Too bad, it's on the schedule. Really want dessert but you've already hit your calories for the day? You're not the kind of guy to fail like that.
Just believe in yourself, nothing more or less.

>>76322805
You're doing your best, bro. It's all you can do, and it's a hell of a lot more than most.

>>76321659
retard moid go 2 the hospital if you want your arm back

>>76321506
And another chance to make it :)

>>76320780
Apathy is the enemy of action, end it and everything will become clear to you.

>>76320794
It's not possible to stop thinking so negatively about myself. I'm entering my mid 30s and have accomplished nothing. Literally nothing. Imagine every accomplishment and experience you've had in your life to this point, whether it was romantic/sexual, your career development, vacations you've gone on, nights you've had with friends, normal life milestones, everything that makes someone happy living life, and just imagine you never experienced any of it. None of it. You've just been a lonely, miserable failure for your entire life. Think about what your state of mind would be like that, and how you would view yourself. Then say "haha dude, just be positive, you have to think positively about yourself". It's LITERALLY impossible.

>>76320941
Yeah I have a job, it's pathetic, and worthless and I've wasted and ruined my life at it. At least you're able to take the joy in simple things like that though. Literally all I think about any time I do literally anything is how pathetic I am. Speaking of job, like today, I was taking the subway to my job. I see all the people on there with me. I know that they all spent the weekend enjoying their lives. I know that they're going to their well paid careers. I see all the attractive women. I see all the normal looking men. Everyone has their wedding rings on. They all live fulfilling, worthwhile lives. And I'm surrounded by all of them. I don't deserve to be on the same train as them, or to breathe the same air as them. They shouldn't be forced to be around me. Same goes for all the people at my job.

I apolgiize for shitting up a thread about having indomitable spirit. I envy and respect all of you who have the motivation to actually live your lives and to do things to improve it.

>>76320652 (OP)
6 months sober, down 30 lbs, BP and heart rate are Fantastic. I was stage 2 hyper tension in Jan.

Every day I grow stronger.

>>76320780
>I don’t even know what the word is for this, just voluntarily wasting every second of every day with no purpose, no goal, no point. Just waste, rot, garbage
The words your looking for are ennui and/or malaise.

>>76320652 (OP)
I've been a neet for years. There's an engineering firm on the outskirts of the city advertising a job that I'm technically overqualified for but the job description is within my comfort zone. The commute is also pretty straightforward. I'm working up the courage to apply for it.

>>76324062
>neet for years
>thinks hes gonna get an engineering job with this job market for fields like that

I was meant to start my diet on Monday (it's Tuesday here where I am) and I hate myself for not doing that and instead starting today. I caved and got some fast food and promised myself I'd start on the 1st but not starting on a Monday is pissing me the fuck off

For a man with so many vices, my health is impeccable.

>>76324071
The job is in an engineering firm but it's an admin job.

>>76324071
so what? he could have been studying his spellbooks and leveling up his wizard skills that entire time. you don't even have to put dates on your resume anymore. employers can't give a fuck anymore because COVID destroyed their whole stupid normie world.

>>76320652 (OP)
>You made it through last week, you'll make it through this one as well
WEEK TWO of being back. Already feel better than I did before.

I am 1 (one) single rep away from finally having all green on Symmetric Strength. I just need to get 50kg x 5 on my Overhead Press which is weak as shit because I only started doing them this year. Hit 4 reps yesterday, can definitely do 5 next week I think.

Then I plan on going for a higher symmetric level (81) which will take me a long time to grind out even though I only have to increase my squat and deadlift which are just hard as shit for me for some reason. I need 130x3 on back squat and 140x5 on deadlift for those, alongside 30x8 for Dips (currently at 25x8), and 20x8 on chin-ups and 20x5 on pull-ups (Both of these are fine as I'm at 20x7 and 20x4 already).
WAGMI. Hope to get it done by around end of September then maybe start a cut if I feel like I look too fat. Plan to just maintenance-gain at 80kg like I have been doing since March or so.

i did 2pl8 bench for 5 like it was nothing today
feels good man

I see brave young men ITT and I am proud

>Finally done with cold
>Ankle inflammation for seemingly no reason
I'm icing it right now but man I'm so pissed. I was looking forward to doing cardio but I feel I should just keep icing.

This Monday was my first day at the new job and I really did not enjoy it. Giving it a few more days but it left a terrible taste in my mouth and I ended up having an anxiety attack mid-shift. Did get a guy messaging me about an interview for another job at least to fall back on maybe. Abs are showing more and more - also very noticeable to the touch, despite the loose stomach skin and remaining stomach fat. Not giving up but tired and concerned. WAGMI, bros.

>>76323746
If I go to the beach is to lay there sunbathing and go for swims when too hot. Thing is, I used to go to the beach all the time during the week when most normies were working and it was a pure bliss, just a few travelers, boomers, trust fund people and the odd unemployed misfits. Now if I go on the weekends it will be packed to the brim with normies and teenagers that finished school, fuck that noise.
Also beach culture seem to have changed, before it was pretty common to go to the beach alone, even women that would often go topless but maybe because of social media things have changed.

>>76323897
Anon I'm in my mid thirties as well and believe me some things you say resonate with me too but you need to snap out of that hole, what is done is done and you can't change the past but you can make your future and present at least less miserable.
And you need to stop thinking that just because someone has a wife, gf or kids they automatically have a worthwhile life or career, most don't lmao. You would be surprised by the amount of people who "made it" that rely on antidepressants, booze or drugs to cope even if they look otherwise happy.

The other day I was watching this 30 something dude that seemed to have a decent life and got diagnosed with glioblastoma, it's clownworld out there, one day you're on top of the world the other you're on your death bed.

>>76324193
That's a big win.

>>76321988
Who cares? You’re optimistic and are finding reasons to live

>>76321988
They probably don't think you are retarded, they just didn't have anything to follow up with.

Update from last week. I am the guy who got kicked out, is broke, moved to another state with other family, was wanting to go to community college, and was struggling with potentially getting a well paying delivery job that I was sure I would hate.

I've settled in more to my new home, it isn't as depressing anymore although it is just as lonely. I've been a big help around the house since im with grandparents now who can't do as much. I built an old bench press rack although I have no weights for it. I haven't really looked much but I've been thinking it'd be good to start going to a club or the library or something just so I can see people more often. It's mostly boomers around here but something is better than nothing I guess.

It seems like I have been accepted for that Job, which is good despite my apprehensiveness towards it. I still have to do some background or drug test, and other than that I should be starting soon. At the very least I could stick it out for just a month, and even if they only let me do part time work, I'd have more money in a week than i got in a month at my last job. I still think I'm going to hate it because the city it would be centered in is truly depressing and very run-down, but I think I would also regret not taking a job that's offering so much. I do have some paltry family debt to pay off and this would help me blow through that. I'll try it out and see if I wanna kms still lol. A very bad part of it is that with the potential hours they offer and the commute on top, I would probably have no time or energy for anything when I get home. I would usually have 3 days off per week but it would cuck basically everything else I'd want to do for half the week including getting back into fitness.

In any case thanks for the replies last time and again I appreciate anyone who replies again. It's great reading the stories both good and bad here bros

>>76321965
Good luck fren :D

>>76324750
> The other day I was watching this 30 something dude that seemed to have a decent life and got diagnosed with glioblastoma
If god exists that will be me

>>76326656
Btw is this the guy?
https://youtube.com/@youmatteritdoesgetbetter?si=bgMYU0yrHEXQjuSR

>>76326656
Anon don't say that.

>>76326670
Yeah that dude.

>>76322585
Congrats on your progress! You’ve done well so far, don’t ruin your progress now. WAGMI

>33
>was basically an incel for first 31 years aside from 2 short term gfs
>got /fit/ at 31, got my shit together, learned about women, etc.
>sex drive was already high, jacking off 2-3 times a day but after getting fit it skyrockets
>use newfound powers to start getting FWBs
>manage to get multiple regulars, fuck every chance I get
>was having sex an average of 8-12 times a week between 2-4 women for over a year
>last FWB turned into gf even though I wasn't trying to get in a relationship, but both other FWBs at the time moved and she liked me a lot
>only get to see her every other weekend
>fuck like 4-5 times when we are together, but the rest of the time I'm incredibly horny and can't stop fantasizing about fucking nearly every woman I come across
>she has an 11 year old son with a ton of personality issues that are far beyond my help, if she has him we never get a chance to fuck
>in the gym bathroom posting this as I passed 3 women on the way in here and immediately fantasized about fucking all 3 of them

I can't and won't cheat but holy shit I don't know what to do. I actually like my gf a lot but it hurts my soul every time I have to turn down pussy or know I can't hoe around right when I started being able to.

>>76322607
Enjoy your trip! I’d kill to take an adventure like yours. Try everything and go in with an open mind. If you’re going to die, why not try to love?

>>76321471
You are going to make it dude. Good luck from one anon to the next

>>76322607
Based, have fun lad.

My friend is having trouble with his gf and I'm honestly kind of happy about it. He brought her to my apartment uninvited, doing all this lovey dovey kissy shit in front of me, constantly calling and talking to her when we're supposed to be doing something by ourselves. Always talking about how she's "the one" and how he wants to have kids with her. Telling her embarrasing shit and secrets about me.

Well now she might be cheating on him and he's freaking out. I know I'm an envious bitter incel virgin but I can't help but feel a sort of pleasure from this.

>>76322757
265 for 5 is crazy impressive, you should be proud of your accomplishment! You can still become the strongest version of yourself currently. WAGMI

>>76320652 (OP)
>>76320652 (OP)
At work things are going well. I am in a people facing enterprise that requires a lot of certification and some technical skill. Long road to get here. Looooong road. The pay is good. The first 6 months were an adjustment, but I’m building up a client base. People are starting to request me. Even got what is technically a promotion or new title, making me a professor associated with a good school. The plan is to gradually transition to a more academic setting. I think that a lot of how this subject is taught is so wrongheaded. I’m almost 40, and even if I don’t go strongly academic, I should have the option of retiring.

I study in my spare time. I’ve been building an open source study deck (Anki) on this subject for two years, making it helps me learn and somebody should have made this study deck for this field a loooong time ago. I see it requested often. So my goals are to keep spending 45 minutes a day on this. I’m also putting together lectures th at i will record as a podcast. Helps with academic promotion, and it helps me organize my thoughts.

Things are better at home. Wife and I were never bad, but the sex absolutely dropped off and there was always an excuse. Confronted her, confronted myself. She got on top of her anxiety, started doing her physical therapy, and is doing way better. We have sex, and it’s fun and exciting. “Passionate Marriage by David Schnarch is one of the most insightful books I’ve ever read, I recommend it to everyone here.

We’re tapping into community. She’s going back to church with me. I’m praying every day.

Making progress in the gym. Can’t bounce back the way I used to, but I look fine, exercise makes me feel better, and I’m leaning into the silver fox aspect of things (I’m a 5, but a polished 5).

WAGMI

>>76323528
Based there's hope for all of us :) WAGMI

>>76326870
Doesn't count when you're banging washed up 30 year old roasties with kids.

>>76322757
Damn, even the anon took a knife to the neck is stronger than me. I bench a pair of 40lb dumbbells for a set of 8, took me 2 months to work up to that!

>>76326519
I remember you anon, I see you've decided to go for that delivery job, good for you. Remember while you're driving the truck thinking "this sucks" you're probably driving past a few people who are envious of you having a job or a better job than theirs. Stick at it at least until you've paid your debt off. Who knows, by then you might like your job.

>>76327353

you and your friend are both immature, it's not just him. consider how painful and life-unaffirming it is to be cheated on, then the cherry on top is your friend is happy it's happening to you. but also he shouldn't brag about his gf-having status in front of you, this is why lots of couples and married people stop hanging out with single friends, it's hard to not cause drama, easier for singles to associate, and couples to associate.

>>76323637
Based optimism Chad. July is going to be great

>>76329046
Thanks for replying, I remember you too. Everything you've said is right. I think at best this will be a job that has polarizing good and bad aspects. The good will be the simple work, being alone, driving, pay and benefits if I stick around long enough. The bad will be potentially very long hours, being in that shithole city all day, and the commute. Whatever happens I will do what I have to to get the job and see for myself. Wagmi

>>76323900
You’re making incredible progress! Keep up the momentum, you’ll grow even stronger

Looking for some input bros.
im looking for a martial arts class. the place im looking at offers boxing, muai thai, wrestling and jiu-jitsu. which would you recommend i join?
striking makes the most sense for me, but im not a fan of head traumas, idk much about jiu jitsu and wrestling i hear is prone to injuries.
looking for input from people that practice one of these

>>76331136
I've been going to a similar gym for a little over two years now. I've been doing Muay Thai most of that time and a little bit of jiu jitsu. I recommend Muay Thai. It's very fun and I haven't been in any real risk of head trauma. I usually just attend the technique or conditioning classes which aren't going to result in people throwing hard at your head. I go to sparring sessions sometimes and that just depends on your partner. Talk to them about how hard you want to go or just don't spar that person anymore if they don't listen.

Having said all that, being well-rounded is the best. Wrestling and jiu-jitsu are great tools to add to your toolkit, and boxing will most likely give you better hands, footwork, and head movement.

>>76331171
thanks man. i'll likely end up trying the various classes and see which im more drawn to. ideally id do striking mainly with a bit of grappling. bjj might be the one with less risk of injury, but depending on the gymgoers, i may be safe doing striking also.
do you find that you can still lift while doing MT? it seems like it's the most taxing of the bunch

>>76331283
If you do combat sports for any length of time you will injure yourself. But Bjj is more likely to injure you than striking. You have to put all of your joints through hell and bend and stretch yourself in awkward ways constantly. Not to mention your opponent potentially being a retard and hyperextending your arm or deciding to test out a heel hook on you. In the last decade bjj has been pushed as a great beginner martial art that anyone can do, but a lot of this is just shameless marketing from gym owners and masculinity grifters.

Striking may look more dangerous but you don't spar as much as you roll in bjj. The injuries you'd get in striking aren't as severe either, a broken nose, headaches, broken hands aren't close as bad as the torn knee ligaments and ripped muscles that plague grappling. If you're doing any of this to be able to protect yourself, spare the effort and buy a gun. If you're doing it for fun, consider striking more if you want to live your everyday life without a limp.

>>76331361
you make a good case.
i don't intend on fighting people, but i recall a time where i did a lot of MMA having a lot of confidence knowing i could stand my ground physically if it came down to it, which is something i deem to be good. plus, even if i don't intend on using it, i think fighting or just knowing how to throw a punch and defend yourself on a basic level is a good skill to have in your back pocket just in case.

>>76331394
It absolutely is good to know you could lay out 99.99% of people you come across. The confidence it gives you is absolutely great and more than worth the cost of training. If you ever did an amateur or pro fight of any kind it will stay with you forever too.

But just keep in mind that for that purpose there's really no need to go balls to the wall with training if you understand the basics. Martial arts should always be a last resort. Personally, I would say talk -> run -> gun -> stab -> punch -> wrestle is the order anyone should react in any dangerous scenario because there is never any guarantee the other guy is just going to let you try out your moves on him before he potentially shoots or stabs you.

>>76331428
for sure. i have to much to lose to actually fight someone. just the knowledge and "presence" it gives you is sufficient for me.
depending on how much i enjoy it, i'll look into doing an amateur bout. could be a fun goal to work towards

>>76324125
What matters is that you’re starting your diet now. If you’re truly angry, use that as fuel to stick with it

I caught a cold and haven't worked out since friday. was hoping to work out today but I'm all congested and feel like shit still
this is the third time I'm ill this year. idk what the fuck happened with my immune system. it's not even too bad of a cold, if I was doing just a bit better I'd hit the gym

>>76324395
Welcome back! It’ll only get better as you keep moving forward

>>76324062
Do it brother, don't listen to the haters. Make sure your CV is on point. You got this. https://www.livecareer.co.uk/cv/best-cv-templates

I managed to break a four month long dry spell with a thick latina last weekend. On one hand, I don't suspect much in the way of a future for us, on the other, damn it felt great to get milked properly after months of having only my hand to rely on. Like there's a kind of sexual relief only real sex can provide.

Right now, I could really use some advice. I am >>76324687 and the new job made my anxiety/stress crank up when I was working today, to a point where I could not handle it and asked my boss to clock out, went home and slept for hours. Boss seemed to understand and co-workers who heard about it were nothing but kind and understanding. The pay is also the most I have made at any jobs, but I am honestly unsure if I should try to return to it for my shift tomorrow. I want to do right by this job but it is causing me such issues anxiety-wise. I have been making such strides in the past months/year that I thought I had conquered my demons, but this setback has really humbled me.With all said and done, I do not want to give up and give in, but I am unsure I can continue this job.

I will make it. This is a big setback, but it is not the end of the world. I refuse to give up and have made too much progress to just bitch out as an individual, just because I found a problem still exists in my life.

Been comfortably losing about 2kg a week the past few weeks. Still got a long weigh to go, but I'll get there.
Future looks pretty bright, hoping to hear back about a good career-defining job, but have other things in play if it doesn't work out. Just skating through life at the moment, focusing on self-improvement, but hate that it takes time.
I WILL lose the weight, get the dough, and marry a girl who's inappropriately younger than me and put many children in her.

>>76331283
I still lift 3-4 days per week while doing MT. For me, I was only sore from Muay Thai for the first couple of weeks, but I think that was more of an issue with my flexibility. And what that other anon said about BJJ is right. I've been taking a break from BJJ and focusing only on Muay Thai for now because I got my shoulder tweaked a little bit from BJJ. It's just way more likely to happen there because you have your full body weight tangled in with someone else's and you're rolling over each other's limbs all the time.

>>76331925
what's the job? have you thought about "why" it's causing you stress?

>>76332078
Stock work at a mostly quiet retail store. I have been wracking my head trying to figure out what exactly is triggering my anxiety and stress and I think it might just be that I am... "exposed" in the store? That and the fact that despite being hired for stock and cleaning, I never know exactly what I will do for the day and it honestly makes me nervous after past jobs where I was in similar situations and would be thrown into the deep end and unprepared for new tasks. Probably autism on my part.

>>76324432
You're so close, keep pushing and you'll definitely achieve it!
You have a solid plan, stick to it and you'll succeed. WAGMI

>>76332142
what's your work experience like?
and yeah, being thrown into unknown situations can be scary. new experiences can be daunting, but they eventually become mundane.
so is it the lack of structure that's stressing you, or you're afraid you'll be given something you can't do? if it's the latter, ask yourself frankly what's the worst that can happen? how deep can the deep end be at what you do? (not diminishing, it's just a good mental exercise)
also ask yourself this: do you believe that just because you haven't done something before that you can't handle it or figure it out?

>>76332162
Overall work experience? Pretty limited due to GAD and some other brain problems. This job has been pretty varied. First day was clocking in, training videos, basic stocking lessons, videos until an hour or two before close and sweeping floors/cleaning bathrooms. Today was truck unloading/stocking shelves, helping customers who asked for help. I know that with time it will become mundane, but I've been basically surviving on antacids and shit sleep with the stress, despite barely even working the job so far. There is not enough people working to cover everything so people are back and forth trying to do the job of 2-3 person each and I was just given the bare minimum of explanation on what to do. I am not blaming the staff, because everyone had been kind so far, but despite only being two days work it is already taking a pretty heavy toll on me.

As for the worst that could happen, it could be anything from being a bit slow doing something to really fucking up and forcing others to have to fix it/show me what to do/causing issues for others in general. The not knowing/anticipating the possible problems is wearing me down mentally. I am somewhat able to figure things out that I have not done before, but there are a lot of situations where I am absolutely clueless and could potentially, accidentally cause problems to others by not understanding/not being able to figure it out. I also think to the last job I had where I was doing the work of two or more people and having to dive in to the deep end just to keep my job -and- keep customers safe and the miserable toll it took on my mental health. I think a job that is more stable in knowing exactly what I will be doing every day or close to it is one I can handle better.

>>76332142
Are you introverted? Customers take no notice of you and unless you do something dumb/weird your coworkers don't really care about you. Just keep you head down and do your job.
>>76332162
>new experiences can be daunting, but they eventually become mundane
I have similar thoughts. The last office I worked in looked and felt huge on my first day, it looked and felt small on my last day.

I'm about to turn 32 tell me it's not too late to get healthy. I don't even care about the looks that much my health is terrible and I feel it, the doctor confirmed it, I need to turn around.

>>76332240
You'd be amazed at what kind of abuse and neglect you can recover from. What are the big things your doc warned you about or that you're feeling?

>>76332240
I'm 32 but I've been sober for 5 years, can't recommend it enough

>>76332382
My cholesterol is over 300.

>>76332385
I quit vaping weed two months ago. Already breathing better and have my dreams back but I think I fucked up my throat.

>>76321471
>LEVEL 3 CFA EXAM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iirMNdVFB18
I'm not studying for a CFA but I came across this video a while back and it definitely resonated with the study I was doing.

Good luck with your exam.

My blood pressure and heartrate were in the normal range. 119/76 and 69bpm. Feels good, as a fatty, I've often struggled with very high on both.

>>76332215
i have to go to work but when i come back i'll make sure to give a proper reply once i got to think about it

Life as a man ends at 25. There is nothing worth living for after 25. Youth is the only reason to live life, and once your youth is gone you are just another ugly aging tax cattle whose sole purpose is to fund the lifestyles of the young and hot.
Do not waste your first 25 years on this earth, they’re all you’ll ever have.
It’s actually horrifying how short the window to live life is. You get two, maybe three decades of youth and life, and then 50+ years of a slow pathetic decline.
You’re getting older and uglier every single day and there is nothing you can do about it. Every day you spend on this website is another day of your life you will NEVER get back. College age women are repulsed by your advances and make fun of old balding men like yourself all the time.
You are getting older and uglier every single day and you are wasting your life

The majority of this board WILL not make it, statistically

>>76320652 (OP)
I'm proud of you all. Keep trying. Keep fighting. Keeping doing it alone if you have to. Only you have the power to help yourself and you're proving it everyday.

What do you do for fun? I feel like the most boring retard and don't enjoy any entertainment

>>76324495
Congrats! You’re pretty strong and will only get stronger in the future

>>76334456
What did Jake do? Leave his trailer to attend the set?

>>76324580
Thanks. No matter how cloudy the path ahead is, we will trek forward with courage

>>76334713
try miniature painting and/or scale modeling it's very fucking fun and even if you're a complete mongoloid like me you still have fun regardless of the result

I'm progressing too much and too fast. My mind isn't able to keep up. I still spend most of my free time ruminating about how shitty i am yet every single time i get to talk to people (especially women) i leave a very positive impression of me. People love me but i don't love myself, my mental projection of myself is still that of a fat depressed 16 years old kid who just wants love and affection but gets rejected from every group he tries to join and by every girl he tries to talk to.

>>76324626
Rest up. I know you’re angry, but you’ll only make the situation worse if you push yourself too hard. Good luck

>>76332215
so i don't know a whole lot about GAD, but typically anxiety is a state of chronic hypervigilance. you're constatly looking for what could go wrong and every slight raises high alarms. in my early days as an engineer, work would cuase me stress because i was always afraid of making potentially fatal mistakes or doing a design and not knowing critical aspects. i would overanalyze all my tasks and it got draining. eventually i was able to gain more confidence in my abilities and recognize my own limitations, which simply led me to ask for help/feedback from colleagues and seniors.over time, i was able to create an "off switch" which allows me to step back and calmy reevalute the situation.
it's hard to stay out of our own heads, even more so if you're diagnosed, but there are ways to deal with it. CBT, cognitive behavior therapy, often helps with learning how to tolerate uncertainty without trying to control everything. you don't need to see a therapist for that; you can actually just find CBT workbooks for that. I think journaling also helps to interrupt the catastrophizing thoughts you get.
also in your described example of the worst case, it's really not even that bad. it happens. we all fuck up at work. if you show a desire to do better, people are happy to help.
lastly, maybe a more predictable job would suit you better, but life can be unpredictable so it's not a horrible idea to work on it when the stakes are low.

>>76335124
Thank you Anon, I think you hit the nail on the head with your post. I could not really put a proper descriptor on what I felt aside from a sense of vulnerability, but hyper vigilance and how you described it is on the mark. I actually am going to talk to my psychiatrist about getting into therapy as well, decided on that last night. I also ended up quitting the job this morning which was pretty painful. I was told I had done a great job and that my boss had hoped I would have tried longer, but he thanked me for working as well as I did. Still feel incredibly guilty about it, but it was tanking my mental health.

I did get a callback from another place I applied to, a smaller store. I'lll probably call them on the 5th when they are open again and let them know I just tried one job and I am more than willing to work, but have anxiety issues. I agree about the predictable job aspect, yeah. I want to continue growing as an individual and I'll keep pushing to grow stronger both in body and mind so I can work and succeed. I am going to make it, even if it takes time. Thank you for your post Anon, I greatly appreciate it. Hope you have a great rest of the day.

>>76335194
i'm happy to hear you're seeking treatment. it's unfortunate you quit, but i get it. at the ned of the day, your well-being is more important so you made the right decision.
that being said, you now know that despite all your internal struggles, you were actually doing well. perhaps your internal perception doesn't match what others perceive and could give you insight for future moments.
was a pleasure chatting with you and i'm happy it was helpful. WAGMI

>>76326519
I’m glad you’re settling in. Your family definitely appreciates having you help out. There’s nothing wrong with trying to befriend boomers, at least you’re forming connections.

I’d recommend that you take the job. You need the money and it would help build experience. I know the situation will suck, but endure it for a year. Better opportunities will come after you prove yourself. WAGMI

>>76320652 (OP)
yo dude its friday

The fear of success is a burdening one bros. I think I might be addicted to the cycle of failure instead of the possibility of success. It just gives me an excuse to not REALLY try... to keep being a bump on a log, where I can rot and be miserably complacent forever. Like if I try and fail, it's just a reminder of how much of a failure I am. It's a reminder that I keep failing over and over again without much progress.
I want to die with as few regrets as possible though. It feels impossible to break through this barrier of me trying to keep myself safe.

I'm so used to being (feeling) mediocre that maybe I also don't feel like I deserve to win or even feel good. I've done some things of acclaim in my life - I'm a decent artist who has won an award for their work (not a huge one but still). I'm generous with my time and attention and kind, I'm loyal to my friends. So like, I'm not a complete piece of shit. But still.

>gym closed for Canada Day (Tuesday), so I preemptively decided to take a week off
>return to gym today full of energy
>gym crush is in front of me, looking fine af as she does squats or whatever
>decide to attempt a PR (365 bench, 30lbs over my last PR)
>ask some DYEL for a spot, he's excited to help
>do 1 rep, little bit grindy but not that bad, spotter was more excited than I was
I don't know if my crush even saw the rep since it was so quick, but that guy's glazing made me feel great. lifting so much and being exposed to Youtube or Instagram really fucks with you since everyone is so fucking strong

it's nice to have someone ground you and help you realize you're not a weak asshole

>>76326985
>>76332454
Thanks so much for the encouragement. This time I’m passing

>>76327590
So life is looking up for you. You've worked hard and are now seeing the fruits of your labor. Good job calling your wife out on not having sex with you and fixing it. WAGMI

>>76335547
>bench 365 pounds
>HURRR IM SUCH A WEAK ASSHOLE