Wednesday, January 6, 2010
95%!!!!
I'm just about ready to launch my transformation and my return to basics. I realized today that what I'm about to begin is going to resemble more of a lifestyle change. Perspective will undoubtedly be altered to reflect more of what I am. This probably doesn't even make sense to you but it does to me.
Today was another busy one...
Met my parents and an attorney friend to set me up with a power of attorney on behalf of my parents. As some of you already know, my parents will be indefinitely relocating back to Seoul, South Korea on 1/23/10. The document allows me to do what I need to do for them while they are living in Korea. They seem happy.
Our family came to the U.S. in 1984 due to my father's employment at Samsung Electronics. Samsung essentially paid for our family to live here for 2 years while my father led a team of 11 engineers on a huge project. Once the work was complete, we were asked to return to Korea. I still remember my parents sitting us down and asking us if we wanted to go back. My sister and I cried and said no since we had grown quite fond of our new home. Being the loving/soft man who obviously cared deeply for us, my father decided to quit Samsung and start from scratch to give us a chance at the "American dream". I remember the next decade or so being very tough on all of us as my father adjusted to working and making minimum wage. Being that he is Ken Lee, he worked his ass off and out-performed all his co-workers to rise to a management position at a small telecommunication firm. Basically, he did what he needed to do to put 2 kids through college and see them succeed as professionals. My mother gave up almost everything to support my father through his early career at Samsung. When my father decided it was best for him to quit Samsung, my mother supported him 100%. She is truly the glue which held our family so close together during many trying times. All my close friends know how I feel about my parents and how much I'm indebted to their self-sacrifice and unconditional love. It is my turn to support them as best I can as life continues to impose challenges on us. Recently my father expressed some regret of how he wished he was in a position to financial invest in my business ideas. I told him if he had been a rich man who was able to lavish riches on me, I would most definitely turned out differently. My intense motivation, drive, and passions developed because I had to find my own means of obtaining my goals. For that opportunity, he did more than a son could ask for. Just so you all know...my father would have retired recently from Samsung as a senior executive if he had decided to go back to Korea over 25 years ago. I am only thankful to my parents for making the decision to stay. Now, I feel my pops gets it. He has gotten to know me recently as an adult and realized he did the best he could...which was pretty damn good. THANK YOU!
Lunch today was with Eugene. You will hear Eugene's name quite a bit in many future posts. He is as close to a little brother I never had. I also consider him my protege when it comes to fitness. Eugene is a highly qualified personal trainer who will be an integral part of Jato Fitness. He is also about to finish his studies in acupuncture (done in May of this year). Our lunch discussion was mostly me rambling on and on about my blog and my human "project". It's important for all Jato trainers to be at their peak physical/mental capacity...an informal job requirement! I do believe you have to live out what you preach to gain true respect/acceptence from other/clients. The other half of our lunch was talking about the his possibility of working for/with Maven Sports Medicine as an acupuncturist. That was always a part of the Maven business model, but I wasn't sure if it was best for us to mix business with family. I asked him to put his thoughts/plans on paper and we'll see where it could lead. He's a great guy and I want whats best for him...
Had 3 more meetings...
Met up with a friend for a happy hour dinner. We've had limited interactions in the past, but thought there may be some opportunities. It was definitely great conversation. Peter and his family will be moving to Hawaii in June. We thought we'd talk about life, business, and our plans. It's amazing how people always first view me as this quiet low key guy. He seemed quite surprised to find out how driven I am and how passionate I can be in discussions about life, religion, and human behavior. Maybe I'm one of those people who can't be judged by its "cover". It's cool though...I like surprising people. He expressed some interest/desire to possibly launch a business in Hawaii with me. Would be a fun place to vacation but not sure about as a permanent destination! I have too many places to see/visit.
Night ended by celebrating Scott's (Scott is manager for my business Maven) 31st birthday at a local lounge/bar Blend in Ridgewood, NJ. They've changed ownership recently and we've heard its doing well. Fortunately/unfortunately, it still has the reputation as a cougar's den. In addition to it being Scott's little celebration, Pete's (one of my staff at Maven) band Dark City Saints was due to perform there at 10:15. The crowd was mostly there to support the band. We had a good group show up from Maven and the gyms. Low key but everyone had fun. The band sounded great and Pete put on a show. Froze my ass off walking to the car! Glad to be home working on my new hobby...Blogging!
I think tomorrow will be the launch date!!!! 4pm folks! That just sent a chill down my back....
Today was another busy one...
Met my parents and an attorney friend to set me up with a power of attorney on behalf of my parents. As some of you already know, my parents will be indefinitely relocating back to Seoul, South Korea on 1/23/10. The document allows me to do what I need to do for them while they are living in Korea. They seem happy.
Lunch today was with Eugene. You will hear Eugene's name quite a bit in many future posts. He is as close to a little brother I never had. I also consider him my protege when it comes to fitness. Eugene is a highly qualified personal trainer who will be an integral part of Jato Fitness. He is also about to finish his studies in acupuncture (done in May of this year). Our lunch discussion was mostly me rambling on and on about my blog and my human "project". It's important for all Jato trainers to be at their peak physical/mental capacity...an informal job requirement! I do believe you have to live out what you preach to gain true respect/acceptence from other/clients. The other half of our lunch was talking about the his possibility of working for/with Maven Sports Medicine as an acupuncturist. That was always a part of the Maven business model, but I wasn't sure if it was best for us to mix business with family. I asked him to put his thoughts/plans on paper and we'll see where it could lead. He's a great guy and I want whats best for him...
Had 3 more meetings...
Met up with a friend for a happy hour dinner. We've had limited interactions in the past, but thought there may be some opportunities. It was definitely great conversation. Peter and his family will be moving to Hawaii in June. We thought we'd talk about life, business, and our plans. It's amazing how people always first view me as this quiet low key guy. He seemed quite surprised to find out how driven I am and how passionate I can be in discussions about life, religion, and human behavior. Maybe I'm one of those people who can't be judged by its "cover". It's cool though...I like surprising people. He expressed some interest/desire to possibly launch a business in Hawaii with me. Would be a fun place to vacation but not sure about as a permanent destination! I have too many places to see/visit.
Night ended by celebrating Scott's (Scott is manager for my business Maven) 31st birthday at a local lounge/bar Blend in Ridgewood, NJ. They've changed ownership recently and we've heard its doing well. Fortunately/unfortunately, it still has the reputation as a cougar's den. In addition to it being Scott's little celebration, Pete's (one of my staff at Maven) band Dark City Saints was due to perform there at 10:15. The crowd was mostly there to support the band. We had a good group show up from Maven and the gyms. Low key but everyone had fun. The band sounded great and Pete put on a show. Froze my ass off walking to the car! Glad to be home working on my new hobby...Blogging!
I think tomorrow will be the launch date!!!! 4pm folks! That just sent a chill down my back....
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Had fun today telling people about this blog!
I feel 85% ready to launch my regimen. There is some lingering stuffiness in the sinus and an occasional cough. Otherwise, I'm feeling pretty damn good. Joel (an ex-golden glove boxer who I train with occasionally) agreed to participate in my workouts. He's always reluctant due to the misled belief that "weight training" slows your punch down. I told him my program will only increase his power and improve his muscular endurance. He accepted my invitation. My training groups may get a bit bigger than I'd like for them to get. We'll just have to work something out!!
Another day full of meetings. Had an opportunity to finally sit down with the president of the fitness management company running the gym Maven's Cliffside Park office is located in. Told him of my intent to start Jato Fitness and affiliate services which I feel may work well for them. He seemed open to the idea but wasn't sure about the logistics of cost and benefit. He asked me to put together a business proposal...which I will and present next week some time. I had to stop him a few times as he compared me and my business to the average one-of-a-dozen training business. He doesn't yet fully understand what I'm capable of and what my team of trainers will help establish in a few months at any facility we end up partnering with. Overall the meeting went well and there may even be some opportunity for Maven....we'll see!
Then, it was back to Maven Paramus to have a much overdue meeting with one of our staff. It's amazing to me how relative things are in life. Some people feel a strain in personal finances is worth much worry while other people in the world live daily with the constant threat of death. As I always say...perspective defines how we decide to live our lives.
4pm - brief meeting with Matt (owner of the gym where Maven Paramus is located). There appears to be some good progress at the gym after a week of some seemingly positive changes. The New Year is also contributing to more warm bodies and activity. Hopefully, things will come together the way it should and 2010 will be a defining year for Matt.
Maven full staff meeting was fun, energetic, and productive. Thanks to all of you who attended. The Maven team is really coming together nicely. We recently hired a new office manager who is ideal for Maven...Lauren kicks ass and she's been here for 48 hours. I let the staff know of Jato Fitness and that I'll be kicking off my intense workouts. A bunch of them appeared interested in joining in to get themselves into form again...it's should be an awesome! We gave a cake to Scott (Maven GM) for his 31st B-day! He seemed surprised and happy for the kind gesture. Thanks Scott for putting up with everyone's issues and HAPPY BIRTHDAY old man!Met up with a long-time friend Myung Choi for a late dinner at Ichiban. What's so cool about Myung? He was born on the same year, month, and day. What's even crazier? He was born in the same city as me!!! Seoul, South Korea!! However, it wasn't the same hospital. Anyway, it was cool meeting up with him and catching up. We realize how much we've both changed in the last 10 years. We will definitely be getting together more often.
Testing photo upload...
This is a picture of me instructing a bunch of gym members at one of the locations for Maven Sports Medicine (a physical therapy business). I thought a 90 min seminar on basics of training. Went over about 20 "fundamental" resistence training exercises commonly performed in a gym by most. Maven Sports Medicine holds free monthy seminars at both its locations. What clinic does that for the public? Maven does!!! Part of our model and one of those services which will add to Maven's standards setting mystique and buzz.
Lost my voice at min 60 of this seminar! Got a little excited....
Monday, January 4, 2010
Here it goes.....
I'm going to figure this out!!
Hopefully, all my posts will make some sense to some of you... =)
Finally getting to put this HD video cam to use! Pretty excited about this opportunity to document my progress and soon the progress of first 2 chosen "subjects". Daily posts will be made as our pursuit of fitness is documented via daily diets, training regimen, and random pictures/videos from the day. This will be kept up indefinitely and hopefully new "subjects" will be added to this blog for all to witness and observe. Please feel to ask/comment on anything posted.
My name is Taylor and hopefully this begins the most exciting chapter in my life - returning to basics! I'm an entrepreneur, doctor of physical therapy, commercial real estate broker, and a fitness professional. Hmmm...why? I get that same look and question a few times a day. The challenge is what I live for but have come to realize there are certain realities in my life which I can no longer deny. These realities will hopefully be better explained through all the posts. Somehow I feel this process will enhance the clarity of my thoughts and naturally lead me on a fun revealing journey. Yes, I am one of those who is in pursuit of reaching my true professional/life potential. Returning to basics implies my renewed sense of appreciation for what I am and the last 15 years of life.
Healthcare has taught me tremendous lessons on professionalism, human need/care, and ethical practice/thinking. It created an opportunity for me to design a business model which is of sound structure and progressive/dynamic in nature. Commercial real estate brokerage exposed me to a group/breed of very confident people and taught me the power of tact and focus. Personal training showed me how fitness and its many practiced activities can serve as an outlet for so many on the brink. Although often hidden behind a pretty face or a hot body, insecurities still drive most of us to do what we do...day in and day out.
You still ask why? On paper, I have the ideal resume for an exceptionally successful career/business in the fitness industry. However, I don't feel that's enough. Just like the other top people in any industry, there has to be more or something...a factor almost impossible to define in words or speech. It has to be felt - people just know it when they meet you. I'm hoping to discover what I need to discover.
I strongly feel this blog will be the last piece of discovery I need to begin sprinting and accomplishing in the fitness or any industry. Of course...this is how I'm imagining is how it'll pan out. As many of us have learned or are learning, life has a way of doing what it feels like doing. I guess I'll just have to start taking these first steps and let life do its thing. If it happens to be in line with my expectations...great. If it happens to lead me somewhere else...great. As long as this journey is progressive and true to me, I'm 100% satisfied.
Today started off waking up to the reality of this lingering cold sticking around for a few more days. I'm on day 3 of antibiotics and have never looked so forward to getting started again on a fitness regimen. Had a bunch of meetings at Panera Bread in Paramus, NJ and did tons more in research for Jato Fitness. Did I say how much I'm looking forward to begin kicking my own ass?? Well, I am! Began learning how to use this HD vcam and spoke to Ed Lopez on Skype about blogging a few other items of discussion. Ed is a friend & an owner of Dew Drop Digital (awesome web design company). As a "retired" google manager, he recommended blogger. Although I've known Ed for only a few months, I've gained utmost respect for his expertise and advice related to web design and online services. There is no doubt, I'll be bugging Ed with more questions!
Hopefully, all my posts will make some sense to some of you... =)
Finally getting to put this HD video cam to use! Pretty excited about this opportunity to document my progress and soon the progress of first 2 chosen "subjects". Daily posts will be made as our pursuit of fitness is documented via daily diets, training regimen, and random pictures/videos from the day. This will be kept up indefinitely and hopefully new "subjects" will be added to this blog for all to witness and observe. Please feel to ask/comment on anything posted.
My name is Taylor and hopefully this begins the most exciting chapter in my life - returning to basics! I'm an entrepreneur, doctor of physical therapy, commercial real estate broker, and a fitness professional. Hmmm...why? I get that same look and question a few times a day. The challenge is what I live for but have come to realize there are certain realities in my life which I can no longer deny. These realities will hopefully be better explained through all the posts. Somehow I feel this process will enhance the clarity of my thoughts and naturally lead me on a fun revealing journey. Yes, I am one of those who is in pursuit of reaching my true professional/life potential. Returning to basics implies my renewed sense of appreciation for what I am and the last 15 years of life.
Healthcare has taught me tremendous lessons on professionalism, human need/care, and ethical practice/thinking. It created an opportunity for me to design a business model which is of sound structure and progressive/dynamic in nature. Commercial real estate brokerage exposed me to a group/breed of very confident people and taught me the power of tact and focus. Personal training showed me how fitness and its many practiced activities can serve as an outlet for so many on the brink. Although often hidden behind a pretty face or a hot body, insecurities still drive most of us to do what we do...day in and day out.
You still ask why? On paper, I have the ideal resume for an exceptionally successful career/business in the fitness industry. However, I don't feel that's enough. Just like the other top people in any industry, there has to be more or something...a factor almost impossible to define in words or speech. It has to be felt - people just know it when they meet you. I'm hoping to discover what I need to discover.
I strongly feel this blog will be the last piece of discovery I need to begin sprinting and accomplishing in the fitness or any industry. Of course...this is how I'm imagining is how it'll pan out. As many of us have learned or are learning, life has a way of doing what it feels like doing. I guess I'll just have to start taking these first steps and let life do its thing. If it happens to be in line with my expectations...great. If it happens to lead me somewhere else...great. As long as this journey is progressive and true to me, I'm 100% satisfied.
Today started off waking up to the reality of this lingering cold sticking around for a few more days. I'm on day 3 of antibiotics and have never looked so forward to getting started again on a fitness regimen. Had a bunch of meetings at Panera Bread in Paramus, NJ and did tons more in research for Jato Fitness. Did I say how much I'm looking forward to begin kicking my own ass?? Well, I am! Began learning how to use this HD vcam and spoke to Ed Lopez on Skype about blogging a few other items of discussion. Ed is a friend & an owner of Dew Drop Digital (awesome web design company). As a "retired" google manager, he recommended blogger. Although I've known Ed for only a few months, I've gained utmost respect for his expertise and advice related to web design and online services. There is no doubt, I'll be bugging Ed with more questions!
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