I woke up on my 30th birthday feeling a mix of emotions—some of them expected, some of them not.
People keep saying “your 30s are your best years,” and I get why they say that. You become more grounded. You stop chasing everything and start focusing on what actually matters. You make better decisions, cut off things that don’t serve you, and start to figure out who you really are.
But if I’m being honest—it still felt heavy. Almost surreal.
One step closer to not being around.
One step closer to not being able to move like I used to.
One step closer to the end.
It hit me like a wave: If I really want to build the life I say I want… I can’t waste a second.
So here’s what turning 30 taught me—and why I’m more fired up than ever to keep building this gym, this life, and this purpose.
Growing Up vs. Growing Old
When you’re young, you think being an adult means having all the answers. But in your 20s, you’re still trying to figure everything out—with a half-developed brain and no real playbook.
Your 30s hit different. You stop caring about being impressive and start caring about being effective.
You stop showing up to prove people wrong and start showing up to build something right.
You start making peace with your past—and start planning for a future that actually matters.
That shift? It’s what I see in my athletes and adult clients every day. The ones who get it aren’t just training for aesthetics. They’re training for quality of life, for longevity, for the people they love. That’s growth.
Purpose Over Pressure
Back when I first opened the Nob Hill YSP location, I let my health slip.
I was inconsistent with workouts. I was eating fast food. I wasn’t sleeping. I felt terrible.
And the worst part? I knew better. I had over a decade of experience as a coach and still felt completely lost.
So, I did what I’d tell any client to do—I hired a coach.
They helped me rebuild from the ground up. Slowly but surely, I started feeling better than I did at 20. I was moving well again. I was energized. I wasn’t chasing perfection—I was chasing purpose.
And that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned: pressure breaks you. But purpose builds you.
What I Want My Kids (and Athletes) to Learn
At the end of the day, this isn’t about me.
It’s about giving my kids the life they deserve. It’s about building something that can support them, provide stability, and teach them through example what hard work, consistency, and love look like.
It’s about giving my family a life they never thought was possible—a home to grow in, memories to build, and the security to dream bigger than ever before.
And it’s about showing my athletes—especially the young ones—that the gym isn’t just a place to lift weights. It’s a place where you build character, confidence, and life skills.
Whether you’re 13 or 63, those things matter.
30 Years, 7 Lessons
Here’s what 30 years on this earth have taught me:
- Nobody’s coming to save you. You have to take control of your story.
- Discipline beats motivation every time.
- Protect your energy. Who and what you give it to will shape your future.
- Get around people who raise your standards.
- Health is freedom. Don’t take it for granted.
- Progress is better than perfection. Always.
- If it matters to you—fight for it. Period.
I’m Just Getting Started
Turning 30 didn’t make me feel old—it made me feel urgent.
Urgent to be present.
Urgent to build.
Urgent to live this life like it actually matters.
Because it does.
So to all the athletes, parents, and everyday people reading this: don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t wait until you feel ready. If something matters to you, get after it now.
We’re all one step closer. But that’s not something to fear—it’s a reminder to make every rep, every decision, and every moment count.
Let’s keep going. Together.