Clark Bartram

I recently submitted an article about Eugene Blakely that got me thinking about how many inspirational people who are out there that may have never been heard of. We want to get their stories out there, printed in magazines but it seems no one will listen.

Well, let’s put and end to that! I want to give a venue for you to share a story/photos about yourself or someone you know who has been an encouragement to you or others. It may not even have anything to do with fitness, it could be anything. A teacher who inspired your life, or a friend who brings out the best in you, a parent, child, brother/sister your pastor, rabbi, whatever.

Personal Discipline is something mostly all successful people have in common. Most are willing to do things that average people won't or are afraid to.

I often refer to the Bible as a source of inspiration and encouragement, as do most success coaches. Many of them either mention a certain scripture or you can easily tell by what they say that they are familiar with scripture. Anyway, a good one for times like this would be:
"God does not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love, and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

A recent study has proven that happiness is contagious. The study was done at The University of California San Diego, co-author James Fowler says that happiness spreads among people up to three degrees removed from one another. That means when you feel happy, a friend of a friend of a friend has a slightly higher likelihood of feeling happy too.

Sadness has been shown to spread in a network as well, but not as quickly. The researchers found that each happy friend increases your own chance of being happy by 9 percent, whereas each unhappy friend decreases it by 7 percent.

I have a young friend back in Canton, Ohio who is really wanting to get big, lean and become a bodybuilder/fitness model. I must say that I am very encouraged by his drive, discipline and determination to reach his goals. I am 100% confident that he will, without a doubt, become everything he dreams of one day being.

Many of you saw Justin Stage on one of my video entries from when I was visiting Canton. He and I, along with his buddy Andrew, trained, hung out and ate chicken in the rain on a loading dock.

It's a never ending situation for me; I am constantly getting hit with questions of “how can I effectively market myself?" I always answer the same way and it will never change: you have to be in the faces of the people, in shape, and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Period!

There seems to also be a belief in the industry that if someone has a certain amount of exposure (even if it is a ton) that there should be pay involved, simply for being involved in the marketing of one’s self. Here is the bottom line, my friends: You have to constantly be proactive to further your career. A magazine cover or twenty won't suddenly warrant that you get paid to be involved in efforts to market yourself. Of course there are jobs that you should be paid for, but you really need to understand the difference between the two.

Clark,

I’m having an argument with my friend who says that bodybuilders aren’t athletes. What do you think?

Scott Crews

Santa Monica, CA

Scott,
What are you trying to do to me here? How am I supposed to be PC and answer this one?

Let me say this: Like many generalizations, there’s an element of truth to the notion that bodybuilders are short on athletic skills that require stretching, moving, and hand-eye coordination. The reason is simple: in their quest for size and strength, many bodybuilders neglect specific training protocols that could make them more athletic.

On the other hand, because strength is important for athletes, bodybuilders have a solid foundation of conditioning from which they can improve their athleticism, and I’ve seen some very athletic bodybuilders over the years. Many have made solid transitions into “sports entertainment” or otherwise known as wrestling. Now those guys are athletes!

The name of the game in the modeling business (or any business, for that matter) is networking. If you’re not meeting the right people, then you’re missing opportunities to get work.

Sure it’s important to mail your comp cards, headshots, and resumes to photographers, agencies, and clients, but I have a better suggestion that can get you noticed if you’ve got the goods.

I recommend attending the top two fitness events we have here in the U.S. — The Arnold Classic and The Mr. Olympia. Between these two shows, nearly every photographer, supplement manufacturer, magazine publisher, and talent scout will be looking to find you! I know for a fact that the big magazines are constantly scouring the crowds for fresh faces and awesome bodies. Scouts are lurking in anonymity, waiting to pounce on the next fitness superstars!

I was thinking of becoming a personal trainer, how do I get started?
John Richards, Austin, TX.

John, congratulations on making a decision to tackle such a noble pursuit. We need more qualified people to step up and help an unfit population of Americans. As you are aware, there are a number of overweight, not to mention morbidly obese, people in this country.

The first and most important part of the process would be to become certified and gain an understanding of the human body and how it works. There are a number of organizations that can help you in that process. I am personally certified through the ISSA and I feel they are one of the best.

Often times I'm asked how can one make it in the fitness industry as a successful model or trainer. Honestly the information I share with people applies to this, or any industry, for that matter. Business is business and should treated as such. That is the problem ,in my opinion, most "models" don't act as if they are a business.

I've invested in many careers over the years and to be brutally honest, most people just don't get it. The ones that do, however, understand that there are qualities that are vital to make it in this industry and any other.

1. Be a Person of Your Word- Good or bad, right or wrong, always do what you say you're going to do. Over the years I've had differences with people, situations didn't always turn out as planned, but I've always done whatever I can to make it right. On the other hand, I've had people not treat me the same in return or deal with a situation with the same professionalism and tact. Just do what you say you are going to do, or own up if you can't and you'll always end up coming out looking good.
2. Be Prepared- Always be ready for a photo shoot, appearance, audition or meeting. Whatever situation arises never give the excuse, "I need more time." If you need more time, et someone know as early on in the process as you can. Don't come in at the eleventh hour and have that lame excuse.

Throughout my career I've realized how important it is to evolve and adapt to the changes, not only in the industry, but also in my life. People have often asked me how I've done what I do for so long and my general response is, "I just keep pushing everyday."

It's a never ending cycle of assessing and adapting to the changes that come your way. I've learned the hard way, on too many occasions, that no deal lasts forever: your looks will eventually fade, your body gets harder and harder to get in shape, and that time passes quickly and you are easily forgotten.

I've been at this game for longer than many of you reading that have been alive and I've stood the test of time because I adapt and constantly look for the new deal or next opportunity, and I make things happen.