Today I am joined with Joshua Kinsey Clough to discuss all things bodybuilding, identity, self-discovery and life. 

From a young age, Joshua was immersed within the bodybuilding culture – which subsequently pushed him to embark upon his very successful competitive career.

Joshua provides a raw and realistic insight into bodybuilding culture. The ritualistic lifestyle of bulking, cutting, dieting… what he describes as an ego-driven sport, solely motivated by an external image. The countless sacrifices, tunnel focus mentality, the topic of identity, willpower and so on.

Joshua discusses the exciting, adrenaline-fueled period of the competitive season – providing direction, routine, structure, identity, success, and drive. However, outside of the competitive season, he describes losing a sense of self, feeling lost… subsequently causing him to struggle with his mental health. 

Forwarding on to 2020, lockdown eliminated the stage from his routine, breaking his previous habitual pattern, only triggering him to re-evaluate and re-analyse aspects of his life.

He decided to make changes. This included retiring from bodybuilding, breaking away from a lifestyle derived from external validation and embarking on a journey on re-discovery, focusing on fulfilment, purpose, and contentment.

We also discuss growth mindsets, how self-belief can get you anywhere, proactively pushing away from comfort zones and appreciating what truly makes life valuable - experience, spontaneity, exiting adventures, inspirational conversations, creativity, uncovering your true capabilities, finding freedom and comfort to pursue your authentic, intrinsic motivations.