While it may be a bit cliche, I think a post such as this one is very relevant on a day like today.

At this point in my life, I feel very blessed to be able to make a living doing something a love.  As a result, I’d like to thank a lot of the people in my life who allow me to make this happen.

So without any further ado, this year I’m thankful for…

…Zach, Wayne and Kara – three amazing people who have helped IFAST grow faster than I ever though it would.  You guys are amazing!

…Bill. You’ve taught me more than you can imagine, and I appreciate your work to really understand the human body. And I think our little “vision” is starting to come together with regards to this whole gym thing!

…Pat and Nick. Thank you guys for reducing the overwhelm and showing me the best ways to run a successful business.  You guys are an amazing resource.

…Our interns past and present (Lance, Eric, Scott Gray, Zach, Ellen, Mikey, Mark, Andrew, TJ and Nick if you’re counting).  I appreciate your willingness to come and learn from us, and I hope your internship has opened your mind as to what is possible when training clients and athletes.

…Guys like Chris Poirier of Perform Better, Paul Reid of Centrality, and now Rick Kaselj for hosting amazing seminars, and allowing me to speak on the topics I’m so passionate about.  You guys may go unnoticed, but I truly appreciate your hard work.

…Resources like T-Nation, Men’s Health, and Men’s Fitness, that allow me to WRITE about things I’m passionate about. I hope my work has improved the quality of life of your readers.

…Eric Cressey.  I never thought I could be friends with a Pats fan, but I appreciate your drive to be amazing at what you do, and that pushes me on each and every day to do the same.

…Web guys like THE Allen Tucker and Jason Lengstorf.  Thanks for helping me transform my site over the past two years, as I appreciate it more than you guys know.

…Dave Tate and the entire crew at Elite FTS for bringing me on the Q&A staff.  I sincerely hope I’ll be able to help your readers stay healthy and hit more PR’s in the future.

I promise I’m getting closer to the end here, but I’ve just got a few more.

I’m also thankful for…

…People like Kathryn and all of our IFAST members and online training clients.  Thank you so much for trusting us with your bodies.  Thank you for continuing to come back, and allowing us to  show you what is possible with hard work, time and dedication.  You guys are the reason I do what I do.  THANK YOU!

…My family and friends.  Thanks for understanding that this “job” is anything but, and how important it is to me.  You all have played an integral role in my life.

…The readers of this website.  Thank you for coming around on a daily basis, so that I can teach you what I’ve learned.  The site wouldn’t be where it is today without you.

And finally, I’m thankful for my amazing wife Jessica.  I try not to mix business and my personal life too much here, but Jess is my backbone and the one that has always had my back.  Without her, I wouldn’t be the coach, businessman or human being that I am today.

That’s it folks.  Have an AMAZING Thanksgiving – I’m actually going to hit a quick kettlebell workout, and then I’m going to superset high calorie meals and naps.

Enjoy!

All the best

Mike

(Lead Photo Courtesy of Pink Sherbet Photography)