There are so many things I could talk about, but if I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: start earlier, whether that’s calisthenics or anything else you’re passionate about. Looking back, I remember hesitating because I was worried I would be seen as unready, not disciplined enough to commit, or a failure in front of others. Though the truth is, if I had started earlier, I could have made more progress, and I would have developed the discipline, confidence, and resilience that come from putting yourself out there sooner.
Challenges, whether learning a new skill, pursuing a passion, or building healthy habits, aren’t just about immediate success; they’re about mastering yourself, understanding your limits, and learning to persist through setbacks. Every attempt, failure, and small victory teaches patience, growth, and perseverance. If I had started sooner, I would have had more time to refine my approach, learn from mistakes, and fully embrace the journey.
My advice to my younger self, and anyone starting late, is simple: don’t wait. The hardest part is taking the first step, but every day you commit compounds into long-term growth, confidence, and capability. Start today, and your future self will thank you.
I’ve attached the first picture of me attempting a handstand on the wall about two years ago, during a period of on-and-off consistency. The second picture shows me holding a one-arm handstand for about two seconds. Like many things in life, calisthenics teaches the value of delayed gratification. An important reminder is to always celebrate the small wins so you stay motivated and don’t give up when progress feels slow.