COMEBACK PHASE An Easy Guide by ZACK CHUG TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: LAYING THE COMEBACK FOUNDATION CHAPTER 2: FAT LOSS, MEAL PLAN & WORKOUT CHAPTER 3: ESTABLISHING A HEALTHY ROUTINE CHAPTER 4: DEVELOPING MENTAL FITNESS CHAPTER 5: OVERCOMING OBSTACLES WORDS FROM ZACK CHUG INTRODUCTION Welcome and Overview of the Guide’s Purpose WELCOME TO THIS COMPREHENSIVE COMEBACK PHASE GUIDE: In the last 3 months l’ve gained 10kg fat and lost a lot of muscle as l’ve had a parasite and pneumonia. My body weight went f rom 72kg to 82kg. As a result , on social media I received a lot of hate on my body, which truthfully impacted me mentally, worsened my body dysmorphia & led me to editing topless pics. Now, over the next 30 days I will begin my Comeback Phase by eating only my recipes and sharing my journey with you guys. WHAT IS THE COMEBACK PHASE IN A SHORT OVERVIEW ? • 1 form of Exercise everyday ( can include light walking & 10K steps ) • Hitting your calorie & protein target everyday (mine is 2000 Cals, 200g protein, go to chapter 2 to work out your cals / protein needed ) • Minimum 2.5 Litres Water a day • Minimum 7 Hours of sleep a night • Zero Distractions - focusing on yourself, your physical and mental health, doing stuff you love and enjoy , career & family time • Practice Mindfulness everyday (Prayer / journal / read 10 pages a day ) TOGETHER we are going to help each other build strength, improve our diets, overall wellbeing and most importantly support one another! If you are reading this, engage and interact on my daily Comeback Phase update insta reels to feel the true community power. Join my exclusive Insta Broadcast Channel and Facebook Group to get daily updates, food, f itness, fat loss tips as well as being part of an inspiring welcoming community which will hold you accountable and motivate you on your comeback journey . It is the perfect place to ASK or SHARE any f itness, diet and motivational advice. Everyday I will be documenting my 30 day comeback phase, I would love for you guys to join me in sharing posts of your FOOD / FITNESS JOURNEY/ TRANSFORMATIONS/ ANYTHING YOU’RE STRUGGLING WITH GYM & DIET RELATED ! Use the #ZCCOMEBACK for your stories or posts on Facebook or Instagram:) I will see and PERSONALLY RESPOND to every single post f rom you guys, I AM SO EXCITED !!!! CHAPTER 1 Laying the Comeback Foundation I M P O RTA N C E O F S E T T I N G C L E A R G OA L S A N D INTENSIONS Setting clear goals and intentions is essential for me because it provides direction and purpose, guiding me towards what I truly want to achieve. It helps me stay focused and motivated, giving me a sense of accomplishment as I make progress. Clear goals and intentions also enable me to measure my success, identify potential obstacles, and adjust my actions accordingly, leading to greater effectiveness and fulf illment in my pursuits. With these clear objectives in mind, I can conf idently work towards achieving my dreams and aspirations. IDENTIFYING YOUR STRENGTHS AND AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT Identifying my strengths allows me to leverage my talents, build confidence, and excel in areas where I naturally shine. By acknowledging areas for improvement, I can grow, develop new skills, and overcome challenges, leading to both personal and professional growth. Recognizing these aspects of myself empowers me to embrace my uniqueness and work towards becoming the best version of myself. Through continuous self-awareness and improvement, I can unlock my full potential and achieve success in various aspects of my life. So sit-down with a pen and paper, and begin to list each strengths and weaknesses. STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES IMPORTANCE OF CULTIVATING A POSITIVE MINDSET Cultivating a positive mindset and self-belief is vital b e c a u s e i t e m p owe r s m e to ove rco m e o b s t a cl e s , embrace opportunities, and maintain resilience in the face of adversity, ultimately leading to greater success and fulf illment in life. Here are some strategies I can implement to achieve this: • I’ll keep a gratitude journal and reflect on the positive aspects of my life, fostering a sense of appreciation and contentment. • I’ll challenge negative thoughts by questioning negative thought patterns and f inding more balanced perspectives. Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough to pursue my dream career; I’ll never succeed,” I’ll consider, “I may face challenges, but with dedication and effort, I can learn and grow.” • I’ll surround myself with positivity by spending time with optimistic and supportive individuals, creating a supportive and uplifting environment. • I’ll focus on solutions, shifting my focus f rom problems to potential solutions, enabling me to take proactive steps towards my goals. • I’ll celebrate even the smallest victories, acknowledging and appreciating my achievements along the way, no matter how small they may seem. • Engaging in positive aff irmations, I’ll use empowering statements to reaff irm my self-belief and reinforce a positive mindset. • I’ll be mindful of my media and content consumption, limiting exposure to negativity, and instead, seeking uplifting and inspiring content. • I’ll practice mindfulness and meditation to increase selfawareness, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity. • I’ll view setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning, embracing them as natural parts of my journey towards success. • To instigate positive thinking, I’ll listen to music that makes me feel good and inspired, such as superhero theme music composed by Hans Zimmer. By incorporating these practices into my daily life, I can nurture a positive and resilient mindset, empowering myself to navigate challenges with grace and determination, while remaining open to the abundance of opportunities that lie ahead. CHAPTER 2 Fat Loss, Meal Plan & Workout HOW TO LOSE FAT? 1. CALORIE DEFICIT: Calorie def icit is the key. Burn more calories than you consume. It’s as simple as that! 2. CREATING A FITNESS PLAN THAT ALIGNS WITH YOUR GOALS: When your f itness plan is specif ically designed for you, it becomes a powerful tool in your journey towards success. L e t m e e m p h a s i z e t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f c r ea t i n g a personalized f itness plan that aligns with your unique goals. This is the key to achieving sustainable progress and maximizing your results in the long run. By tailoring your workouts, nutrition, and lifestyle choices to your specif ic objectives, you ensure that every step you take is a step in the right direction. It keeps you on track, pushing your boundaries and unlocking your full potential. When aiming to lose fat, it’s essential to f ind the right caloric balance that works for your body. During the f irst month, I recommend subtracting 100-200 calories f rom your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). This slight reduction will help create a caloric def icit, supporting your fat loss goals effectively. IF you’re trying to lean bulk and gain muscle, you’ll want to add 100-200 calories to your TDEE during the f irst month. This surplus will provide your body with the extra energy it needs to build muscle mass. For me I wanted to be in a calorie def icit and eating 1g of protein per pound of bodyweight to lose fat and gain muscle over the month. To work out your TDEE click the link below : TDEECALCULATOR.NET 3. IMPLIMENTING CARDIO: Cardiovascular exercise plays a signif icant role in calorie burning, contributing to a calorie def icit. I highly recommend incorporating fasted cardio into your routine. Aim to perform fasted cardio 2 to 3 times a week for 15 to 20 minutes, preferably on an empty stomach. This approach can further enhance calorie burning and support your overall weight loss efforts. There are many ways to naturally incorporate cardio into your daily routine, such as: • Walking to work • Taking the stairs • Parking 10 minutes away f rom your destination • Meeting f riends for a walk instead of a coffee 4. OVERCOMING A FAT LOSS PLATEAU: To initiate progress, start by reducing your daily calorie intake by 50–100 calories and sustain this reduction for two weeks. If you do not observe any changes during this period, consider increasing your cardio duration f rom 20 minutes to 25 minutes. 5. DETERMINING PROTEIN: Protein is the TOP PRIORITY for muscle growth. Here are 4 reasons why HIGH PROTEIN is essential: • Reduces GHRELIN which is a hormone that makes you hungry • Body burns the most calories when digesting protein! • Reduces cravings since it makes you feel full! • NEEDED for increasing muscle mass Therefore, I recommend eating DAILY: One Gram of Protein Per Pound of Bodyweight. If you are 218 lbs so aim for 218 of protein per day or more if you can, but never more than 20g over this! 6. FREQUENCY OF MEALS IN INTERMITTENT FASTING: Intermittent fasting utilises fat as an energy source for your body when there is no available fuel (food) to burn. This approach can promote fat burning and support your weight loss goals. BENEFITS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING: • Stabilizes blood sugar levels. • Improves brain health and memory Increases insulin. • Sensitivity in the muscles elevates your growth hormone. 7. And f inally, TRACK YOUR PROGRESS!! Remember, consistency is key! Stick to these caloric adjustments and monitor your progress closely. If you f ind that your progress plateaus or you have any questions along the way, feel f ree to reach out to me on Instagram. I’m here to support you on your f itness journey! I have made a FREE 6-DAY MEAL PLAN and a WORKOUT PLAN to help you achieve your objectives. If you ever feel lost or unsure about anything, this plan will guide you in the right direction. Additionally, my COOKBOOK’s are available, offering healthy and delicious recipes to keep you on track with your diet. 6-DAY MEAL PLAN FOR A 2000 CALORIE DIET This is an example meal plan for someone eating 2000 calories, 200g protein, as always I recommend trying out other recipes from my page too for variety and you can adjust them into this plan accordingly based your calorie needs. DAY 1 Breakfast: Protein-Packed Breakfast Burrito Whole wheat tortilla: 2 Scrambled eggs: 4 large Black beans: 1/2 cup Low-fat cheese: 1/2 cup shredded Salsa: 1/4 cup Total: Approx. 600 calories Lunch: Chicken Shawarma Bowl Grilled chicken breast (marinated in low-fat yogurt and spices): 200g White rice: 1 cup cooked Mixed salad: 2 cup Tzatziki sauce: 1/4 cup Total: Approx. 700 calories Dinner: Beef Stir-Fry with Whole Wheat Noodles Lean beef strips: 200g Stir-f ry vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli,peas): 2 cup Whole wheat spaghetti: 1.5 cup cooked Stir-f ry sauce: 1/4 cup Total: Approx. 700 calories DAY 2 Breakfast: Avocado and Egg Toast Whole grain bread: 2 slice Mashed avocado: 1/2 medium Poached egg: 2 Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup Total: Approx. 550 calories Lunch: Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap Grilled chicken breast: 200g Whole wheat tortilla: 2 Romaine lettuce: 2 cup chopped Light Caesar dressing: 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: 2 tablespoon Total: Approx. 750 calories Dinner: Spaghetti Bolognese Lean ground beef: 200g Whole wheat spaghetti: 1.5 cup cooked Marinara sauce: 3/4 cup Fresh basil for garnish Total: Approx. 700 calories DAY 3 Breakfast: Smoothie Bowl Mixed berries: 1.5 cup Spinach: 1.5 cup Protein powder: 1.5 scoop Almond milk: 3/4 cup Toppings: 2 tablespoon chia, 1 banana Total: Approx. 550 calories Lunch: Asian Chicken Salad Grilled chicken breast: 200g Mixed greens: 3 cups Mandarins: 1/2 cup Sliced almonds: 2 tablespoon Asian-inspired vinaigrette: 1/4 cup Total: Approx. 650 calories Dinner: Beef Stir Fry with White Rice Lean Ground beef: 200g Vegetables: 2 cup White rice: 1 cup cooked Sauce: 1/4 cup Total: Approx. 800 calories DAY 4 Breakfast: Mediterranean Veggie Omelette 3 large eggs 1 cup spinach 1/2 cup tomatoes 1/4 olives 1/4 feta cheese. Total: Approx. 450 calories Lunch: Korean BBQ Beef Bowls 200g lean beef 1 cup cooked white rice 1.5 mixed vegetables (carrots, spinach) 1/4 Korean BBQ sauce. Total: Approx. 800 calories Dinner: Chicken Tikka Masala with Whole Wheat Naan 200g chicken breast 1/2 tikka masala sauce 3/4 cup cooked white rice 2 whole wheat naan Total: Approx. 750 calories DAY 5 Breakfast: Berry Protein Smoothie 1.5 scoop protein powder 1.5 cup mixed berries 1.5 cup spinach, 2 tablespoon chia seeds, 1.5 cup almond milk. Total: Approx. 500 calories Lunch: Turkey and Avocado Wrap 2 whole wheat tortilla 200g sliced turkey breast 1/2 avocado 1.5 cups lettuce 1/2 tomato Mustard. Total: Approx. 750 calories Dinner: Lasagna Lean ground beef (200g) Lasagna noodles for 2 layers 1 cup marinara sauce 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese Total: Approx. 750 calories DAY 6 Breakfast: Avocado Toast with Egg 2 slice of whole grain bread 1 mashed avocado 2 poached egg Total: Approx. 600 calories Lunch: Grilled Salmon Salad 200g grilled salmon 3 cups mixed greens 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1/2 cucumber 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette Total: Approx. 700 calories Dinner: Chicken Fajitas 200g chicken breast 2 cups bell peppers and onions 3 whole wheat tortillas 1/4 guacamole. Total: Approx. 700 calories ADJUSTMENTS: Increase Calories: Add an extra serving of carbs (e.g., rice or pasta) or healthy fats (e.g., nuts or avocado) to meals, or include a high-protein snack. Decrease Calories: Reduce portions, especially of carbs and fats; choose low-calorie vegetables as f illers. Dietary Needs: Substitute ingredients based on dietary restrictions; use gluten-f ree grains if necessary, or replace dairy with plant-based alternatives. This plan aims at a caloric range of approximately 2000 calories per day. It is adaptable to individual dietary needs and preferences. WORKOUT PLAN Here are a few details that will outline the workout plan: • Workout time → 1 hour 30 minutes MAX. • Rest time between sets → 2 minutes • Chug’s PRE WORKOUT SECRET = 0.5g-1g of Himalayan salt with diluted squash and CREATINE This is split into 2 workouts that I have labelled as 1 and 2. *RPT= Reverse Pyramid Training style Workout 1: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps • Incline Bench Press: 3 sets (RPT - 4,6,8 reps) • Standing Overhead Shoulder Press: 3 sets (RPT - 4, 6, 8) • Weighted Dips: 3 sets (RPT - 4, 6, 8) • Lateral Raises: 3 sets x 8-12 reps • Tricep Rope Push Downs: 3 sets x 8-12 reps Workout 2: Back, Biceps, Traps, Legs • Weighted Chin ups: 3 sets (RPT - 4, 6, 8) • Incline Seated Dumbbell curls: 3 sets (RPT - 4, 6, 8) • Squats: 3 sets (RPT - 4, 6, 8) • Bent Over Flys: 3 sets x 8-10 reps • Calf Raises: 6 sets – 12, 10, 8, 6, 6, 6 reps Alternate between Workout 1 and Workout 2, 3 times a week on non-consecutive days. For Example, • Week 1 : 121 Monday : Workout 1 Wednesday : Workout 2 Friday : Workout 1 • Week 2 : 212 Monday : Workout 2 Wednesday : Workout 1 Friday : Workout 2 Then repeat Week 3 as 1, 2, 1, and so on! Here is a table to illustrate the same idea to make things clearer: M T W T F S S Week 1 1 Fasted Cardio 2 Fasted Cardio 1 Rest Rest Week 2 2 Fasted Cardio 1 Fasted Cardio 2 Rest Rest Week 3 1 Fasted Cardio 2 Fasted Cardio 1 Rest Rest Week 4 2 Fasted Cardio 1 Fasted Cardio 2 Rest Rest Aim to get in 2/3 sessions of fasted cardio per week: • For 20 minutes in the morning on an empty stomach • I always recommend incline walking on a treadmill/ Stairmaster for cardio • Both provide an effective cardiovascular stimulus, the days you do cardio aren’t that important as long as it’s not on a training day CHAPTER 3 Establishing a Healthy Routine THE ROLE OF A WELL-ROUNDED DAILY ROUTINE IN PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT A well-rounded daily routine is essential for one’s personal development , it provides me with structure and consistency, enabling me to prioritize and dedicate time to various aspects of growth, such as learning, physical health, emotional well-being, and pursuing goals. DESIGNING A MORNING AND EVENING ROUTINE FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE Everyone has different lifestyle’s and commitments but there is always somewhat of a routine that can be put in place. For me, during this comeback phase my mornings looked like this; • Wake up 8am • Open blinds, Make bed • Glass of water • Shower and get changed • Pray • Black coffee & take vitamins • Work It doesn’t need to be anything crazy, just something consistent. Stacking up the small wins in the morning will help you achieve bigger ones throughout the course of the day. Start as you mean to go on! INCORPORATING EXERCISE, MINDFULNESS, AND SELFCARE PRACTICES Incorporating exercise, mindfulness, and self- care practices in my routine is crucial for achieving success as they form the foundation for a healthy and focused mind and body. Regular exercise boosts my energy levels, enhances productivity, and reduces stress, enabling me to perform at my best. M i n d f u l n e s s c u l t i va te s m e n t a l c l a r i t y, e m o t i o n a l resilience, and the ability to stay present, allowing me to approach challenges with a calm and centered mindset. Meanwhile, self-care practices nourish my overall wellbeing, empowering me to sustain peak performance and navigate obstacles with greater ease. Some examples of how I incorporate these practices into my daily life include going to the gym, engaging in running and walking to stay active, practicing meditation to foster mindfulness, and taking nature walks to connect with the outdoors. Spending quality time with my family helps me maintain a strong support system and balance in my life. Journaling allows me to reflect, process my thoughts, and express myself creatively, contributing to my mental well-being. By embracing these practices consistently, I create a harmonious synergy that propels me towards success, both personally and professionally. These habits enhance my overall health and contribute to a balanced and fulf illing lifestyle, enabling me to perform at my best in all aspects of life. HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF A DAILY ROUTINE YOU CAN ALTER AND PERSONALISE BASED ON YOUR LIFESTYLE : TIME ACTIVITY 8:00 AM Wake up, hydrate 8:30 AM Nourishing breakfast with protein 9:00 AM Mindfulness practice and goal setting 10:00 AM Productive work with breaks TIME 12:00 PM ACTIVITY Wholesome lunch with greens and lean proteins 1:00 PM Creative hobby or personal skill development 2:30 PM Energizing walk or exercise 3:30 PM Continue productive work with focus 5:00 PM Healthy snack and short relaxation 6:00 PM Quality time with family/f riends 7:00 PM 8:00 PM Balanced dinner with veggies and whole grains Calming activity before bedtime TIME ACTIVITY 9:00 PM Unplug f rom devices and relax 10:00 PM Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep CHAPTER 4 Developing Mental Fitness TECHNIQUES TO BUILD RESILIENCE AND MANAGE STRESS Building resilience and managing stress are essential skills to navigate life’s challenges effectively. I’ve personally found the following techniques to be the most helpful: 1. Positive ref raming: I train myself to look at stressful situations f rom a more positive perspective. I seek opportunities for growth and learning in diff icult experiences, which helps me f ind silver linings even in challenging moments. 2. Mindfulness and meditation: I practice mindfulness to stay present and reduce the impact of stress on my mind and body. Engaging in meditation promotes relaxation and enhances my emotional well-being, allowing me to approach stressful situations with a clearer and calmer mindset. 3. Physical exercise: Regular physical activity is a crucial part of my stress management routine. E n g a g i n g i n exe rc i s e re l ea s e s e n d o rp h i n s , t h e “feelgood” hormones, which signif icantly reduce stress and improve my overall resilience. 4. Social support: Staying connected with f riends, family, or support groups is vital for coping with stress effectively. Having a reliable support network allows me to share my feelings and experiences, providing me with comfort and encouragement during challenging times. 5. Set realistic goals: I break down large tasks into smaller, manageable goals. This approach helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed and provides a sense of achievement as I make progress step by step. 6. Time management: I organize my daily activities and prioritize tasks to reduce stress f rom feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Proper time management ensures that I can focus on essential tasks without unnecessary pressure. 7. Self-compassion: During stressful times, I treat myself with kindness and understanding. I avoid selfcriticism and instead, practice self-compassion and self-care, which helps me maintain a healthy and supportive relationship with myself. 8. Breathing exercises: I practice deep breathing techniques to calm my body’s stress response and promote relaxation. Taking intentional deep breaths helps me center myself and regain composure in stressful situations. 9. Limit exposure to stressors: Identifying sources of stress in my life and f inding ways to reduce or avoid them when possible is crucial. Setting healthy boundaries and managing my environment helps me maintain a more peaceful and balanced state of mind. By incorporating these stress management techniques into my daily life, I am better equipped to handle life’s challenges with resilience and maintain a positive outlook, ultimately leading to a healthier and more fulf illing lifestyle. DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE HABITS FOR CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND MENTAL GROWTH I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to develop effective habits for continuous learning and mental growth. It’s all about unlocking our full potential, leading to personal development and increasing our chances of achieving success in ALL aspects of life. And let me tell you, this Comeback Phase has a plethora of these empowering habits that will enable you to do just that! By incorporating these habits into your life, you’ll witness results. THE POWER OF AFFIRMATIONS AND VISUALIZATION FOR SUCCESS The power of aff irmations and visualization lies in your ability to harness the mind’s potential to shape our reality and influence our actions, emotions, and beliefs positively. AFFIRMATIONS: Aff irmations are a powerful tool that I’ve incorporated into my daily routine. These positive statements, when repeated regularly, have the incredible ability to aff irm the traits, goals, and outcomes I desire. It’s like reprogramming my subconscious mind, gradually replacing any selflimiting beliefs with empowering ones. This practice has made a signif icant impact on my life. By consistently reinforcing these aff irmations, I’ve noticed a remarkable increase in self-conf idence, motivation, and a more positive outlook on life. It has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and stay focused on a chievin g my objec tives. I truly believe in th e transformative power of aff irmations, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same positive change they can bring into your life. VISUALIZATION: Visualization has been a game-changer in my journey towards success. It’s a powerful mental practice where I create vivid and detailed images of achieving my goals and desired outcomes. By imagining myself successfully accomplishing what I want, I activate the same neural pathways in my brain as if I were experiencing it in reality. This technique has had a profound impact on my conf idence and focus. By visualizing my success, I’ve found it easier to take the necessary actions and stay committed to my aspirations. It’s like building a mental blueprint for the life I want, and it has truly made a difference in my achievements. I encourage you to give visualization a try and witness how it can help you stay motivated and focused on your own path to success! Believe me when I say that aff irmations and visualization have been the secret sauce in my journey towards success. These practices work hand in hand to align my thoughts, emotions, and actions, creating a powerful and positive mindset that fuels my determination to achieve my goals. With aff irmations, I reinforce positive statements regularly, replacing any self-limiting beliefs with empowering ones. This helps build my conf idence, motivation, and outlook on life, setting the stage for growth and achievement. But it doesn’t stop there. Visualization takes it to another level. By vividly imagining myself successfully accomplishing my goals, I activate the same neural pathways in my brain as if I were experiencing it in real life. This boosts my focus and commitment, making it easier to overcome obstacles and stay on track. The synergy between aff irmations and visualization is astounding. It empowers me to believe in my abilities and increases the likelihood of turning my vision into a tangible reality. Trust me, once you harness the power of these practices, you’ll be amazed at how they transform your life and attract opportunities beyond your imagination! CHAPTER 5 Overcoming Obstacles Handling setbacks and staying motivated has been a journey of developing a resilient mindset and taking a proactive approach. I’ve learned to embrace a growth mindset, seeing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth instead of viewing them as failures. When faced with challenges, I make a conscious effort to analyze the situation objectively, identifying areas where I can improve and taking actionable steps to move forward. During tough times, seeking support f rom mentors, f riends, or family has been invaluable in maintaining a positive outlook. Additionally, I f ind that visualizing my success helps me stay motivated and focused on my goals, even when faced with obstacles. It’s essential to remember that setbacks are a natural part of any journey, and I’ve come to realize that with determination and a solution-oriented mindset, I can navigate through them and stay on track towards achieving my objectives. HANDLING SETBACKS AND STAYING MOTIVATED CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIES: 1. Embra ce a Grow th Min dset: See setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than failures. Embrace the idea that challenges are a normal part of any journey towards success. 2. Analyze and Learn: Take a step back to objectively analyze the setback. Identify the factors that led to it and the lessons to be learned. Use this knowledge to make informed decisions moving forward. 3. Set Realistic Goals: Break larger goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate your progress along the way, using each accomplishment as motivation to keep going. 4 . Seek Support: Reach out to mentors, f riends, or family for encouragement and advice. Having a supportive network can provide valuable insights and motivation during tough times. 5. Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on the setback itself, direct your energy towards f inding solutions and actionable steps to overcome obstacles. 6. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and avoid self-criticism. Acknowledge that setbacks are a natural part of growth and treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer to a f riend facing a challenge. 7. Visualize Success: Use visualization techniques to picture yourself successfully overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals. Visualizing success can boost your conf idence and maintain motivation. 8. Stay Flexible: Be open to adapting your plans when needed. Flexibility allows you to adjust to unforeseen circumstances and continue moving forward. Remember that setbacks are temporary, and with a resilient attitude and a proactive mindset, you can turn them into opportunities for growth and stay motivated on your journey towards success. EMBRACING FAILURE AS A STEPPINGSTONE TO GROWTH Embracing failure as a steppingstone to growth has been a crucial aspect of my personal and professional development. I’ ve come to realize that failure isn’t something to fear, but rather an opportunity to learn, adapt, and build resilience. Each failure has allowed me to gain valuable insights, helping me improve and become a better version of myself. By ref raming failure as a natural part of the learning process, I’ve been able to overcome fear and hesitation. This shift in perspective has empowered me to take calculated risks and embrace innovation, which has been instrumental in propelling me forward on the path to success. I now approach challenges with a more positive and open mindset, knowing that every setback is an opportunity for growth and improvement. DEVELOPING RESILIENCE IN CHALLENGING TIMES Developing resilience in challenging times has been essential for maintaining my mental and emotional well-being. One key strategy that has worked for me is cul tivating a positive mindset, where I focus on the aspects I can control and ref rame challenges as opportunities for growth. I’ve found that building strong support networks with f riends, family, or support groups provides a valuable emotional safety net during diff icult periods. Having people to lean on and share my feelings with has made a signif icant difference in how I handle tough situations. Additionally, practicing adaptability and flexibility in my thinking and actions has helped me navigate uncertainty more effectively. Being open to new approaches and willing to adjust my plans when needed has been empowering. En ga gin g in self- care a c tivities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies, has been crucial in boosting my resilience. These activities promote a sense of balance and grounding during tough times, helping me recharge and stay focused. I remind myself that resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened with practice. Each time I face a challenge and bounce back, I become more adept at handling future obstacles. By embracing resilience, I’ve discovered that I can bounce back stronger f rom life’s challenges and maintain a positive outlook even during diff icult moments. WORDS FROM ZACK CHUG Please do not hesitate to reach out to me whilst partaking on this journey. I will be here for you guys every step of the way! You will be unrecognizable at the end of this phase. Take progress photos along the way and document your time in this super state! I have amassed my success in f itness, my career and overall mental strength by incorporating this lifestyle. This WILL help you break out of that plateau, get back on track or accelerate your success. I am a walking testimony. I want to help each and every one my followers as much as possible. I want you to embark on this journey with me and make the world a better place. But that starts with you. It starts with you becoming the best version of yourself. Living up to your full potential. I believe in you and know you can do it! Just the fact you are reading this right now is evidence of that! Never give up! Always keep pushing and believe in yourself and your dreams , you owe it to yourself to unlock your true potential