The Day I Got Tired of My Own Excuses
February 12th this year was THAT moment for me (and maybe this post inspires you to have your moment today).
February 12th 2025. was THAT moment for me (and maybe this post inspires you to have your moment today).
The moment when I finally decided (or more accurately, became tired of my excuses) to embark on a mission I’ve been dreaming about for years:
Getting in the best shape of my life.
Starting point - 102.5kg (again…)
Photo from the gym was taken exactly on Feb 12, and while I'm proud of my +100kg squats, I felt like a bloated kettlebell.
My 40th birthday was less than 3 months away.
The ultimate challenge (Spartan Beast) was two months out and closing fast.
“F*ck, here we go again, Fićo.”
But this time something was different.
Compared to all the previous attempts, I had:
Proper support (2 coaches)
Public accountability (posting updates about Spartan prep)
Deeper motivation (the big 4-0)
Here’s how the past couple of months looked (everything was under supervision):
Fasting 5 days in February to kick things off
60 days of keto (biggest weight drop, but had to stop before final Spartan prep because I didn’t have enough energy for intense training)
2x per week gym strength session
2x per week vinyasa group class
1x per week crossfit-type session
1x per week long run or hike
Most importantly:
Got my sleep in order — 85% of the time I was in bed by 10pm and up by 6–6:30am
Daily meditation — 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening to keep my sanity
And honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Because in the end, the part I loved the most about all that Spartan madness was the journey to getting there.
First major milestone: under 90kg — CHECK ✅
(Second photo is from last week’s business + birthday celebration)
Final milestone: under 87kg — PENDING
(Belly fat still clinging on, but not for long. Plan is to drop it without losing muscle.)
A marathon of birthday celebrations did do some temporary “damage”... but this is the first time in more than 10 years that I’m in this good of a shape so early in the year.
My strength coach just shrugged and said:
"Filip, we’re just getting started."
Why am I writing all this?
Because a similar post by someone I follow really gave me the push I needed.
Mark, a fellow member of one of the masterminds I’m in, started documenting his journey to getting in the best shape of his life as he approached 40.
He posted monthly updates, kept it real, and little by little - he got there.
That energy really stuck with me.
So I figured - why not me too?
My 40th was a week ago.
And while I’m not in the best best best shape yet... I’m closer than I’ve ever been.
Plus, I survived two Spartan races this past year — after nearly dying the year before.
So like Djokovic would say - Not too bad. Not too bad.
While there’s still work to be done,
I’m taking a moment to pause and celebrate.
And maybe remind you, if you need to hear it:
It is going to be worth your time.
Start small.
Keep going.
I’ll be cheering you on.
—
PS: Got questions about the process, food, rituals, or training?
Happy to share anything that might help. Just reply or comment.