We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Otule and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’m one of those individuals who thrives on being busy. When I’m not busy, I feel like I fall behind on ALL my tasks/to-do’s for the week ( a feeling that I needed to work on as things to come up and I will have these moments). Between my professional career and my creative/fitness influencer career my work life balance is constantly changing. I have tried the whole “drop everything and zen” approach, but that just doesn’t work for me. Recently, I picked up working on self development practices such as listening and taking notes to audibles, working on my monthly goals, researching new ways to save money, etc. I find this to be very fulfilling and in a way relaxing. It took me ahwile to learn how to balance everything, but now, balance looks like scheduling time to do my to-do’s/tasks and some time to do some self development leaving me with time to sit in front of a tv and stream a couple shows.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If anything, I feel like what sets me apart from others is I’m not your average bodybuilder. I have nothing against those I am about to talk about, but that’s just not the path I chose. Most competitors or athletes in this sport are full-time trainers, competition coaches, and fitness influencers with an entrepreneurial mindset. As for me, I went the corporate route as I’ve come to the conclusion that I do not have the patience to train others. So, I applaud trainers and coaches who thrive off what they do. Having a Fitness/corporate /modeling career can be overwhelming, but I feel it gives me structure while allowing my creativity to run free. Currently, it’s my corporate job that supplies my fitness career along with sponsorships, and I’m perfectly fine with that. Some of the lessons that I’ve learned along the way are that #1 Never give up on your dreams. There will be many times when you want to quit or just too tired to move, but #2 Consistency is key. Things don’t happen overnight. #3 Find things to keep you motived even if that means taking a break, giving your mind, body, and soul time to rest. #4 Telling myself “It is, Ok…” really helped me when making mistakes. You want to learn from your mistakes and move on. Do not dwell on them and bring them with you to your next task. #5 Reset your mind and attitude when starting new. If something didn’t go your way in the last task, which is most likely going to happen, #6 Expecting the unexpecting will help you adjust your thoughts before entering new tasks. To be honest, I want the world to know that I can do so much more than just bodybuilding. Though my social media is mostly about that, that’s just my brand to get myself out there. Now, I want everyone to know that I can, and I will do more. Just you wait and see!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I normally don’t go out, so I wouldn’t know exactly places. I’ll give a list of activities: 1. Movies 2. Bowling 3. Go Karting 4. Drive up to Austin and site see 5. Museum District 6. Find a unique hole in the wall location that plays live music 7. May go out to a very posh restaurant to dress up 8. Shopping at one of the many Outlet malls

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Since there is a list of people I want to S/O, I just want to shout out all my amazing friends who have literally pushed me out of my comfort zone and forbid me to have a complacent mindset. These are the individuals who have helped me reach limits that I have unknowingly placed on myself. I am forever grateful and only hope I do the same for them and others.

Instagram: @Otulefitness
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelotule/
Twitter: twitter.com/MOtule
Facebook: facebook.com/MikeOtule

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