The First Quarter: Turning twenty-five is a milestone, but the journey is so much more.

By Manish Rohith

"The First Quarter" by Manish Rohith is a compelling narrative that weaves together the personal realizations and experiences of a young man navigating the formative years of his life. Spanning the first 25 years, Manish's journey is one of introspection, growth, and self-discovery, offering readers a reflective look at the milestones that often

• Language: English
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Release date: May 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9781778058066

Manish Rohith

Manish Rohith is a storyteller at heart, a visual effects artist by profession, and a content creator by passion. Born and raised in India, his journey took a pivotal turn when he moved to Canada to pursue his postgraduate studies in Visual Effects, igniting a career that has seen him contribute to over 30 movies and TV shows, including critically acclaimed titles and box office hits. His work in the visual effects industry is not just a profession but a manifestation of his love for storytelling through the lens of technology and creativity.Beyond the realm of visual effects, Manish has carved out a space on YouTube, where he shares his insights, experiences, and passions with a growing community of followers. His channel is a reflection of his journey, offering a mix of educational content, personal vlogs, and deep dives into the world of visual effects and digital content creation. With nearly 5,000 subscribers, Manish has transformed his introverted nature into a strength, engaging with his audience through genuine and insightful content.Manish's journey is also marked by his commitment to personal development and self-improvement, themes that resonate deeply in his book, "The First Quarter." This book is a candid exploration of the lessons learned and wisdom gained as he navigated the complexities of adulthood, career challenges, and personal growth. Through his writing, Manish seeks to connect with readers on a journey of reflection, discovery, and empowerment.In addition to his professional accomplishments, Manish is a dedicated husband and a lifelong learner. His curiosity and quest for knowledge drive him to explore various interests, from the intricacies of the universe to the nuances of human behavior and the transformative power of mindfulness. Manish embodies the spirit of a modern Renaissance man, continually evolving and seeking to make a positive impact through his work, creativity, and life philosophy.As Manish looks forward to the next chapters of his life and career, he remains committed to sharing his journey, hoping to inspire and encourage others to embrace their unique paths and realize their potential. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the beauty of embracing one's true self, and the endless possibilities that life offers to those willing to explore, learn, and grow.

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The First Quarter

Turning twenty-five is a milestone, but the journey is so much more.

By Manish Rohith

The First Quarter

Turning twenty-five is a milestone, but the journey is so much more.

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2024 Manish Rohith | Axelloid Studios Inc.

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic or mechanical without the express written content of the publisher except in the case

of brief questions embodied in critical articles and reviews.

For any questions, queries and suggestions, email [e-mail]

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7780580-4-2

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-7780580-5-9

E-Book ISBN: 978-1-7780580-6-6

Imprint: Independently published

Cover design and Edited by Manish Rohith

To my Wife, Parents & Friends

This book wouldn’t have been possible without your contribution in my life.

Thank You.

Preface

First of all, enormous thanks for picking up this book. I’ve never been the writing type. Journals, diaries? Nope, not me. I lean more towards the visual side of things. But I discovered something powerful about books—their impact goes beyond just watching or listening. That realization hit me only when I started div- ing into reading myself.

Let me share my journey: I’m currently 28, happily married, and living in Canada with my amazing wife. The words you’re about to read were written by the 25-year-old me back in 2021. I’m a freelance visual effects artist and passionate content creator. My jour- ney led me to Canada in 2016, with dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to over 30 Hollywood projects. It’s been a thrilling adventure.

Why this book, though? And what’s in it for you?

The approach to my 25th birthday didn’t initially seem like a big deal. Still, as it loomed closer, it felt like a significant milestone that prompted severe self-reflec- tion. It made me ponder: What have I truly learned af- ter a quarter-century of life? The musings and realizations from that period of reflection are what you’ll find

in this book.

Now, here’s the intriguing part. I wrote all the content in this book when I was 25, but life got in the way, and I never published it. Fast forward three years, I stum- bled upon this treasure trove in my Google Drive and realized it was time to share these reflections with the world. I’ve chosen to keep the original voice and content intact because a lot has changed despite the three-year gap between 25 and 28. Yet, something is captivating about preserving the thoughts and insights from that specific time in my life.

This book isn’t about doling out advice; it’s a collection of experiences, thoughts, and realizations from my journey thus far. From health and relationships to career and personal growth, it’s all laid out here, raw and honest. It’s a chat between me and you—whether in your twenties, beyond, or somewhere between. Some might resonate, some might challenge your views, and some might make you curious to explore more.

As we dive into these pages together, consider this an invitation to join me on a journey of discovery and re- flection. This book is a shared experience, a look into the lessons that have shaped me, offered with the hope that they also speak to you.

So, here’s to the lessons we learn, the paths we choose, and the stories we have yet to write. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Welcome to The First Quarter! Let’s start this adventure, shall we?

Health

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. – Jim Rohn

Health is undeniably the cornerstone upon which we build the capacity to enjoy and engage in our lives to the fullest. Yet, ironically, it often falls to the wayside in the bustling lives of us younger folks. My thoughts invariably drift to my mom—the epitome of health consciousness.

Her daily mantras of Brush your teeth, Stay hydrated, and Focus on your meal were the soundtrack of my upbringing. Back then, these phrases seemed more like a relentless echo than wisdom. I couldn’t grasp the depth of care embedded in her persistent reminders. Little did I understand, those simple, repeated advisories were her way of instilling in me the foundations of a healthy life, lessons that would only reveal their actual value with time.

Realization 1

Fit is not a Fault

Growing up, I found myself wedged in an odd category that doesn’t often make the fitness headlines: skinny fat. On the outside, I appeared lean, but my body composition told a different story—a higher percentage of body fat than muscle, hidden beneath a slender frame. This realization hit me like a ton of bricks, challenging my understanding of what it truly means to be fit. As I understood, fitness isn’t just about the number on the scale or the shape of your body visible to the outside world. It’s about strength, endurance, and your body’s internal health.

This journey of realization didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual awakening to the fact that fitness transcends the aesthetic. It’s a crucial element of our overall health, impacting everything from how we feel to how we function daily. My path to embracing fitness has taught me that it’s far more than a destination or a checkbox for a six-pack. It’s a continuous journey that evolves with our needs, challenges, and understanding of our bodies. Through this chapter, I aim to dismantle the narrow perceptions of fitness and explore it as an ongoing, dynamic process—a vital component of living a healthy, balanced life.

Early Encounters with Fitness

My relationship with fitness was tenuous at best during my childhood and into early adulthood. Attempts at sports were half-hearted, driven more by the social aspect than any desire for physical excellence. My efforts at exercise were sporadic, needing more consistency and intensity. I perceived my body through a lens of indifference—aware of its shortcomings but resigned to the notion that being an athlete or fitness enthusiast is not for everyone. However, a growing fascination challenged this acceptance with a specific aesthetic ideal that seemed to dominate every media I consumed: the six-pack.

The dream of achieving a six-pack symbolized what I thought fitness was. Influenced by movie stars, athletes, and the insidious pressure of social media, I believed that this hallmark of physical prowess was desirable and essential for acceptance and self- worth. Peers at school and in social circles reinforced this idea, equating a sculpted abdomen with success and attractiveness. In my mind, fitness had a singular definition: visible abs.

This narrow vision of fitness as a destination—where you arrive once you’ve acquired the suitable physical markers—was limiting and flawed. It ignored the broader benefits of regular exercise and a balanced diet, focusing solely on the external without regard to the internal. While seemingly a worthy goal, the a six-pack dream was actually a red herring, diverting attention from the true essence of fitness: health, vitality, and well-being.

A Turning Point

The decision to enroll in the boot camp challenge was a leap of faith fueled by a mix of desperation and determination. After years of ambivalence towards fitness, the dream of achieving a six-pack felt attainable when I stumbled upon an Instagram ad for a free bootcamp challenge. The concept was simple yet daunting: meet your fitness goals in six weeks, and your enrollment fee gets refunded. Despite my initial skepticism and fear of failure, the allure of finally reaching my long-held dream overpowered any hesitations. It was the push I needed to commit, though I secretly doubted whether I could transform my body and habits quickly.

The regimen was grueling. High-intensity interval Training (HIIT) and boxing sessions four days a week, paired with a strict diet, left no room for the junk food I had mindlessly indulged in before. The discipline required was unlike anything I had experienced. Early mornings and late evenings became battlegrounds of willpower as I pushed through the physical exhaustion and mental barriers that threatened my progress. The emotional toll was significant; there were doubt, frustration, and near-defeat moments. Yet, with each

completed workout and each day of sticking to the diet, I found a resilience I didn’t know I possessed. Achieving the goal—seeing the six-pack structure begin to emerge in the mirror—was a profound moment of triumph. It wasn’t just about the physical transformation; it was a testament to the discipline, perseverance, and self-belief I had developed along the way. This achievement taught me that fitness is more than an aesthetic goal; it’s a commitment to oneself, a discipline that extends beyond the gym into every aspect of life. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, not just for reaching the goal but for surpassing my expectations of my capabilities. This journey redefined my relationship with fitness, turning it from a fleeting desire into a lifelong pursuit of health and strength.

The Realization

I was returning to India after the boot camp, which was supposed to be a well-deserved break, a chance to relax and enjoy time with family. However, this break inadvertently became a detour from the fitness path I had so rigorously carved for myself. The routines and disciplines I had adopted were gradually replaced by the comfort and indulgence of home-cooked meals and social gatherings where food played a central role. Exercise took a backseat to catch-ups and festivities, and without the structured regimen of the boot camp, my commitment to fitness began to wane. It was a subtle shift, initially unnoticed amid the joys of being home, but the consequences were soon apparent.

The shock came with the lockdown. Cut off from the normalcy of daily life and confined indoors, the lack of activity and the continuous indulgence in food led to a rapid rebound in weight. The realization hit hard; all the progress, discipline, and effort invested during the boot camp seemed to unravel in just a few months. Gaining over 22 lbs was a wake-up call, challenging my previous notion that achieving a fitness goal was a one-time task. This experience underscored a crucial lesson: fitness is not a destination but a continuous journey. It highlighted the importance of integrating fitness into daily life as a sustainable practice rather than viewing it as a temporary state to be achieved and forgotten. This break and the subsequent rebound were a stark reminder that fitness requires consistent effort, adaptability, and commitment beyond the confines of a structured challenge.

A Lifestyle Change

After the eye-opening experience of rebounding weight post-India visit, I faced a stark reality: fitness had to become more than just a phase; it needed to become my lifestyle. With this renewed perspective, I embarked on a self-initiated boot camp. This time, the challenge was starkly different—no trainers, peers, just me, my room, and the determination to reclaim my fitness. Adapting exercises to fit the confines of my living space and without the equipment I had become accustomed to required creativity and flexibility. I substituted gym equipment with household items, followed online workout sessions, and crafted a diet plan mirroring the discipline I had previously upheld. The process was physically and mentally challenging as self-motivation replaced external encouragement.

This second journey to weight loss, undertaken in the isolation of my room, was a profound learning experience. I realized that fitness is not a temporary state achieved through intense bursts of exercise but a lifestyle cultivated through daily choices and habits. Losing 20 lbs by the end of 2020 was a triumph of physical achievement and mental and emotional resilience. This journey profoundly influenced my approach to health and fitness, leading me to pursue a nutrition and weight loss certification. The idea was to deepen my understanding of fitness and equip myself to assist others in their journeys.

Gaining formal knowledge in nutrition underscored the importance of a holistic approach to fitness, intertwining diet, exercise, and mental health. This certification wasn’t just a personal milestone; it became a conduit through which I could share my learnings, inspire others, and promote a sustainable approach to health and fitness. It reaffirmed my belief that fitness is a continuous journey enriched by knowledge, discipline, and the support we extend to one another.

Addressing Societal Views

In today’s society, the YOLO (You Only Live Once) mentality often justifies neglecting long-term health for immediate gratification. While embracing life’s moments is vital, this attitude can sometimes lead to dismissing the importance of maintaining physical health. This perspective, combined with a contentious debate on body positivity, complicates the narrative around fitness. While it’s crucial to combat body shaming and encourage self-love at every size, there’s a fine line between promoting confidence and inadvertently overlooking the health risks associated with obesity or an inactive lifestyle.

Advocating for a balanced approach to fitness and body image is essential. Fitness should not be synonymous with unattainable body standards but with a healthy state, allowing individuals to lead their entire lives. From personal experience, transitioning to a healthier lifestyle was transformative physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s about finding a sustainable path to wellness that respects the body’s needs and embraces moderation. Promoting a healthy lifestyle entails encouraging physical activity and nutritious eating, not as a means to an aesthetic end but as foundational practices for long-term