Second chances. Second life.

Every week, Iron Cinema will connect you with Generation Iron director Vlad Yudin. Giving you unprecedented inside access to the creative process behind his upcoming film, CT Fletcher: My Magnificent Obsession. Get a first hand look at the entire journey of CT Fletcher to the big screen – from stories on set of films like Generation Iron and CT Fletcher all the way to exclusive behind-the-scene looks at our newest documentary. This week Vlad opens up about the concept of second chances and the great effect CT Fletcher’s heart operation had, not only on himself, but on anyone who hears his story.

When I first heard about CT Fletcher, his personality immediately enthralled me. However, what made me want to start making a film about his life is his story of a comeback after a very complicated open heart surgery.

Specifically, it was the idea of a second chance. Or rather, a second life. When you look back at early footage of CT Fletcher, back when he was powerlifting and winning awards, you might be surprised at what you see. A very different man from the one you know today.

His diet was different back then.  He would basically eat 2 Cheeseburgers with 4 French Fries, 2 desserts and a milk shake in every meal.  About 5 meals a day.  Because of his genetics and strength he was still able to become the top athlete in his sport of powerlifting.

CT Fletcher had a wake up call that changed his entire outlook on life. And it changed every decision he made moving forward. But what I find most inspiring about this aspect of his life is not the near death experience that CT went through. It’s the fact that he showed true change. The kind of change that most of us believe impossible as we move forward in life.

In the film – we, CT, and his family describe the operation and that dark period in their lives.  CT survived the operation and received the largest artificial valve implanted in his heart.  He lived…  However the recovery from this procedure was HELL. It took over a year and it cause the family tremendous pain and headache.  It was much easier for him to give up.  But CT made it.  He changed his life.  He found a new career and became bigger than ever. He did not give up and he made the change.

Any single one of us can make that change. Sometimes it’s just hard to see. Sometimes it takes a wake up call to shake us out of our comfort zone. But if this movie, and CT Fletcher’s story, is to reveal anything. It’s to learn from what CT has learned without needing that run-in with death. Without needing that shock.

Much like I discussed in last week’s I COMMAND YOU TO GROW post… we are the one’s in command of our own destiny. It might be quite a leap to create a brand new life. A second life. But it’s one that will ultimately bring us greater personal success in the long run.

It doesn’t matter what career or path you have in life.  Whether you are a filmmaker or a bodybuilder, we all face serious blocks in out paths.  Some more that others.  But when it’s all on the line, how will you handle it?  What and who will you put as your priority?  How will you move forward after you overcome it?  These are the fundamental questions that we face every single day.

When you finally watch CT FLETCHER: MY MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION next week –  Realize this is more than just the story of one man. It’s the story of all of us. And one that is worth holding onto.

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