Starting to work out: Creatine?

[Strid]

So, I need confidence. I agree with this. I won't be successful if I'm not. Now confidence is something everyone wants. I'm not unconfident by choice. If gaining confidence was just a mental light switch away, you can believe I would switch it. If I'm going to get confident, I need a trigger. Aside from looking better, I don't know what to do. Confidence won't spring forth from a void, as far as I know.

I admit I'm the kind of guy you meet who's looking down at his shoes and scratching the back of his head while talking to you. This won't do. If I make a conscious effort to look a person in the eyes while talking, they tend to look away. In other words, when I'm not being me (cowing my head), I feel like I'm freaking people out. So, I'll work on it.

EDIT: Thursday, I'll go to the bar and see if I can't just say hi to some stranger. If it happens, that'll be a first. Every friend, no exaggeration, that I have, either made the initiative and came to me, or was thrust upon me by fate, such as a coworker or classmate. Not once in my life, and it's weird even thinking about it now, have I ever initiated a friendship voluntarily. That I have a good handful of friends in life is a testament to people being good in general, and not to any good in me.

If you follow some of the things I told you, it'll really feel like a switch flick. Focus on improvin' the things that make you look at your shoes and scratch the back of the head, let fixin' those be your trigger. The best way to go about that is to look people in the eye and don't care what they think when they look away, you're probably readin' to much into it in the first place.

However, lookin' someone in the eyes while you speak is more of a relative term. Don't stare at them like they're a freak, fixated on their eyes. Just give them a glance once in a while, basically, show attention to them and show them you respect yourself by not lookin' all shy and worried about carryin' a conversation. Do what feels nature, lookin' at the floor aside. It's really a sign of disrespect to look down while talkin' to someone. Honestly I make it a point not to stand face to face when carryin' on a conversation, it's much easier for me to be side to side, in a friendly manner that isn't work related. That way you can look ahead or around and every once in a while glance at them to show your attentiveness. There are lots of little tricks and the more you find, the better off you'll be.

To me it sounds like your first step needs to be this; love yourself. Everyone has a crummy spot in their history of bein'. You need to be happy with YOURSELF first and that doesn't mean you need to be happy with your life in general but happy with who you are and what you do. There is no need to feel discouraged with your current situation once you choose to fix it, like you have. Start a fresh new page, as silly as it sounds, and from then on forget about the old you and focus on the new exclusively.

Another little trick, especially if you're headed to a bar, is to at least pretend to like sports even if you don't. After high school I stopped watchin' and carin' about sports. However, I found it way to easy to go to a bar and begin' a conversation over a sport bein' played over the T.V. When I noticed this I started payin' more attention to sports again. Sports is a very, very good common ground for a lot of people. Start with a simple sport chat to show them you're approachable and open for conversation then let it go from their.

Also, some bar tips for Thursday: Don't ever just say "Hi" to someone when you're tryin' to stir up a conversation, it's to simple to disregard. My openin' line is always somethin' to try to get a conversation goin', like "How's it goin'" or "What's good with ya today" that'll usually at least get more than a nod and often times somethin' to go off of. I rarely introduce myself either, don't go in there lookin' or expectin' to make a friend for longer than they're goin' to be there or you are. Pay attention to what people are doin' and wearin' too, those are easy targets. Nine times out of ten I can walk into a bar out here where someone will be readin', wearin' a sports item, or somethin' to get an easy conversation from. Also, carry a lighter, even if you don't smoke. That little bit there has done more for me than anything, especially with silly women who don't smoke unless they drink. Also, chattin' it up with the bartender is a median to chattin' with the entire bar, do ittttt.

Anyway, with all the input you've gotten this week you're probably overloaded with stuff you feel you need to do. Don't worry about it, just work on discardin' your nerves and everything will probably just come natural. Don't walk into the bar lookin' to be the high-life, just go and try to start a chat, even if you don't get a chat out of the night, at least leave there able to say you tried and hopefully don't let it get to you, that'll be the first sign of discardin' your nerves.

 

[Linhjah]

I have a goal in mind. This goal is twofold: not being single, and being happy not being single. Now it's fair to say I've been trying things my way for a while, obviously. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing multiple times and expecting different results. Something has to change. I can't change others - only myself.

It has been my experience (and I've also known people who shared that experience) that the best relationships begin when you're happy being single first and not looking for a relationship. When you want a relationship, a lot of people tend to compromise on issues they shouldn't just so they can be in the relationship. Its kind of like what happens when you go grocery shopping while you're still hungry.

So, I need confidence. I agree with this. I won't be successful if I'm not. Now confidence is something everyone wants. I'm not unconfident by choice. If gaining confidence was just a mental light switch away, you can believe I would switch it. If I'm going to get confident, I need a trigger. Aside from looking better, I don't know what to do. Confidence won't spring forth from a void, as far as I know.

You have to recognize you have some good traits. I don't know you hardly, but you seem like you are a pretty smart fellow. I've seen posts where you've been insightful and you express yourself pretty well. If you can do it on a forum, and I bet you can do it with friends and family, you can do it with strangers, including girls. Don't try to be something you're not.

I admit I'm the kind of guy you meet who's looking down at his shoes and scratching the back of his head while talking to you. This won't do. If I make a conscious effort to look a person in the eyes while talking, they tend to look away. In other words, when I'm not being me (cowing my head), I feel like I'm freaking people out. So, I'll work on it.

You don't want to stare, but periodic eye contact is good. But, when you're not making the eye contact, look up. Look at something else around the room, not down at your shoes.

EDIT: Thursday, I'll go to the bar and see if I can't just say hi to some stranger. If it happens, that'll be a first. Every friend, no exaggeration, that I have, either made the initiative and came to me, or was thrust upon me by fate, such as a coworker or classmate. Not once in my life, and it's weird even thinking about it now, have I ever initiated a friendship voluntarily. That I have a good handful of friends in life is a testament to people being good in general, and not to any good in me.

Just saying "Hi," its really east to get brushed off. If someone were to say "Hi," to me, I'd just say "Hi," back and keep going. But be careful what your opener is - it should be attention getting, but not overboard. Telling me that your buddy who is there with you stole a bike from a 6 year old is attention getting, but off putting. Same with telling me you were in a hospital for pretty much any reason, or any bodily function. Lying is also not a good way to open a conversation. A lot of guys who don't like much about themselves or don't feel like they're very interesting tend to lie at first, but you're just setting yourself up for failure in the long run if you do that.

Honestly I make it a point not to stand face to face when carryin' on a conversation, it's much easier for me to be side to side, in a friendly manner that isn't work related. That way you can look ahead or around and every once in a while glance at them to show your attentiveness. There are lots of little tricks and the more you find, the better off you'll be.

Good advice ^^

Another little trick, especially if you're headed to a bar, is to at least pretend to like sports even if you don't. After high school I stopped watchin' and carin' about sports. However, I found it way to easy to go to a bar and begin' a conversation over a sport bein' played over the T.V. When I noticed this I started payin' more attention to sports again. Sports is a very, very good common ground for a lot of people. Start with a simple sport chat to show them you're approachable and open for conversation then let it go from their.

It is a good common ground. Music is another (but generally not really obscure shit). (Unfortunately, video games won't be for a lot of girls, but those girls are lame anyway.) Current events, both local and national. All good conversation pieces.

Also, some bar tips for Thursday: Don't ever just say "Hi" to someone when you're tryin' to stir up a conversation, it's to simple to disregard. My openin' line is always somethin' to try to get a conversation goin', like "How's it goin'" or "What's good with ya today" that'll usually at least get more than a nod and often times somethin' to go off of. I rarely introduce myself either, don't go in there lookin' or expectin' to make a friend for longer than they're goin' to be there or you are. Pay attention to what people are doin' and wearin' too, those are easy targets. Nine times out of ten I can walk into a bar out here where someone will be readin', wearin' a sports item, or somethin' to get an easy conversation from. Also, carry a lighter, even if you don't smoke. That little bit there has done more for me than anything, especially with silly women who don't smoke unless they drink.

Also good advice, though I don't really like the "How's it going" stuff. I tend to reply, "Good". And then just keep on walking. The rest is solid tho, IMO.

Also, chattin' it up with the bartender is a median to chattin' with the entire bar, do ittttt.

Its easy to start a conversation with the bartender because they'll be friendly and engaging because they're trying to get a tip, but be careful not to park it there all night. If you monopolize their time, it can prevent them from talking as much to other people, which can negatively impact their tips. And that doesn't look good for you. And tip them well. Other people will come and talk to the bartender to order drinks or whatever, and talking about what drink they're getting is a good conversation piece. Make fun of girls who get girly drinks. Being mean (but not too mean) while filrting helps the girl understand that you recognize she's human and you can function without her (which are very important for most girls).

Also, its sooooooooo much harder when you're solo. Taking a friend or two can help your comfort level and confidence, but be careful to avoid the "I'm just gonna talk to my buddy all night" trap.

Also, I dedicate this song to you, Pomp. I find it appropriate.

 

[Pompidou]

I'm going to regret this post in the morning. Thank god that Macs have a built in spell checker. I went to the bar as planned. It was a failure. The bartender asked if I'd ever been there before, and I said well, one time - this is my second. I said I'm here to meet people. I'm horrible at chatting to people. I certainly can't do it sober. So, I get flagged over. It's a gay guy. Not what I was there for, no offense. I chatted to be polite, but the women were largely ignoring me. I did do some small talk but to no avail. At least I'm getting used to rejection. If this post is stupid in any way, please forgive me. I can hardly see straight. I fell into my room. This isn't the Pompidou you know. I kept trying to get social, believe me. I was too shy... Too shy after one drink... Too shy after two... Seven later, and now I can't walk. I'll try again some other time. Confidence... You don't get it from alcohol. I'm so damned embarrassed. I'll try again some other time. You'd think making small talk would be easy, but it scares me. LOL what the hell... I did make small talk, but it was stupid small talk about the evenness of a girl's bar stool after she brought it up. LOL. What a failure.

 

[Linhjah]

I'm going to regret this post in the morning. Thank god that Macs have a built in spell checker. I went to the bar as planned. It was a failure. The bartender asked if I'd ever been there before, and I said well, one time - this is my second. I said I'm here to meet people. I'm horrible at chatting to people. I certainly can't do it sober. So, I get flagged over. It's a gay guy. Not what I was there for, no offense. I chatted to be polite, but the women were largely ignoring me. I did do some small talk but to no avail. At least I'm getting used to rejection. If this post is stupid in any way, please forgive me. I can hardly see straight. I fell into my room. This isn't the Pompidou you know. I kept trying to get social, believe me. I was too shy... Too shy after one drink... Too shy after two... Seven later, and now I can't walk. I'll try again some other time. Confidence... You don't get it from alcohol. I'm so damned embarrassed. I'll try again some other time. You'd think making small talk would be easy, but it scares me. LOL what the hell... I did make small talk, but it was stupid small talk about the evenness of a girl's bar stool after she brought it up. LOL. What a failure.

Aw, poor Pomp. ><; Anytime a girl engages you in conversation, even if its only about her barstool, that is a good thing.

 

[mysticalone]

I'll trust real people here more than professionals on specialty fitness sites. Good results? Bad results?

thats your first mistake.

2. i didnt bother reading past your op.
3. creatine will fuck you up long term, trust me i have seen it i am a paramedic.
those wheelchair patients i saw regret it to this day.
4. go natural. healthy diet, plenty of rest after workout. protien is good.

 

[Sneakypants]

thats your first mistake.

I'd say it was location, location, location.
Bar flies (generally speaking) aren't what you're looking for anyway. Sure you can happen to find someone great in a bar. But you hardly ever find someone good for you when you're looking, especially at a bar.

You tried though, man, and being the person you are, I'm sure that was a valuable experience. It sounds like you're looking to put your best foot forward, and that will pay off for you in the long run.

 

[Pompidou]

thats your first mistake.

2. i didnt bother reading past your op.
3. creatine will fuck you up long term, trust me i have seen it i am a paramedic.
those wheelchair patients i saw regret it to this day.
4. go natural. healthy diet, plenty of rest after workout. protien is good.

It apparently wasn't a mistake at all. Read what the pros have to say with a quick Google search on the subject. They love it like they love their steroids. Many are beholden to sponsors. I came to QCDN with this question because I'm certain most of you aren't. "Creatine will fuck you up long term." I wouldn't hear that from fitness pros. They down the stuff like there's no tomorrow. QCDN isn't always perfect, but when you get past FFXI drama, it's typically well meaning and honest. I would've used creatine had I not made this thread. I'm glad I made that first mistake.

 

[Sneakypants]

Fitness professionals won't down creatine like there is no tomorrow. Body builders will. There's a massive difference. Body building isn't about fitness. Hardly at all. In fact they do things besides oversupplementing that are terrible for the body just to achieve a certain look. That sport isn't about fitness. It's about sculpting above all else.

If a fitness pro uses supplements, firstly they have chosen a high quality source...Hopefully. Secondly, they won't oversupplement, and they will take appropriate time off, perhaps cleansing between cycles. I wouldn't say using creatine is a mistake at all, not when it is used properly and responsibly. A large problem with it is misuse or overreliance, yet it is the product that gets the bad rap. It's like anything else where "user error" cited as the majority of the root causes. A little education goes a long way, even when regarding those that are too proud to admit their mistakes.

 

[Pompidou]

I'm going to try again tonight and tomorrow. Once I hit rock bottom, I'll be all set. Then I can only go up. Let people beat me down till it doesn't phase me anymore. Three people ruined my night last night. Let's shoot for six. I used to avoid unpleasantries. Now I'm seeking them out and running into them headfirst. This time I know I won't get bolder with drinks. It works for some people. It didn't work for me. Can try new things tonight. I hope I come back with a horror story. It means I did something right. People hate my self deprecating humor. With any luck, it won't be a joke anymore. I'll post again tonight I'm sure. Who knows, maybe something good will happen.

EDIT: Well, that was actually good. Caught up with a few people from way back in school. I'm flattered. They waved me out of my solo bar stool, and it was a good time. Got some new friends I didn't think I had. Hopefully tomorrow pays off the same.

 

[Strid]

Referin' to your post when you were shitty, don't ever tell anyone you're somewhere to meet people. You shouldn't go there to meet people, you're goin' there to cast aside those shitty fears you got and if you happen to meet people, then lucky you. You're night wasn't a failure, obviously, as now you're not afraid of unpleasantness. That's another thing I told you, you needed to buck up to. When you go somewhere solo, you need to be in the mind set that you don't need anyone else but their company is welcome. Anyway, definitely a success from my point of view, no matter how you felt about it. Take even the tiniest bit of improvement as a success man, eventually it'll all add up.

Also, gay guys are awesome to meet women around and awesome for fillin' a unique friendship role that for some reason only they can do. If you want women advice, you'd be hard pressed to find a better friend for that, imo, than a gay man. With that bein' said, you gotta watch out for those crazy jawed ones though, they ain't all good.

And now on the latter; self-depreciatin' humor is not funny, it's sad and garners the laugh of pity. Don't be that guy, don't ever talk down on yourself. If you fuck up, then yeah, it's cool, make a joke, but don't go on about how pitiful you may be or lack of this, that, and the other. When you approach new people, you're everything you want to be and have a ten inch dong too boot, remember that, they don't know the old you nor need to know him.

As far as gettin' shitty and thinkin' it'll open up a time warp to confidence, as you saw, that doesn't work. It'll helps dissipate care, but it only takes a little bit to do that. Start your night with a single, heavy shot, poundin' beers wont do you any good as you'll be to damn sloppy to do anything right at that point. When you're at your limit, you need to take off, even if you haven't done a single thing to help your progress, anything further is bad news, for your cause anyway. You never want anyone other than your friends to see you like that because it has a negative impact on what people see of you. Unless of course you're the guy who'll break out in dance when you hear Michael Jackson's "Thriller" over the speakers.

Anyway, with all that bein' said, remember what I told you initially, even failure is good. Seems you already see that payin' off. However, you're lookin' down on yourself for it, don't, you've made progress. When you're fully careless about headin' headfirst into uncomfortable situations, you'll loose those butterflies when it comes time to try to pick up an ol' lady. While you're doin' this shitty part of your self-progression, try to keep yourself comfortable in uncomfortable situations. You know, "woooosaaaahhhh".

 

[Sanoske]

I'd say it was location, location, location.
Bar flies (generally speaking) aren't what you're looking for anyway. Sure you can happen to find someone great in a bar. But you hardly ever find someone good for you when you're looking, especially at a bar.

This, a thousand times this.

I'm glad to heard your second time around went better. Hitting a bar solo is tough, and it takes some serious cajones to do that. I'm an outgoing guy, sometimes overly so, and I probably wouldn't hit a bar solo. Kudos to you.

I would give you advice to do so and so... but it's all up to you. What works for me or someone else, may not work for you. Which is good, because developing your own style will be best in the end.

Honestly, I think you've already gotten past the hardest part, which is simply getting out there. Now it's just allowing your voice to be heard. Constant push yourself outside the norm. If you are always throwing yourself in situations that are outside of your comfort zone, in time uncomfortable won't even phase you.

When you approach new people, you're everything you want to be and have a ten inch dong too boot, remember that, they don't know the old you nor need to know him.

This man knows what's up.

Unless of course you're the guy who'll break out in dance when you hear Michael Jackson's "Thriller" over the speakers.

Yea... I'm that guy. =/

 

[Pompidou]

Location, location, location. That's what I say as I plan the cafe I'm opening. I wonder: where else is there for very regular socializing? My theory in choosing this social bar is that it's where the people are. Go to a library for books. Go to a theater for movies. Go to the social place for people. Granted, I don't play pool or darts, I don't sing karaoke, and I don't dance, but what can you do? Yesterday was good, but really, it was almost cheating. I met up with people I went to high school with, and they totally saved my evening. When they flagged me over, I was just sitting at the bar alone. I'm probably not going out tonight. Monday I start going to the gym after work. I'm thinking Saturdays will be my social effort night in the future, and any fridays where my coworker friends cancel out on me. Fridays will be particularly busy, as I won't be going to the gym till after I go with my friends. Thankfully, this is a 24hour gym - the sole reason I chose it. I needed a gym I can go to after work, because if I exhaust myself before work, my productivity will go down, and if I lose my job, I won't have the gym either.

 

[Sanoske]

It's not really cheating, as they could've just ignored you. They called you over though. Keep going out with those friends from high school, assuming you had a good time with them. If nothing else, it's a doorway to becoming more comfortable at that spot and possibly meeting new people through them.

 

[Linhjah]

Take a friend or two with you and just go somewhere you can have a good time. Girls will be more attracted to a guy who looks like he's having a good time. If you're just hanging out by yourself, its possible that you may be viewed as that cool, aloof, mysterious kinda guy, but its also possible you could look like a loser or - even worse - some stalker or sexual predator.

Plus, if you're doing an activity you enjoy and you meet a chick there, you already have something in common to talk about, and you know that - if a relationship did work out - you'll have an activity you know you can enjoy together.

Besides, most of the chicks you pick up at a club would just really be one night stand material, take it from me. A girl.

 

[Strid]

Yea... I'm that guy. =/

No reason to "=/" about that. At least in my opinion. Reason I brought that up is because one night I was out with some friends and man I got trashed. I hear "Thriller" take off and I'm sittin' on a stool and my knee and shoulder just takes off pumpin' it. My buddy looks down and dies out laughin' and told me to fuckin' bust one right there in the floor, I obliged. Before I knew it everyone was dancin', free drinks poored in, and the night as even better than it already was. Sometimes you act a fool and get played like one and sometimes you act a fool and become a high-life, good times and luck.

 

[Lukas]

Location, location, location. That's what I say as I plan the cafe I'm opening. I wonder: where else is there for very regular socializing? My theory in choosing this social bar is that it's where the people are. Go to a library for books. Go to a theater for movies. Go to the social place for people. Granted, I don't play pool or darts, I don't sing karaoke, and I don't dance, but what can you do? Yesterday was good, but really, it was almost cheating. I met up with people I went to high school with, and they totally saved my evening. When they flagged me over, I was just sitting at the bar alone. I'm probably not going out tonight. Monday I start going to the gym after work. I'm thinking Saturdays will be my social effort night in the future, and any fridays where my coworker friends cancel out on me. Fridays will be particularly busy, as I won't be going to the gym till after I go with my friends. Thankfully, this is a 24hour gym - the sole reason I chose it. I needed a gym I can go to after work, because if I exhaust myself before work, my productivity will go down, and if I lose my job, I won't have the gym either.

I think you're going about this the wrong way, Pomp. Socialising isn't something you really schedule or go to any specific place for. It's something you do organically, just about everywhere. I know that you're working to improve yourself, but with this particular aspect I think you need to approach it all in a less systematic way (unlike your body, diet, job etc.)

Let's start from the ground up. Are you going to bars because you genuinely enjoy going? It seems to me that from what you've shared, you don't and you're merely going because that's just where "everyone" goes to be social. Don't think that way, because it's not true. Ask yourself: "what do I enjoy doing?" - and go and do whatever that is. You'll find it much easier because a. You'll be at ease where you are, and b. you're more likely to find people with common interests. All I'm saying is that you don't have to transform yourself into a bar fly in order to meet people. Actually I always thought bars and clubs were better for getting to know someone more, not meeting them for the first time (particularly if we're talking about long term friendships/relationships).

As an example: when I'm back home during uni semester I go jogging every morning through the park near my apartment. I love jogging, it's a nice park, I'm outdoors, there are plenty of people around and I met some new friends there merely by chatting. Of course, I didn't become instant buddies with every person I ran into. Most of the time it was just a quick "Buen Dia" and I was on my way. Sometimes it was more - you see the same person a few times and you introduce yourself, or you see some guy on a cool scooter and you tell him that's an awesome scooter and end up talking about Vespas.

My advice to you, echoes advice given earlier in the thread: love yourself first. Everyone has insecurities and flaws; do your own thing and believe that you are worthy of everything you have and want in life without worrying about what other people may or may not think. If you can learn to just be (I know that sounds like transcendental bullshit, but it's true) - then you will "meet people" just about everywhere.

...and hey if you then meet a cute girl, you can tell her you know of a great bar where you can go for drinks

 

[Pompidou]

Well, I don't like myself, so hopefully that changes, so that I can, and then everything will be just swell. Once I start my cafe, get my own place, get a new vehicle, get some muscles, and get a lady, (in no particular order), then my life will be complete and I'll like myself. For better or worse, at least it's down to a checklist, and once I get a better job, all the rest will fall into place. Can't get anything else on the list without solid income. Money buys happiness despite what any song might tell you.

EDIT: And in other news, I missed the gym registration period because I didn't change my clocks, lol. This is a 24 hour gym with 6 locations, and the owner/registrar is only at a given location for a period of 20 mins on set days. So, my next available registration is this wednesday. Not a big deal. Ease into working out this week with a half week, and go full bore next week.

 

[masterorion]

i started reading, skipped all pages after page 1, so dont burn me at the stake if i miss something.

first of all, good for you for deciding to physically improve yourself. however, dont do it for others. do it for yourself. it sounds as if your getting "buff" for the chicks. just my personal opinion. but it looks as if thats why your doing it. if so, thats fine too. last summer, i started doing something similar. but it was for my personal benefit. i could care less what others think of me. if they dont like the way i look, fuck em. those type of chicks are shallow anyhow and the kind id prefer to stay away from because they are usually stuck on themselves. anywho...

for supplements, i dont use anything. whey and creatine have their ups and downs, but personally, id rather just use heavier weights and gain size that way. you dont necessarily have to use supplements to get bigger. they help boost. but you really have to be a hardcore lifter to benefit from either. for protein, id rather use tuna in a can.
as bad as it may sound, you can also eat alot, but dont eat alot of bad. put some meat on your bones but at the same time use the gym to build it to muscle.

when i started, i was about 215 at 5'11. it wasnt a lean 215 but not a fat 215 either. i wanted to change that for sure. not to mention, drastically improve over the strength i had. i got beat in arm wrestling by a kid at least 10 years younger and hes fit and everything, but definately not a big kid that should have beat me. beat me pretty easily too. i arm wrestled him again a month or so ago. beat him without really putting any strain.
first week of working out, my benching weight was around 150. well under my weight. last time i went to the gym, i put up 320.

for anything in the gym to work, you have to be consistent, willing to push yourself, and have motivation.

as far as the bar scene goes...bars really arent the best place in the world to go to meet people.it works, but you have to be careful of the ones you find. that person could be a huge lush that do nothing but go to the bar.

one last thing, get a before picture of yourself, write down your body stats before hand so that you may compare yourself later down the road. it will be a motivation boost when you see a difference

 

[Linhjah]

Well, I don't like myself, so hopefully that changes, so that I can, and then everything will be just swell. Once I start my cafe, get my own place, get a new vehicle, get some muscles, and get a lady, (in no particular order), then my life will be complete and I'll like myself. For better or worse, at least it's down to a checklist, and once I get a better job, all the rest will fall into place. Can't get anything else on the list without solid income. Money buys happiness despite what any song might tell you.

EDIT: And in other news, I missed the gym registration period because I didn't change my clocks, lol. This is a 24 hour gym with 6 locations, and the owner/registrar is only at a given location for a period of 20 mins on set days. So, my next available registration is this wednesday. Not a big deal. Ease into working out this week with a half week, and go full bore next week.

Yeah, yeah, yeah... Its Aerosmith, but its still true.

Life's a journey, not a destination.

Your life will not be complete when you get those things. The grass is always greener mentality really won't make you happy. There will always be more stuff to get, more people to meet, more success to achieve. Fact is there is no magical item or person or accomplishment that will give you the self satisfaction you're looking for. It sucks, but its true, and the sooner you can accept it, the closer you will really be to being happy. With life and yourself.

If you're so focused on the things you're working toward - the things you don't have (yet) - chances are you're missing out on some potentially really good shit that is going on right now. I'm not saying you should stop thinking about those things, but maybe change your outlook on them a bit. And start looking for things in your life right now that are good. Build on those things and enjoy them.

Money absolutely does not buy happiness. Money buys crap, most of which you really don't need. Happiness has everything to do with your attitude. Money can make it easier to have a positive attitude. Getting stressed out about not being able to pay your rent is definately not a happy situation, but if you soak yourself in negativity about how bad off you are, you may miss the opportunity to make things better.

You say you don't like yourself. Surely there is at least one thing you like. I think you will be happier overall if you focus on the things you DO like about yourself (even if its just one thing) than all the things you don't like.

 

[Darkdante]

Creatine works if you use it right.

Before you use creatine you need to make sure your getting enough protein. Something cheap that taste good like Muscle milk usually works pretty good. Then I'd say take something like BCAA tablets, then Glutamine and Arginine.

If your doing all of that then I'd say take creatine, and only if your willing to drink a shit load of water while you do. Otherwise your pretty much wasting it. You take it with a sugary drink and load up in a loading phase. By shit load of water I mean I've seen guys carry around a milk gallon around filled with water and drinking it all day to make sure they drink enough. Without enough water you could end up feeling sick all day, or having no results what-so-ever.

And most importantly don't drink alcohol when you take creatine. If you can't quit alcohol there is really no sense to even take creatine.