As an aspiring bodybuilder in Birmingham, Dorian “the Shadow” Yates never thought he’d compete at the level of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee Haney, Frank Zane and other Mr Olympia winners. That attitude soon changed with success, winning Mr Olympia six consecutive times. His is a story of confidence, determination and belief that we can all learn from for anything that we do.

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Dorian Yates had his sights on becoming British Champion in bodybuilding. Little did he know he’d be placed among the greats such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee Haney, Frank Zane and other Mr Olympia muscle icons.

Dorian lived in the countryside, losing his father when he was quite young. He moved and grew up in Birmingham before his mum decided to leave and he wanted to stay, aged 16.

He got into a bit of trouble as a teenager and was sent to a detention centre, but it was here where he cemented his love for hard physical exercise.

Always wanted to gain new experiences and travel around the world. Since winning the Mr Olympia bodybuilding competitions six times, he’s done that and so much more.

Today he speaks at promotions, motivational appearances and seminars, explaining what his rise to success has taught him and how his approach has changed since retiring from bodybuilding.

Dorian Yates revolutionised bodybuilding by setting new standards in body mass and conditioning. He was the first Mr. Olympia at 250 lbs (265 lbs at his best), presenting an absolutely shredded physique with extremely low body fat and outstandingly high muscle density.

DY Nutrition is Dorian’s company, including the Shadow Line bodybuilding supplements thatprovide exceptional training performance, with Dorian leading by example through years of Mr. Olympia experience.

Dorian also hosts and runs high intensity training certification sessions for Master Trainers, to pass on his work ethic and methodology to personal trainers around the world. For more information visit http://dy-hit.com/

Episode highlights

How your basic personality is influenced by genetics as well as your environment, and how this leads to your level of drive and determination in anything you do.
The importance of staying humble, as Dorian Yates still lived in a council flat, sleeping on just a mattress, in Birmingham when he was British Champion in bodybuilding.
The difference between a body for competing and a body for functional day-to-day activities or enjoyment, and why the two are very different.
The benefit of tunnel vision when it comes to being the best in your field.
Why we need to get kids from every nation into sports and fitness to turn any potential negative energy into a positive result.
Breaking down your “Everest” goal into achievable sections so that you can take each one as it comes without anything seeming impossible. Before long you’ll be close to your long term target.
How to overcome uncertainty and remain confident, staying honest with yourself about what you can achieve and what you have to do to succeed.
Why you should do things that benefit your health, both physical and mental, instead of solely projecting what you want people to think of you – unless they’re one and the same.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Dorian Yates…

156. Building a business and life you love