The Reboot Project: Derrek's Experience

"Have you ever felt lost, like you’re meandering through life without a clear sense of purpose?”

For a long time, that was me. 

I reached a point where I was content, but I was also terrified to take risks. 

My routine became a cycle of comfort and complacency, and although I had settled into a lifestyle that seemed adequate, deep down, I knew something was missing.

Then, I stumbled upon the Reboot Project, a transformative program that offered help to veterans with their physical health, mental well-being, and nutrition, all culminating in an epic climb of a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado.

It all started with a social media post from my old First Sergeant, who mentioned that he was part of the Reboot Project. I thought, "If he’s involved, it’s got to be something awesome." Curious, I checked out the website and felt a strong urge to get involved. At first, my plan was just to volunteer and help however I could.

After I reached out, he connected me with Bryan, the founder of the project. We had a great chat about the program, and with every word, my excitement just kept building. I was really looking forward to helping this organization. But then, I asked Bryan what he needed from me. He hit me with a curveball: “For you to do the program.”

Panic set in. Thoughts raced through my mind: “I don’t need this” and “There’s no way I can commit to this for a whole year.” Bryan gave me a day to think it over, and honestly, I was super hesitant. Saying no seemed like the easier option. But after talking it over with my wife, who was confident in me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this is something I was meant to do.

Being introduced to the Intentional Change Theory was a revelation that reshaped my journey in the Reboot Project. This approach isn’t about small, surface-level adjustments; it’s about embracing a profound and purposeful transformation. The theory helped me envision the person I truly wanted to become, allowing me to create a clear picture of my “ideal self” and what I needed to change to reach that version. 

With guidance, I began to focus on intentional choices that aligned with this vision, moving away from routines that didn’t serve my growth and embracing a future with purpose and clarity. The process wasn’t always easy, but each intentional step brought me closer to a life that felt genuinely fulfilling, with every milestone providing a sense of accomplishment that continues to inspire me.

Over the next four months, I immersed myself in the Reboot Project plan. It required discipline—something I had struggled with in various aspects of my life. I was consistent with my workouts, and I committed to a nutrition plan that emphasized whole foods and having macro goals while curbing my cravings for processed snacks and sweets. All this while focusing on who I was as a person, how I got there, and then figuring out where I wanted to be. Additionally, I took a big step forward by enrolling in college, pursuing a degree that aligns with my new direction in life. Alongside this, I established five new life goals that give me clarity and intention, shaping my path and providing focus in every area of my life.

The first few weeks were tough. My first hurdle was hitting the gym. With two kids under the age of three, finding time to work out was a real challenge. To make it work, I began waking up at 4:30 AM four days a week to squeeze in my workouts before heading to the office.

Next up was my diet, which was in dire need of an overhaul. In the past, I had attempted to change my eating habits, but those changes never lasted more than a couple of weeks before I fell back into my old ways. To kickstart my journey, I committed to meal prepping all my meals for the first two weeks and ate the same thing every day. There were moments when the temptation was overwhelming—like when my family was enjoying a different meal and I had to leave the room to avoid the enticing smells. But I knew I had to break free from my unhealthy food habits.

The toughest challenge, however, was confronting the mediocrity I had settled into. I had lost my sense of direction and accepting that was difficult. To navigate this, I started journaling and made a conscious effort to be kinder to myself. I shifted my focus towards a more optimistic future and set clear, achievable goals to guide my path forward.

As I threw myself into a routine of discipline, something amazing started to happen; I began to rediscover who I really was. The more I focused on pushing my physical limits, the clearer my mind became. I realized that the purpose I had been searching for was right there in the small challenges I tackled every day. My sense of spirituality began to grow, and suddenly, all the distractions that used to pull me in different directions felt pointless. I could finally focus on what really mattered.

No longer was I simply passing time; I was training for something monumental. The thought of climbing a 14,000-foot mountain became my metaphorical summit. I began to visualize standing at the peak, looking back down at the journey that had led me there, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose that ignited a fire in my heart.

Finally, the day came when I was to climb the mountain—a moment I had both eagerly anticipated and dreaded. Standing at the base, looking up at the intimidating peak, I was flooded with a mix of exhilaration and fear. But I had trained for this; I was ready to face it head-on.

The climb was grueling. Each step was a reminder of the sacrifice, dedication, and discipline I had embraced. As I ascended, I reflected on my journey—the hours spent exercising, the doubts I overcame, and the sense of purpose I had discovered within myself.

Reaching the summit was indescribable. Standing atop that mountain, with the breathtaking view sprawling out before me, I felt as if I had conquered not just the physical terrain but the mental barriers that had restrained me for so long. It was in that moment, surrounded by the beauty of Colorado, that I truly understood the power of the Reboot Project: it wasn’t just about the climb; it was about reclaiming my life.

Looking back, the Reboot Project turned out to be way more than just a fitness program for me—it was a real journey toward discovering who I truly am. When I first started, I felt lost and was just searching for some direction and purpose. But now, I’ve come out the other side feeling stronger, both in body and mind. I’ve gained a confidence that spills over into every part of my life. I’ve dropped 30 pounds, become more purposeful with my faith and how I spend my time, and I have a clear vision of the person I want to be.

If you find yourself feeling stagnant or unsure about your path, I encourage you to take a leap of faith—step outside your comfort zone, discover the challenges that await, and embrace the journey of growth. Whether you seek to climb your own mountain or simply reclaim your life, remember you are stronger than you think, and with the right support, you can conquer anything."