Photo by Christine A. Chung

When Will Grape A. Chua, FLMI, ACS, became a financial advisor, he faced an uncomfortable truth. He was selling health-focused insurance products, yet his lifestyle didn’t reflect the values he was promoting. He was overweight, had low energy and there was a history of diabetes on his father’s side of the family. So, he asked himself: “How can I sell these health insurance products, especially to employees and businessmen, if I don’t look or feel healthy?”

Back then, the now seven-year MDRT member could eat up to 11 bowls of rice in one sitting and was fond of junk food and sweets. He was a regular at buffet-style restaurants and “would almost stay at one from breakfast to dinner in the past.” So, he began his fitness journey during the pandemic when most everything was shut down, including fitness gyms.

“I started following YouTube workouts and had to modify the exercises based on what I could manage, like with push-ups,” he said. “Some variations were too challenging initially, so I adjusted them to suit my ability. But as I got stronger, I gradually moved to more advanced versions. I even recorded myself doing these advanced push-ups and shared them on social media to inspire others.”

When the YouTube routines became repetitive and dull, he made his workouts dynamic and challenging by adding cardio through going up and down the stairwells of his condo and incorporating eccentric push-up variations. As society began to reopen five months later, he joined a gym and hired a personal trainer.

Also, rather than staying up until 2 a.m., he started going to sleep before midnight. Changing his sleep schedule enabled him to handle an 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule, which he previously could not do as he usually felt tired. Giving his body the chance to recover at night gave him the energy the next day to serve more than 200 clients, mostly business owners and professionals whose busy schedules and professional commitments demand that Chua have flexible hours.

“I’m able to engage more deeply with clients, participate actively in meetings and confidently tackle complex financial strategies,” he said. “When you care for your body, you also care for your mind. I’m more present and engaged in my work, and I approach challenges with a clearer mindset.”

After cutting rice from his diet for 10 months, he switched back but to whole grain black rice and only one bowl per meal. He doesn’t skip meals, eats regularly, rarely visits buffets and cooks meals when at home with healthier food.

“I’ve become more intentional with my food choices and have taken control of my diet through simple, sustainable changes,” he said.

Inspiring others

Chua’s colleagues and clients took note of his transformation. He became a sought-after speaker at company wellness programs to share his experiences and encourage others to embrace healthier habits.

“I am grateful for the speaking opportunities the company and my colleagues have given,” Chua said. “It allowed me to share that being fit isn’t just about appearance; it’s about feeling good and being capable of handling life’s challenges.”

With a healthier body and a stronger mindset, Chua has become more adventurous, taking on more activities that he once found challenging like sports, hiking and going on long walks during travels. “Before, I hesitated to try new things, but now I feel lighter, more confident and eager to explore.”

He posts his activities online and has inspired his clients to evaluate how they live and make improvements. “Many of my clients were motivated by my transformation. They’re making small changes in their routines to feel better too. I tell them one small step at a time.”

Long-term dedication

The journey to wellness is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring long-term commitment and dedication. He stays consistent with his cardio workouts by walking for two hours every night after work. “It’s a nonnegotiable part of my day, and I won’t feel content unless I check it off my to-do list,” he said.

Chua added that a lifestyle change is a continuous process, much like how lasting relationships are built with clients. “Wellness and client servicing require a longtime commitment. It doesn’t end after you achieve your goal or close the deal. It’s only the beginning. Showing up and making decisions that align with your aspirations, career objectives and clients’ goals are required.”

Chua’s healthy lifestyle has positioned him as a reliable and energetic advisor who is there for his clients when they need him the most.

“A financial advisor is not just about selling insurance but about being present and available for clients in the long run. Now that I have more than 200 clients and would meet them personally occasionally, having a strong and healthy body helps me address their needs with energy and focus. Since I can care for myself, I know I can better care for my clients,” he said.