Christine and I worked closely together this morning starting at 5:30 AM at Golds Gym. Coach has given me/us new abdominal and leg training exercises. Our effort at first was awkward and unsatisfying, but by the time we finished the abs we felt like “old hands” at them. Then, we moved on to our leg workout and trust me! We both have pains in our thighs that we have not experienced in a long, long, long time.
You see, we work very hard and we have gotten some phenomenal results. However, in order to break the cycle of comfort and to move up to the next level, we have to be adaptable and willing to try new things —- even if they hurt. We have committed
ourselves to do what’s necessary to change what’s comfortable, adjust our expectations over the short term, raise our vision to the reward that’s over the horizon. Coach has nudged us in a new direction that he is confident will take us to our goals. Now, each workout, each meal, each new supplement, each new night of sleep is arranged with the ultimate goal in mind. To repeat what Stephen Covey said, “Begin with the goal in mind.” You must understand that we have never forgotten the goal. What’s different is our willingness to trust the Coach and his “Plan” to get us to the goal. For the first time since my high school days, I am totally surrendered to the will of the Coach without question….I’m all in!
So it is for all of us! We can truly like what we are doing but if we do not see the end point we are just spinning our wheels. The goals we set and the “Plan” we adopt must be trusted and our entire being must be thrown into the execution of the “Plan.” Nothing else will do.
As I’ve said before. My bodybuilding is my world within which I will win. You may have other goals that are worthy of your highest attention, e.g. Family relationships, money, adventure, some other sports endeavor, cars, pets, or kids. Each of these has goals that belong only to our own hearts. They are worth of every bit of effort. Attaining the goal may have many different approaches. Think about it and select the one methodology or modality that will get you there. Never give up! Adapt and Press on! You will get there and you will be the richer for having made the journey.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the Reunion this month in Mason City, Iowa. Christine and I want to “raise the roof.”
Douglas E. Graham
Six Pack and Senior 