Why step onto the track if you have not planned and prepared to win? In every endeavor that has a goal or prize attached to that goal, there is a definite set of requirements and steps to be taken to attain that goal and to claim the prize. Let me try to put into writing the steps that I feel are absolutely required for me, and by extension, all of us must take to win.
First, I have to be “inspired” to win. The inspiration must indelibly imprint itself on our person. It must generate a vision of what is possible. It has to cause us to be enthused (god breathed) with an overwhelming desire to get out there and “step onto the track” with a singleness of mind to be different from anybody else who is wanting the same goal. I call this step, “Getting a Belly Full of Want to.” Without this step goals are not so much goals but are really nothing more than fleeting dreams that will quickly disappear and will be placed back into the “bucket list” of items that we would like to experience but will never see the light of day for us. DECIDE! that what you want is worth every ounce of your effort.
Second, I have to move my “Inspiration” to paper. I’ve got to be able to articulate to myself and anybody else who asks the “What”, and the “Why” regarding this personally important goal. I, like you, experience the discouragement that comes so easily as I try to activate the thing we want. We will have others who will tell us that we should not do it for reasons that we do not understand. But, the naysayers are ever present and they must be dealt with. If attaining the goal is important then these unbelievers must be set aside, as graciously as possible. Having a clear and personal explanation written down will go a long way in this regard. Inability to put these concepts onto paper means that we cannot move forward to the next level. Frankly, if we try to advance without having been through this exercise will cause us to lose our way, and our motivation, and ultimately we will fail. The most important aspect of this paper drill is to bring the goal into sharp focus.
Thirdly, I have to write out very carefully the “How.” I must devise a plan or a strategy, which will provide the Way to the Top. To Achieve that which we have decided is “Worth it.” Because this is a living document, it will change many times along the way. It will morph into the precise plan that I/you will follow to the top. Leave nothing to chance. Overdo it and place into it every possible path, event, requirement, tributary that you can imagine. You can refine it down to exacting essentials as you learn what works and what doesn’t. This is no time to be humble. Nothing is fixed until I/you have validation that our stratagem is the best to win.
Fourth, is the “Activation” stage. It is now that I turn on the after burners. I execute my diet, my rest intervals between body part training, weight training becomes where muscles are punished to get them to grow (hypertrophy). Proper supplementation under the watchful eye of my Coach who monitors EVERYTHING from my weight, my lean body mass, my % Body Fat, Muscle Weight Gains etc. My posing routine must be worked out and perfected by regular grueling sessions with my Coach observing my every move, bend, flex, and transition. Nothing is left to chance.
Lastly, the “Actual Competition.” This is showtime and all the work that has gotten me this far is going to pay off. I keep my mind on the things that I have to do to perform at a “World Class” level. I am tan, my posing trunks are blue under my warm ups. I go back stage with the other competitors to warm up. I shake hands with many of my old friends and begin the process of getting ready to step on stage. Using I dumbbells I do several sets of alternate biceps curls. Next, I grab a barbell for a couple sets of squats for my legs. The whole time I am listening for my name and number and my division to be called to go onto stage. The moment when my group are called we are positioned at the foot of the stairs leading onto stage. When summoned we go up those stairs and we are face-to-face with an entire coliseum filled with screaming fans and onlookers. LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!
Glean from this article what you will to help you get to the goals and aspirations you choose.
This is our time! Do not fail yourself by doing anything “Halfheartedly.”
Nothing great in life is ever accomplished by HOLDING BACK!
Douglas E. Graham
Six Pack and Senior 
You do us proud Doug…then and now, it was great to reconnect and meet your beautiful wife Christine…the best partner in this…and every endeaver you shall partake in over the next years. As classmates from years when we were all trying to figure out who we are, it was a pleasure to see now at age 63 who we REALLY are. I know many of us, like other classes before or after us, have finally discovered who we really are and at the same time are happy where we’re at, no matter how hard the climb to find ourselves. It’s this, that makes us who we are in the end. Some of us still have many goals we wish to reach even at this age, but I must say that your goal..has influenced many of your classmates to strive to meet their own with more determination because of yours!! We know no matter what life brings as a challenge that it us possible to make and keep those goals..if we put our everything into it. Reading and listening to what drives you in this endeaver gives us all the motivation to push forward..no matter what!! Keep up the “drive” my friend..it makes us all aware that we need goals to attain no matter what our biological age is, and we wish you nothing but the best and we know you will do great things! P.S. Christine you rock!! I admire your drive and spirit ..what a role model for your husband! You bubble with enthusiasm for life… and in your support of your husbands dream..bless you!
LikeLike