All of us knows instinctively that something is “good” whether it be food, sleep, relaxation with our favorite girl, or food as examples. However, when we select something that is “good” we often do not consider whether there was an option to select something that is “better.” In fact, most do not even place “better” on the scope of possibilities. Selecting the “good” items or activities are nothing more than taking a path of least resistance. There is nothing morally wrong with choosing things that are “good” because that’s why we chose them in the first place — because they were “good.”
Considering the “better” choices requires a conscious effort to slow down and think. To examine the consequences and rewards associated with choosing “better” over the “good”. This little exercise is tough and sometimes very time consuming.
Now, let me explain things within the context of bodybuilding to illustrate my point. First, bodybuilding is not like going onto Capital Hill in Washington, DC and expecting to be turned into a Politician simply because I visited the Capital. The same is true in bodybuilding. Many people talk about spending 1-2 hours in the gym each day but there bodies never seem to change. Why is this true? Because as “good” as getting to the gym is, it cannot substitute for investing effort to get better and to look better and to get stronger while in the gym.
Many people self-eliminate from excellence in bodybuilding by mastering excuses. It’s too hard. I have a job. I have children. I don’t know how. The list is endless. They stick to routines that they have used for years —unsuccessfully. Their routines are “good” but they have decided to limit their progress to Average or a little less by not choosing that which is “better” for them.
I have a saying that my wife has picked up on. “Now that we are “good” let’s now push on to “greatness.” Christine, has taken this little quip to heart. Her training is relentless and we both are reaping the benefits of such effort. Arnold Schwarzenegger used to say, “Why do I want to be like everybody else? How is that going to make me better than everybody else if I an content to be like everybody else.” Arnold chose to be “better” rather than settle for just being “good.”
This whole diatribe is written to get us to lift our goals to new heights and not settle for a little improvement. Being “good” is greatly desirable and many they be that settle for being “good.” Being “better” kicks you out of your comfort zone. Pain combined with psychological and ego risk will be the order of the day as you advance toward your stated goal. The ultimate risk is that we might fail.
I say, push on to greatness by not settling for that which is easy, predictable, and “good.”
REMEMBER!!! Nothing was ever accomplished by holding back. We need heroes.
THIS IS OUR TIME! Be “better” and ignore those who would steal your dreams. For those people have their reward which is “good.” You however, are “better” and will change the hearts and minds of our generation because you chosen to be “better.”
Today, I am missing Christine who is at work. Great workout with her today and she looks fantastic.
Douglas E. Graham
Six Pack and Senior 