When I began this quest, “To be the best there ever was” (Quote from Robert Redford in The Natural) I had no idea whether accomplishing such a lofty and heady goal was even remotely possible. Now, after 5 years of grueling training, dieting, supplementing, sacrificing very good things so I could be something better, I am poised to go much further. So, the process continues.
I recall when I first circled the date on the calendar of my first contest. I gritted my teeth with determination and drew a very neat circle around the contest date. Once that circle was placed on the calendar, the commitment was made and all things “muscle” suddenly imposed itself on me. With the exception of my wife, nothing else mattered from that day forward until I finished this Competition.
All of this in my life, as it is in yours originates deep in the “heart.” There has to be a “mind- heart” connection in very beginning—with the end in mind. Each of us must decide that our goal is attainable or it least worthy of our pursuit. I would also insert that we/I must develop “self talk” that draws it’s inspiration from our “hearts” which has accepted the challenge of attainment. Our “self talk” has to reinforce our trajectory toward our goals. The “self talk” between our minds, and our “hearts” keeps us focused, driven, and encouraged to keep going when persisting seems to be too great.
The necessity to pull on the “matters of the heart” to propel us forward is paramount because it is in the “heart” where great efforts are conceived, gestate, and are pushed into the world. We have to keep our goals and life aspirations ever present before our minds as we proceed to victory. Do keep muttering to yourself. Keep praying that you will have the energy to continue. If you must, talk out loud so that you hear the words of the actual goal. Get in front of a mirror and restate your objective out loud. Try to use this face time to try to dissuade yourself from actually taking on the effort to win. What you will find is that no matter what you present to your “heart and mind,” you will be more encouraged to proceed toward the trophy. Extract the truth from your own “heart,”-— “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” The mind, heart, and mouth” must agree in order to get going.
I met with my coach twice in the last 5 days. His first comment was, “Bro, you’re awesome and you’re getting bigger.” (I’ve gained nearly 25 lbs. since 22 June 2014). My coach went on to say, “We are going to get you into such good shape for the contest that we are going to: 1.) Kick some ass. 2.) Mop the floor with our competitors. 3.) Get my pro Card. These words and many others uttered by my coach will carry me each day as I train in preparation for the Nationals in July 2015. I will hide them in my heart and draw on them daily when I’m quiet and when I am training.
When your “heart” is broken only bad and sad things find their way into the world around you. When your “heart” is focused on where you are going then all of your energy is used in fighting through obstacles and getting to the pinnacle you have chosen.
My wife Christine is a big fan of changing her life by changing how she thinks. Because of this, I am the beneficiary of goodness that I do not deserve.
We, who are a little older, must use the dreams, hopes, and and desire of our “hearts” to motivate us to win. We have lived lives of great honor and it’s now “OUR TIME” to set the pace for those who come after us. We must show them how to win by our examples. In many cases, it’s our last chance to make a difference.
Thank all of you for being interested enough to follow my quest for a National Bodybuilding Championship. If I win, we all win…..Because what we want we can have!
Missing all of you acutely
Douglas E Graham
Six Pack and Senior 